Are you planning to buy a 2011 GC? What other models are you considering, if any?

[frostyy]

Hey all,

Just wondering how many of you are planning to buy the new 2011 GC model?

And, if so, are you considering any other vehicles besides the 2011 GC?

Personally, I am planning on on a new purchase for Summer 2010....

I am considering the following vehicles seriously:

2011 GC Overland and I have also been looking at the 2010 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec diesel and comparing the two.

The VW Toureg diesel just seemed a little too ugly to me. The offerings from Honda and Toyota don't really interest me or any other dealer (GM, Audi, Chev, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Audi etc).

In my local area, there is a local Mercedes dealer but no Lexus or BMW dealer thus, although I might have also considered a Lexus (RX 350 or 450h) or BMW X5, the fact that there is no local dealer does deter me from seriously considering these vehicles. The closest dealer for both is about 3-4 hours away.

[Scottina06]

I will be seriously looking at the 2011 with the hemi...not sure on what model becasue of the suspension variations. I like the overland...but hate wood on the interior. So if its something that can be removed, painted or is an option...I may go that way. It also depends on the suspension...ie. quadra-lift. If the QL can be modified(ie. lowered) I may go that direction.

[jhawk]

I am holding out and praying for a 2012 GC SRT8. Maybe even till 2013 if I have to. If they don't make it. I will keep my 06 Limited. Then look for a Vette or an Audi S5.

[DJ BoNiOmArIo]

I would like to stick with a GC maybe in 2012 after they work out some of the kinks of the new wk2 a hemi would be my first choice and if they release the srt8 "oh yeah baby!" ...

if not then Audi A6 or Nissan 370Z

[Matt]

It'd be tough for me to get into a first model year vehicle. If I am consider a WK2 it's definitely going to be a 2012 or later. And that's right around the time when I'll be in the market for a new vehicle (assuming this one doesn't have anything happen to it).

For me, I need to decide what platform vehicle I want; SUV or car.

No need for 4x4 in Florida, but I like having all the space that an SUV offers. I also miss driving a sports car, so that's weighing heavily.

I think ideally for me I'd like to keep the Jeep as a daily driver and have a second car; sports car. I"d have to make sure I can support the extra insurance payment though.

[White WK Swagga]

I would like an SRT or Hemi WK2, but I too love the Audi S5 and I'll prob go with that If I keep this jeep I have now.

[Scottina06]

I have driven the S5....not that exciting...but a nice ride

[White WK Swagga]

I love the style. But that car is tricky cause IMO it doesn't look good in all colors like jeeps.

[Frankie]

Ill go check it out, but I doubt Ill will get it!

[KBB514]

IVE went to sema with a family member who is in the car business and got a real good look at the 2011 jeep it's a sweet ride little more room it the back seat which is a big sore in my jeep but everyone who visits this forum should like this new edition to the wk family

[White WK Swagga]

Ill go check it out, but I doubt Ill will get it!

Cheap @ss. :slapfight: Spend that paper dough Frankie!!! :thumbsup: :lol:

[Matt]

The new interior is certainly appealing. Our WK interiors are absolutely awful in my opinion; although it is a Jeep, not a Mercedes.

[Megatron]

I hope to trade my 07 in. I like the new WK2. That is all.

[Tim@NCTSLLC]

Nope, when the lease is up on my 08 GC I really want to get an 08 Commander which is what I wanted when I got the GC. Or I might buy the GC out.

Have not decided yet, but will not be new, too much depreciation any more.

[Bucky]

I am considering purchasing a new WK2 in 2011 or 2012 and am interested in the Overland model.

I see comments above referring to the 2011 GC Overland, but I thought the Overland wasn't being released until the second model year in 2012?

[frostyy]

I am considering purchasing a new WK2 in 2011 or 2012 and am interested in the Overland model.

I see comments above referring to the 2011 GC Overland, but I thought the Overland wasn't being released until the second model year in 2012?


According to the info on this site, there will be an Overland model in 2011 but not an SRT model in 2011....

[frostyy]

Nope, when the lease is up on my 08 GC I really want to get an 08 Commander which is what I wanted when I got the GC. Or I might buy the GC out.

Have not decided yet, but will not be new, too much depreciation any more.


I hear ya there.....I don't want to even know how much money I have lost due to depreciation by buying new vehicles instead of one that is a year or two old....

Did you need that 3rd row seat in the Commander or was it the squarer look of the Commander that you wanted?

