Soon to be new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland owner

[jpilk99]

I'm looking at an 02' GC Overland with 156k miles for $5000. Runs and drives mint. Anything in specific I should look for? I can't afford any more money and this vehicle is clean underneath, no real rust. Had the A/C Heater issue resolved... Any thoughts?? Thanks.

Jay

[Scottina06]

which engine/tranny?

[jpilk99]

The only engine I thought that came with these Overlands; the HO 4.7. Not sure on tranny; 5 spd auto.

[Scottina06]

545rfe...ok. That engine/tranny is a great combo. Just ask for maint. records...like oil changes and drivetrain servicing(ie. tranny fluid/filter, front/rear axle servicing etc) Check the heat/ac...make sure both work and air blows from all vents depending on whats selected. Do the "key dance" to check for any codes and see if any old codes pull up. To do that....turn the key on three times and the last time....leave the key on...any codes will be displayed in the evic. Or take to an auto parts store like advanced auto and have them pull any codes.
I would then do a visual check of the entire jeep.

You can also pay for an inspection service.....

[jpilk99]

Thank YOU! The owner had the actuator door issue with HVAC and the dealer repaired it. For a $5k rig that's brand new inside, runs mint, ...I think I'm gonna be a new owner.

[jpilk99]

What's "545rfe"?

[Scottina06]

thats the tranny type. Its still used in the 05-10 WK's and the new 2011 wk2's as well.....so its a good thing!

[jpilk99]

Thanks again! Love your picture - that little guy's a riot.

[xmonger]

The Overland drive-train is fairly stout. However, with those number of miles I'd want a verifiable service history. The 4.7s have a spec'd service life of 150k so it's a bit of a gamble. I'd rather get a 4.7HO with 100k or less on the odo and service records. It would be worth it to wait and see what else you can find, imho.

[jpilk99]

Well, I went and bought it. It runs mint ...now. What should I do to make sure she stays in this condition? No leaks, nice and dry underneath. Smooth shifting through all gears. Very strong, quick.

Should I compression test it? What should I look for or what's the tell-tale issue on these? Other than the driver's seat not heatin' up ...I friggin' love this rig!

Thanks.

[cheapjeep]

Other than the driver's seat not heatin' up ...I friggin' love this rig! Run your VIN by a dealer.Those seat heaters might be covered by a recall if the original owner never took it in.

[nwb300]

Whats the actuator door issue with HVAC? Is this a common problem?

[jpilk99]

I don't know how common the problem is - the 'vent doors' in behind the dash that control the direction of air flow within the interior compartment (feet, vents, defrost...) - that something breaks; the ability to change the direction of where air flows. Check out this link: http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7811_102-257092-1.html?tag=rb_content;forums06

[Frango100]

The 99-04 GC are indeed "famous" for their blend door problems. Most of the time some plastic part of the door actuation breaks of and the door doesn´t move anymore.
You could first try to errase the codes and see if they come back. To errase them, you have to be in the fault code mode of operation. Then press the "AC" or "RECIRC" button for 3 sec. and the faults will be cleared, unless the fault is still present.
The problem with the blend doors is that for the passenger side door, the whole dash has to be removed to get access to it, making it a quite expensive repair. The drivers side blend door can be accessed by removing the glove box.

[xmonger]

Well, I went and bought it. It runs mint ...now. What should I do to make sure she stays in this condition? No leaks, nice and dry underneath. Smooth shifting through all gears. Very strong, quick.

Should I compression test it? What should I look for or what's the tell-tale issue on these? Other than the driver's seat not heatin' up ...I friggin' love this rig!

Thanks.

Congrats on getting it. :thumbsup:

1. post pics

2. change every single fluid, air filter and plugs