Writing a proud re-introduction here. I had a 2003 Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.7L 4X4 that we played hard with. In 2012 after many tough miles we had electrical problems, transmission, air bag, etc. all kinds of issues which would of cost us more than book value to fix. Traded in on a 2009 Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.7L 4X4 which in the first week started turning off on the interstate if I turned the wipers or radio on. Not a good start. After two strikes I decided to try something different so I switched to a 2013 (my very first ever NEW car) Subaru Forester 2.5X. Nice car, lots of features, a little rough on the roads, good traction and got us where we need to go but was never totally happy with it. At 90K it had the infamous oil leak recall and Subaru did a complete engine rebuild for free.

So here I am 8 years later. I started getting some funky shuttering at low speed sharp turns. A shop suggested transmission fluid so did a transfusion and seemed to help but had a shutter when accelerating and at other odd times. Almost 100K so time to change. After shopping and juggling and debating and tossing and turning at night, I fell in love with the Grand Cherokee TrailHawk model But used cars are gold these days and getting worse. Checked out a few newer ones (no way I could afford +$58K) and debated on the 3.6L or 5.7L but V8's used are impossible. After smelling smoke, looking at non-leather stained seats, weird driving problems, I scored a super clean immaculate white 2020 Grand Cherokee TrailHawk with less than 20K for a decent price with every option known to man. Jumped on that quick!



Drives like a top and the 3.6L jumps from a stop and honestly, I see no need for a 5.7L with what we do. Okay, okay, would I have liked a 5.7L?.... probably. But getting close to retirement age (not retiring, just close to that age) I don't need to blast down the roads, I don't need to impress anyone with my big engine, and when I pound my chest it makes me cough. I feel no need to prove my manhood. Would have liked it, but don't need it. If I needed horsepower I'd go back and invest in the 1987 Monte Carlo SS I had. I'm more impressed with auto folding mirrors so I can get into our tight garage, a moon roof that opens to the back seat, cooled and heated seats, and still can throw our 'yaks on top, mountain bikes on the back and go blasting down sugar sand trails to our campsite.

Wanted to drop in and say how good it feels to be home. Driving it home today I felt more in tune with my vehicle than I have in almost a decade.

Scott