[frostyy]

The new interior is certainly appealing. Our WK interiors are absolutely awful in my opinion; although it is a Jeep, not a Mercedes.

Yes, a lot of plastic....From what I have read, that was partly due to Daimler who cheapened the interiors of most models when they took over Chrysler...Now, I understand they are trying to improve the interiors of most models because so many have complained....

[frostyy]

I will be seriously looking at the 2011 with the hemi...not sure on what model becasue of the suspension variations. I like the overland...but hate wood on the interior. So if its something that can be removed, painted or is an option...I may go that way. It also depends on the suspension...ie. quadra-lift. If the QL can be modified(ie. lowered) I may go that direction.

I am the opposite....I really liked the look of the real wood interior of the Overland and the wood on the steering wheel I thought really looked good and it reminded me of older cars that always had a wood steering wheel...

I know the 'S' Limited version in 2010 has metal inserts instead of the wood trim on the Limited that I have....not sure if the U.S. has the 'S' Limited version though.....I seen one at my local dealer a few weeks ago...

[frostyy]

I would like to stick with a GC maybe in 2012 after they work out some of the kinks of the new wk2 a hemi would be my first choice and if they release the srt8 "oh yeah baby!" ...

if not then Audi A6 or Nissan 370Z

Seems a lot of people want the Hemi or the SRT version....I was actually thinking of going with the new 6 cylinder engine in 2011....

Not really sure I need the Hemi......

[Bucky]

According to the info on this site, there will be an Overland model in 2011 but not an SRT model in 2011....

You're right. I thought I read a while back somewhere here or on wk2jeeps.com that the Overland would not be coming until 2012, but I am glad to see that it will be available right away!

[Matt]

Yes, a lot of plastic....From what I have read, that was partly due to Daimler who cheapened the interiors of most models when they took over Chrysler...Now, I understand they are trying to improve the interiors of most models because so many have complained....

I just feel sorry for the SRT guys... 45k for a vehicle with that interior. Sucks.

A $30k BMW (or pretty much any German car) has a far better interior.

[JETLIFE]

I would love a first year model WK2. I want a Quadra lift diesel Laredo if that's an option? If not I want a 2009 diesel with a superlift! lol

[Knightrider03m]

Ford Flex with the turbo V6
Lincoln MKX with the turbo V6
Ford F-150 or 350

[Motteler621]

Not the confirmed design by chrysler but this design has been going around for 2012 srt8. Here is the site it came from and is on alot of other car sites. http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1032861_chrysler-previews-2012-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt8

What do you guys think? Hopefully they change the design a little before they release it. Right now it looks too long and the top chopped down.
http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/2012-jeep-grand-cherokee-srt8-preview-sketch_100199307_m.jpg

[DJ BoNiOmArIo]

500 hp on the 2012 srt8 holy chit!!!

[Motteler621]

it has too much of a ford flex look to it right now. btw have you seen the new 2011 ford explorers, sooo ugly. Im more into the truck look of suvs, they are trying to make them look like cars too much nowadays. heres a pic

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/img_3540.JPG

[White WK Swagga]

Thats got to be a comcept car.

[Motteler621]

well its all over that chrysler realeased this teaser sketch of the 2012 srt8 jeep grand cherokee. im just hoping they change it a little.

[Scottina06]

^^^^Milous says it wasnt from ChryCo

[Motteler621]

what do you think of this one scott.

http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu14/LATENATE78/SRT01.jpg

[tman4024]

I'll look, but I'm sticking with my 08 for a couple more years.

[ChrisWk]

If they make a SRT model.

[heather313]

My lease is up towards the end of summer

2011 JGC ltd
2010 Mustang GT Conv.
2008-09 JGC SRT8

[TatterTot]

Yes, but not exactly sure which one as of yet. Will probably buy it sometime around next Christmas.

[mikskillz]

i am looking to get the 2012 GC for the wife --> trading in her 08 Lib.

I'd like the overland for her if i can swing it. Motor's not really a big deal but i'd like to see her in the HEMI.

I think Scott mentioned the wood grain -- i too hate the wood grain so id be looking for some way to change that as well.

i saw it at the NY Auto show and it was in this crazy aluminum color that was AWESOME. But of course there are no plans to offer it in that color - or at least thats what the hot chick standing on turn table said

[Scottina06]

LOL>>>>>you coulkd have dreamed that while staring at her bosums!

[Matt]

LOL>>>>>you coulkd have dreamed that while staring at her bosums!

Excellent point, haha!

[frostyy]

Still shopping around as per my first post...

