Z3r0x7

Hello,

I'm looking at a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD v8 4.7l for $6,995
I have not looked at it yet but, I am wondering what everyone thinks about this SUV? What are the things I should look out for? Any common issues?

I have also heard that it's common for these engines to have condensation under the oil cap that can look like a blown head gasket? If so, how can I tell if it's a blown vs condensation?

Thanks for the help

rgr4475

I am in the market as well and have researched extensively. From what I've read the 05's seem to be hit or miss. The 4.7's seem to really require proper maintenance so maintenance history from the previous owner is very important. If you can't get that, I wouldn't gamble.

The 05's were the first year of the redesign so I read about electrical problems and other kinks. I just started a thread about an 05 I was going to look at and there was a response from someone who had problems. If you didn't already Google 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability and read some of the posts and decide. If you aren't good with a wrench and don't work on your own cars, I would pass.

You didn't mention miles but $7000 seems pretty high.

rgr4475

Oh and for the condensation, if the dipstick is milky then that's not a good sign. My XJ gets the condensation under the cap but the dipstick is good. Best way obviously is to drop the oil but I realize that is not practical.

Z3r0x7

Thanks for the tip, did you see a better year or model you're looking at now?
I don't mind working on cars This jeep is from a dealership and has 130k miles. I was going to try and get them down

rgr4475

Again, this is just from reading tons of forum posts, not personal experience but seems the 08+ were decent and the 02-04's. But they all of had reported problems. The 4.7 HO (avail on the 02-04's seemed to be built a little better than the regular 4.7. The 4.0 as you know is very popular. Some suggested going with the Hemi over the 4.7 but again, some of those had problems too. Transfer case problems seem to be common with the AWD options if not maintained properly or if the wrong fluid was used during a change. Can't say it enough, previous maintenance.

And personally, I wouldn't pay $7k for it but that's me.

I've been looking for a while now, without tons of luck. I am pretty specific with what I am looking for though. Craigslist has been very frustrating but I have done well on there before so I am hoping something decent comes along. It's amazing how many people don't respond to me. And I'm talking new ads. It's like why post your jeep for sale if you're not going to answer?

Z3r0x7

hahah, yeah I feel ya. People way overvalue their car on craigslist, it sucks...

rgr4475

I've done well in the past. Bought a great XJ from there about 5 years ago for a great price. But not much luck this time around. It's not so much that I am finding them overpriced, but not returning calls, misleading ads etc...

dave1123

Having sold 3 cars on Craigslist myself, I can understand the lack of callbacks. Most people work so they aren't home to receive the calls, then don't want to be bothered returning them when they get home. I answered every call and was honest about condition and history each time, they were bought by the first person to actually come look at them each time. I priced them low and only did a modest cleaning job on each, told them why they were up for sale, and was honest about any questions. My 97 ZJ was listed as a parts car because of a rusted frame and the kid still bought it because of the rebuilt transmission and tires.

Even though I took the add down the day they were sold, I continued to receive calls and telling people they had already been sold. If you really want to sell it, you have to make the effort to return the calls. OH!!...and you have to make sure it starts easily when they DO look at it!

94zj318

I'd look for one with the HEMI... 4.7 is more of a gas guzzler in my experience of owning one in the past (the HEMI has the Multi Displacement System (MDS), so it shuts off half the cylinders while at highway speeds to save on fuel economy, the 4.7 does NOT have that)... the Limited *MAY* have more comfortable seats than the Laredo with the "X" Package, but I haven't had a lot of experience with the 2005-07 Limiteds (my old Laredo "X", which was a 2005, had the most uncomfortable leather seats).

steamer1227

I cant't speak much on the Cherokee models, but my wife has a 2006 Commander with the 4.7L. We bought it with 135,000 and had just passed 205,000 and still going strong. I do all the work on it myself. This commander was riddled with a very bad electrical gremlin from the moment we bought it that was very intermintent, but I have sinced hunted it down while it was finally "acting up" and fixed it.

As far as the motor, we personally have stayed on top of it since we bought it and have no clue how the previous owners took care of it. It still runs strong and is driven daily. Gas mileage has been around the 17-18mpg. So I love this motor, but still would have preferred the 5.7 Hemi personally.

Utahmike

Simple answer. Do it. I love the grand cherokee. It's powerful,reliable, affordable, comfy as hell. Really no down side.

RRXJeeper71

any updates from OP?

Z3r0x7

I ended up picking up a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Liking it so far

RRXJeeper71

very cool!
pics???