PiratePrincess

Good evening,

I am looking to purchase a used 2002 GC Laredo 2WD - specs below. I've never owned a Jeep before but just need a reliable car for getting my boys around town, sports games, etc. - but need to keep costs low. My mechanic is going to check it out tomorrow morning, but assuming he doesn't see any issues, is there anything I should be aware of or concerned about with this year/model? (Mileage is about 145k - guy is asking $2900) - any advice would be appreciated!

2002
Make Jeep
Model Grand Cherokee
Anti-lock Brakes 4-Wheel ABS
Steering Type Recirc
Trim Level Special Edition 2WD;Laredo 2WD
Front Brake Type Disc
Body Style SPORT UTILITY 4-DR
Rear Brake Type Disc
Engine Type 4.0L L6 OHV 12V
Tires 225/75R16
Transmission 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive;4A OD
Power Door Locks Std
Driveline RWD
Vehicle Anti-Theft Std

dave1123

Welcome to CF!

Other than normal maintenance items like fluid changes, wheel bearings, and brakes, your major concerns are the transmission and rear axle condition. If the jeep has been cared for, there shouldn't be any problems. Your mechanic should be able to tell you if there is.

Jeeps have a nice solid feel on the road with excellent handling and ride. The 4.0 straight 6 engine is reliable and long lived and has been known to last over 200,000 miles with proper care. The steering has a little looser feeling than rack&pinion, but not unusual.

The only thing I don't care for, and I drive a 2000, is the bumpers are only plastic fascias and don't take contact well. I dented the corner of my rear bumper by just touching a landscaping rock.

denverd1

should be a dependable ride if everything checks out. 4.0 motor is a good one, many more miles left on it.

that year should have a 42re transmission. just make sure it shifts fine once it gets warm. drive it for 15 minutes AT LEAST. trans can act differently once it warms up. make sure you take it out on a hiway and get it up to 70 making sure it shifts smoothly and when it should. if you feel any vibrations that feel like driving on the bumps on the edge of the road, find another ride.

also have your mech take a look at the trans fluid. you don't want any burnt smell AT ALL. Have him drive it too if you can.

Fred/N0AZZ

That year of GC is known as a WJ and were produced from 99-04 and in MHO one of the best model years. I have an 04 4wd Overland edition and have it for over 5 yrs bought it with 201,000 mi. on it a V-8 model.


Other than I first bought it I changed every fluid in it from front to back I have not spent a dime on it. Have driven it a lot and my wife drives it all the time in the winter and she loves it.


If it all checks out for you the $2900 price is reasonable if its clean and drives well.


Good luck and Welcome to the Forum!