The SUV market is definitely downsizing and like it or not---fuel efficiency is important to new buyers and a lot of new crossovers are appearing (Toyota, Honda etc)....I think Chrysler should bring back the Pacifica---I owned a 2005 and it was a great car and I got a lot of compliments on its' looks as well....the Dodge Journey is pretty stripped down and doesn't appeal to those looking for an upscale product....

or perhaps drop the Patriot and Compass and make a 'Cherokee'--compact version of the GC with an 'Overland' model to compete with other upscale compacts like the BMWX3 and GLK350 Mercedes....

...looked at newer smaller SUV's that have just come on the market (i.e., Mercedes GLK 350 and the VW Tiguan) but the cargo space is pretty small (54.7 cuft and 56.1 cu ft respectively) compared to the 2011 Jeep= 68.3cuft

I hated my Jeep Patriot because of its small cargo area (among other things) and it had 62.7cu ft of space so I know I won't like the smaller SUVs....

I would like something a little more fuel efficient than my current Hemi.....If I do buy the 2011 Jeep Overland, it will be the new V6 and not the Hemi version....

I have essentially narrowed my search down to 3 vehicles--one of which I will buy this Spring or Summer.....

1. 2011 Jeep Overland V6 gas, 5 sp, 20" wheels--expected gas mileage in Canadian gallons--22city/31 or 32hwy--based on it being about the same as the current Honda Pilot

2. 2010 or 2011 Mercedes ML 350, 3.0L V6 Diesel, 7sp, 19" wheels--gas mileage (Canadian gal)=25city/35 hwy

3. New Model 2011 (available in later 2010), VW Touareg, V6 3.0L, diesel, 18" wheels (20" option), gas mileage (Canadian gal)= 24city/35 hwy

Others I looked at and don't like the appearance of (either exterior or interior)---Honda Pilot/CRV, Toyota Highlander/4runner, Audi Q5/Q7, Ford Edge/Escape, GM Equinox/Terrain....and well, I just don't even look at Nissan, Hyundai, Kia....and no local BMW or Lexus or Acura dealer for service so no deal there....

...others such as the new Cadillac wagon/crossovers (SRX?) and new Lincoln MKX crossover are not bad looking but not really interested in buying those for other reasons.....

[White WK Swagga]

My dad has an 09 MKX. Not really impressed. I like my moms 09 murano a lot better.

[bradc28]

I looked at the new Cadillac SRX, but I don't think I could live with that underpowered motor.

[White WK Swagga]

The only thing I like about the MKX is the adaptive headlights, projector fogs and air conditioned seats.

[jhawk]

My lease is up towards the end of summer

2011 JGC ltd
2010 Mustang GT Conv.
2008-09 JGC SRT8


If you want a Stang, maybe you should wait till the 2011 comes out. 5.0 is back at 400HP.

[GCL06]

I love the style. But that car is tricky cause IMO it doesn't look good in all colors like jeeps.

Black sure looks nice!
http://www.senner-tuning.de/referenz_img/DSC00163_2.jpg

[LTrainGC]

I guess I might buy one when the time comes.... it'd definitely be an Overland with the Hemi and the off-road package.

I'm pretty sure my next vehicle is either going to be a Cummins Ram or an E55 AMG.

[Robert Palmer]

LOL>>>>>you coulkd have dreamed that while staring at her bosums!

She had a better ass. Nice looking blonde.

[AcidCold]

I think it will take me a wile before i really get into liking this WK, might have to see one in person in black on black.

[Lingohocken]

We have a 1994 GC Limited, which has been garaged and maintained like a Swiss watch, has 153k miles and no accidents or dings. It is more like a favorite horse than a vehicle; given a choice between me and the Jeep, my wife might go either way. :D

Thing is, our other car is a restored 1974 Benz. It's in essentially new condition following a massive restoration in the mid-1990s, but try to get parts if perchance there is a problem while we're driving out to the likes of rural Kansas to visit my wife's relatives. And getting certain parts right away for a 1994 GC isn't any walk in the park, either. So we really need something newer for these long-haul trips.

I've been pushing for a new Buick Enclave, but my wife considers this to be a dismal substitute for our 1994 iron horse. So, we have our eyes out and tongues drooling for the 2011 GC. But I have no idea whether at over 6'3" and a preference for sitting fairly erect while driving whether I will fit into this rig. Too, Fiat doesn't exactly inspire confidence, especially with a CEO who seems to treat the North American market as though it were a suburb of Milan. Finally, until their roadblock with Daimler Benz is resolved, the 2011 GC is vaporware, and after that it remains to be seen whether QA will be reasonable.

