Hello all. I have been lurking on this forum for the past few months. I am in the process of selling a car and am looking to buy a new 4wd capable vehicle. I have narrowed my options down to 2:
1) a slightly used Cherokee trailhawk (with the v6). I have been able to find ones with ~8-15k for about $29k, which I think is a fair deal given the starting MSRP's.

or

2) Buy a moderately used Grand Cherokee (Wk2) with the Hemi V8. Looking at 2011-2013 series cars and have been able to find some going for $21k-$22k with about 55k miles.

I realize these are completely different vehicles in terms of weight, driving dynamics, capabilities, ect. The only reason I am cross-shopping the 2 is because of price. Though the GC Hemi will cost more to refill at the pump, the initial lower buy price is very good. I figure I would spend about $600 more a year on gas for the GC Hemi versus the V6 Trailhawk. So realistically, it would take me more than 10 years of driving the Trailhawk for its gas savings to make up for its higher buy price. At that point, why worry about gas savings? I doubt would keep either car for 10 years anyway.

The only unknown for me is cost of maintenance for the GC Hemi. Besides having a lot more mileage, I know the Hemi itself does require more maintenance. Does anyone have any feedback on how much a 55k mile GC Hemi will cost to maintain over the next 5-7 years? Is there anything else I am missing in terms of cost factors for both cars?

Thanks, and hope to provide you all an update soon on which route I go.

 

I should have done a better job explaining my questions that pertain to the trailhawk specifically. I calculated the $600 annual difference in fuel costs between the Hemi GC and the V6 trailhawk based on the assumption that the GC gets about 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway (about 16 mixed).

I figured that the trailhawk is rated at 18 city, 25 highway and so would get about 21 mpg mixed. Is that a valid assumption or did i shortchange the trailhawk's fuel efficiency?

 

4 banger on city and back roads 22 mpg average.. highway.. 26-29 daily average..
and you wont miss the power.. it is quick.. i cant speak for the v6 model trailhawk.. but its about the same.. comes down to the gear ratios.. i love the 9 speed..

 

Why not just get a patriot? More back seat room than the cherokee. And you can pick up a fully loaded one for around 25k for a 2014 model give or take a few thousand on location. My girlfriend bought one with the 2.0 and gets about 30 highway and 25 around town.

 

I've got the V6 and am seeing about 19-20+ mpg in the city, and about 24-25 on the highway. I'd say based on your respective driving differences (if any), your calculations are right on the money.

 

SPoRts Mode is a whole different ball game... these lil jokers are quick..

 

Get an older xj if you are looking for a more capable off road vehicle

 

pffft, trailhawk is mean off road... as is.. if ya wanna mod something sure go older..

 

Heres my trailhawk

 

XJ forum is next door

 

Sexy xj. Love the way those wheels look black

 

That's one nice looking XJ!

 

grand cherokee SRT for the win