2018 Cherokee purchase
 

Congrats on your new purchase. I have had mine since last November and am enjoying it. The vehicle is much more refined than I anticipated. Only have 7500 miles on it so far but nothing has gone astray. I installed the K/N filter and you do have more low end acceleration and a bit more of a growl when you punch it.

I"ve got 2. Had a 2014 ADII Limited since Nov 2013 with 85000kms on it and a 2016 Trailhawk since March 2016 with 33000kms on it.

Liked the first one so much I bought a second one. A few small issues along the way but nothing warranty didn't fix up you will enjoy your vehicle

I'm looking at Latitude Plus or Tech Connect right now. I like everything about it, but I'm a little worried about the trail rating.

I live in a little Colorado mountain town. All dirt roads, some 2 tracks, snow, mud is a regular deal. I don't do serious offroading, but I would like the option to take some of the scenic routes, if invited on a trip.

The Lat doesn't have 4 low, which I only use twice a year, but it's nice to have when needed.

I guess my question is: "Is trail rated really that big of a deal?" An inch more clearance, 4 low, and slightly bigger tires? Is that it?

I'm also thinking that the toll that the daily dirt road commutes put on the suspension might be negated by the rating. After a few years of dirt roads, all cars start rattling. Would trailhawk rattle less?

4_low isn't required if you aren't doing anything in terms of steep hills or anything with some crazy approach angles, that said what is the price difference to get a Trailhawk as that is only the trail rated model.

The ADII 2014 I have has the same drivetrain (without the locker) as my TH, its got the " high clearance but no skid plates and more street oriented bumpers. Again the 4-low comes in handy in more challenging terrain. You can add ADII to any model.

You can also add skid plates to the non trail rated version.
You just have to ask yourself how much extra you are wanting to spend up front instead of after adding what you want.

Rattle wise both my vehicles are still nice and tight without any rattles, the model you buy is going to have zero difference in if it rattles or not.

Without haggling. Website lists Latitude Plus at 24k and TH at 35.

11K for trail rating. Seems like a lot of money for something I might use once or twice. Then again, maybe I will love off road so much, Ill use it regularly, but I doubt it. I just want to get to the trout lakes, I don't enjoy the boulders in the way.

I'm looking at 2018 models. I don't think the trannys are the same. TH has 4 low and Latitude has a bunch of snow, wet settings, but no 4 low.

Trainsmissions are identical among all the models, its the All Wheel Drive (4WD systems) that are difference.

That seems like a HUGE cost difference and it shouldn't be that much.

The first AWD system is "Active Drive 1" Its an AWD system and will have a dial that says "selec terrain" on it. It will have Auto, Snow Sport & Sand/Mud Its a single speed AWD system much like many of the others on the market

The Second is "Active Drive 2" It has the same settings as Active Drive 1, however it has a 4-low function which functions just like a part time 4x4 system's 4-low. It works just like Active 1 does but allow you an actual low range gear (which other AWD systems don't have) The dial on this model has a "4x4 low & Hill decent" button on it

The 3rd is Active Drive Lock, which is identical to Active Drive 2 but has an electronic rear locker, this is the only system available on the trailhawk only.

Active Drive 1 with some decent offroad tires and maybe adding the skid plates would probably work for your uses. If you could find an active drive 2 vehicle that would be a bonus

On the site, it says 4WD in numerous places, but I only see the selec terrain dial. Am I allowed to post this? 1C4PJMCX4JD609193

I think this must be AWD, not 4WD.

Just got off the phone with the dealer. It's ADI, so it's AWD for all intents and purposes. Which, for me, is still probably fine. Aside from a muddy 2 tracks, I'm not going off roading.

Good news, I hope. I'm a Jeep owner now.

I got the Lat Plus, with AD II. Cold weather and towing packages. Diamond Black on black. They are delivering it to me today, I live 2 hours away from the dealership. They should have just knocked off a couple hundred instead of paying someone to drive all day.

Now what do I do? I see the KN air filter is a common aftermarket upgrade? That wouldn't affect the warranty? Or does it? I'm not going to void my warranty the first week.
Any other suggestions for beefing it up a little?

I'm brand new for the forum. I'd like to start a thread, but I don't see where I can start, only reply to others. Is there a time limit or number of posts before I am allowed to create a new question?

Thanks

Theres not that much (11k) difference...
 

Theres not that much difference (11K) between base Latitude and base Trailhawk each with V6. Last week at the dealer getting an oil change on my Trailhawk, I browsed the new Jeeps. Saw a few 2018 Trailhawks loaded w/V6, Nav, leather etc., discounted at $28-30K. Also saw many latitudes at almost the same. It comes down to the packages included. My 2016 Trailhawk which I bought in 2015 cost me about 30K. Totally Loaded but for sunroof. 99% of people will never need half the 4x4 capabilities unless you go out of your way and in that case its your decision, not a feature you need everyday. Front wheel drive works exceptionally well so not a deal breaker for many people. Likewise the 4cly is very adequate as a city suburban car as these Jeeps are not supposed to be race cars. I'm a wildlife photographer and I'm on isolated wilderness roads often, sometimes towing a small camper and do need the V6 and 4x4, otherwise I could have been very satisfied with a 4cyl 2WD.
It comes down to what you want not what you need for most people. I know this very well because I sold trucks a while back and often was amazed at what people bought simply to make a statement.

I ended up getting the Lat Plus. 3.2 V6 Cold weather, towing pack, seats are partially leather, the only thing missing is the sunroof. Navigation 8.4. It doesnt have the 9 speakers, I don't think it does. Paid another 1000 for 6yr/60k bumper to bumper, 6/100k on the power train.
Paid 23k, which was 1000 off, after all the rebates and all that, it paid for the extra warranty.

I kind of feel like if I had walked out on the haggling, I could have got another 1000 off, at least 500, but I was worn down.

Was supposed to be here yesterday, but the plan is today at noon.

You're right, the TH wasn't that much more, but it was another 5K or so.

Good luck with your new Jeep
 

At about 34k miles my Trailhawk has been flawless. I hope yours will be the same. I've owned over 2o new cars and several used and this Jeep has been amazingly dependable and probably the best overall vehicle I've ever owned and I've had a few of each. Sports cars, 4x4's etc.
Good luck!

Here is what I got, with the ADII and offroad suspension. Still not a TH, but getting closer. Now the plan is to get some meatier tires to toughen it up a little. Really debating whether I can add the Aussie lift without screwing up any warranty. I paid an extra grand for 6yr/60k bumper to bumper and it's got 6yr/100k on powertrain. Putting 300 bucks worth of spacers on there could really screw me up, if the dealer wants to be a jerk.

What tires do you think I can realistically put on this baby without rubbing?

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