But if all the "ifs" are overcome, the 2011 GC looks custom made for us. So we're hanging in there with our elder vehicles and hoping for the best.

[Scottina06]

Im 6'6" and I have no problem in the WK. The 2011 reportedly has a roomier interior...so i would say youll be golden

[Lingohocken]

Im 6'6" and I have no problem in the WK. The 2011 reportedly has a roomier interior...so i would say youll be golden

Wow, thanks -- this is most helpful. You gotta change that avatar!:D

[Scottina06]

lol....kinda the exact opposite of yours huh????? LOL

[Lingohocken]

My wife collects pig statuettes and such, so that makes for a peaceable avatar. If I used your avatar and she figured I was collecting these, I'd need a hearse not a Jeep. :lol:

Back on-topic, from what I've read here and there it appears that the lawsuit with Daimler about providing needed GC parts is far from over, and in fact may be getting nastier. With that in mind, it seems as if intro (aside from the Tech group option) would be anywhere from this autumn to spring 2011. And if the lawsuit isn't favorably resolved there might be no 2011 GC whatsoever.

Any credible feedback on this?

[Scottina06]

nothing right now----maybe milous will have some info

[Mario175]

I think those issues were resolve The issues were becuase of axles and chrysler now got a new supplier which is no longer Daimler now it is ZF Making them in Ohio. All they need to do know is get rid of that tranny for next year

[Marlin]

Hey if ZF is making the axles/diffs for it hopefully they can do a deal and slot in the 6 speed ZF gearbox too! :)

[Scottina06]

there will be a 8 speed gearbox in 2013---or thats the rumor. MILOUS?????

[rcf8000]

I like what I see in the 2011 JGC. I think it will be more fun to drive than my RX350 if the on-road handling has been improved over the current model. A Limited with the hemi and RWD is what I'd want. No need for AWD here in Southern AZ. Anybody have any idea as to what the 0-60 time would be with this setup? (Hopefully it's under 7 seconds.)

This is my first post in JG. Nice site.

[Scottina06]

I would think it would be under 7 seconds pretty easily

[frostyy]

Well, I bought a 2010 mercedes ML 350 diesel Bluetec (same 3.0L V6 engine as my 2008 GC except the cleaner Bluetec version) ....didn't want another Hemi (traded in my Hemi) and not really keen on the new V6 for 2011 with the 5 sp tranny.....Hope Jeep GC comes out with a diesel for Canada in the future.... in the meantime....well....happy with my decision.....

[TheBackRoads]

Thinking about a 2012-2013 if Jeep is still around. Id like to get a SRT or a CRD. As far as mods, usual, tint, rims, LED bulbs, etc..

[JBaumgart]

Hi, new member and first time poster here. I like the looks of the 2011 but I have two concerns:

1. Is it true that the towing capacity with the V6 is limited to just 3,500 lbs? I'd prefer the V6 for fuel economy reasons, but I need towing for a good sized fishing rig.

2. What's up with the 5 speed transmission? How many rpm's on the tach at 75 mph?

Other vehicles that I'm considering for a late 2010 purchase are the MDX and the ML Bluetec.

[Scottina06]

thats what all the info we have says. But guys here with 3.7's and guys with the SRt's tow more than that.

its hard to say about the rpms becasue the 3.6 is a brand new engine that no one but the Jeep engineers have driven. maybe Milous will chime in with better info.

[Milous]

1. Is it true that the towing capacity with the V6 is limited to just 3,500 lbs?
3500 is the spec'd capacity for all models with the new V6.


2. What's up with the 5 speed transmission? How many rpm's on the tach at 75 mph?
A 6-sp (or 8-sp) tranny is rumored for the 2012 model year. No idea on the rpm's.

[JBaumgart]

Thanks for the responses. Too bad there is such a huge gap for towing between the V6 and Hemi. For example, the MDX is a V6 and is rated at 5,000 lbs, and the Pilot with less HP is at 4,500 lbs. It just seems a little odd that the Jeep is just 3,500. The huge gap between the V6 and the Hemi is a little hard to understand, maybe there are other differences besides the engine.

Again I really like the Jeep's other features, the size is about perfect and the overall look is great. On every other vehicle I've ever owned, I've always gone for the most HP available, and it looks like with the 2011 Jeep this will be my best (and only?) option as well. 4,500 lbs. towing would be adequate but 3,500 is just borderline.

