We are planning to buy a new SUV and are strongly considering a Cherokee. It'll be for my wife's use primarily. I have never owned a jeep before and looking for some guidance. Planning to test drive one soon. Budget 25-30 K .
Would like to get a comfortable ride. Don't need power/ performance, but prefer the high end / luxury bits as much as budget permits. I would prefer leather since I have a toddler and it's difficult to keep cloth interior clean. Also wife would need some parking sensors / rear camera etc. Also what are the features that you recommend the highest and would not want a jeep without? What models / trim you guys recommend?
Anything to watch out for while going for test drive? Thanks.

 

I would get a trail hawk

 

I would wait on the new Cherokee its a brand new model and the first year or two of those always have problems after a while.

 

I would personally get like a used q5 or something like that. Itll fit your needs much better, ride better, way more luxury, and they do have *****. As much as I love Jeep, I think something along the luxury crossover line would make you and your wife a bit happier

 

The Trail hawk is meant for true off roading / hauling I presume. May not need that.
I have thought about the Q5 but it tends to get too pricey and maintenance isn't cheap either. A used one might be worse in that respect, however I will surely have a look around ( I'm beginning to get the feeling that Jeep is not the right vehicle at present). Thanks for all your opinions. Much appreciated.

 

Have you considered the jeep patriot? A trailhawk will be out of that budget range. You can get a nicely optioned patriot with that budget.

 

Patriot is nice, but the only Jeep my wife would consider is the new Cherokee.
My be it's the feminine looks of Cherokee ...... Oh boy .... these girls....

 

Well if you get a nicely optioned patriot you are at 25k instead of a 33k ish cherokee. Maybe bribe her with household crap? Lol

 

Grand Cherokees are sharp

 

Why don't you look around for a used Dodge Caravan? The newer ones have the back up cameras, lots of room for kids and all the associated gear. If you aren't planning on doing any 4x4ing I would get a van. I know from experience I had one and it was great when you have wee ones.

 

The way I look at it if you find a 3 to 5 year old, one owner audi it probably just ended its warranty, and people that buy brand new audis tend to return them to audi for the maintenance. I think you need to start being careful after the second owner as they dont always take them to the dealership. The new explorers are nice, get the twin turbo v6 ecoboost

 

A guy at my work was talking about wanting a minivan, I damn near made him hand over the man card

 

No a minivan means you are able to reproduce at a rapid rate, you need it to haul all the offspring around.

 

Yup id be happy to be seen in this plus back in the day this was a option. Early 90 Chrysler van were turbo some even 5speed. Just the same as the econoline van and some of the chevy express came in 4wd and diesel and can still today get one. Nothin like a big *** van beating cars half its size.