As far as the transmission goes, I can live with a 5 speed as long as it comfortably and quietly cruises at 70-75 mph.

[Bucky]

Anyone have pics of the new WK2 from the Chicago Auto Show?

[Matt]

Anyone have pics of the new WK2 from the Chicago Auto Show?

There are vids on YouTube.

[Bucky]

There are vids on YouTube.

I've seen all the vids on YouTube, I am looking for new pics/vids specifically from the Chicago Auto Show that just opened today and was slated to be the next appearance of the WK2. I was hoping to see different colors, angles, wheels, etc. that aren't already on the web.

BTW, I did look on YouTube specifically for vids on the WK2 at the Chicago Auto Show, and I couldn't find any.

[Scottina06]

hopefully we have some members that will attend this weekend and take pics

[Bucky]

hopefully we have some members that will attend this weekend and take pics

I sure hope so. I would have thought that by now there'd be some pics up on some of the car sites, but nothing yet.

[Scottina06]

might be bad weather in Chicago?

[LTrainGC]

Thanks for the responses. Too bad there is such a huge gap for towing between the V6 and Hemi. For example, the MDX is a V6 and is rated at 5,000 lbs, and the Pilot with less HP is at 4,500 lbs. It just seems a little odd that the Jeep is just 3,500. The huge gap between the V6 and the Hemi is a little hard to understand, maybe there are other differences besides the engine.

Again I really like the Jeep's other features, the size is about perfect and the overall look is great. On every other vehicle I've ever owned, I've always gone for the most HP available, and it looks like with the 2011 Jeep this will be my best (and only?) option as well. 4,500 lbs. towing would be adequate but 3,500 is just borderline.

As far as the transmission goes, I can live with a 5 speed as long as it comfortably and quietly cruises at 70-75 mph.

My guess is that the only thing restricting the towing capacity on the V6 is that Chrysler is going to put a Class II hitch on it.

We just had discussions on this topic in another thread here - if you get a class III hitch you should be able to tow up to 5,000 lbs.

[JBaumgart]

My guess is that the only thing restricting the towing capacity on the V6 is that Chrysler is going to put a Class II hitch on it.

We just had discussions on this topic in another thread here - if you get a class III hitch you should be able to tow up to 5,000 lbs.

Hope you are right, but I thought I read somewhere that the optional hitch on the V6 model is a class III and that you had to step up the Hemi to get the higher capacity. For my situation, 5,000 lbs. would be plenty adequate.

[Scottina06]

the 270 hp V6 will be able to tow 5k easy IMO. The 3.7 WK does....and its around 200 hp

[frostyy]

might be bad weather in Chicago?

Unfortunately, the 2011 Jeep GC was not at the Chicago Show....

Ralph Gilles indicated that the new Chrysler/Fiat will only show vehicles that are within 3 months of being sold.....

Have to wait until the NY auto show...

From Allpar...

"One glaring omission was the new 2011 Jeep GC - it was scheduled to be on display and then pulled. Ralph Gilles stated that Chrysler Group’s new edict is to not show a new model until within 3 months of the vehicle being available to consumers. That being said, we expect to see the new Grand Cherokee at the upcoming New York Auto Show."

[frostyy]

Hi, new member and first time poster here. I like the looks of the 2011 but I have two concerns:

1. Is it true that the towing capacity with the V6 is limited to just 3,500 lbs? I'd prefer the V6 for fuel economy reasons, but I need towing for a good sized fishing rig.

2. What's up with the 5 speed transmission? How many rpm's on the tach at 75 mph?

Other vehicles that I'm considering for a late 2010 purchase are the MDX and the ML Bluetec.


Hi,

You might want to test drive the ML Bluetec....considering you are looking for good mileage and towing capability.....I did and I was sold...

[Scottina06]

^^^^come on bro...this is a Jeep site.....LOL. The Jeep styling is more my style and I think JBaumgarts too

[Scottina06]

all you need to do on the 3.6 is switch out the class 2 hitch to a class 3 or 4 to tow more. teh current 3.7 guys do that and tow 5000 pounds easily.

[frostyy]

^^^^come on bro...this is a Jeep site.....LOL. The Jeep styling is more my style and I think JBaumgarts too

This thread is about what other vehicles one was considering in their purchase, other than the 2011 GC....just giving my opinion.....

I think Jeep has to stay competitive with everybody out there....JBaumgarts indicated that he was considering the ML as well, so I gave my opinion.....I would have bought the new Jeep but didn't feel it was up to the competition with the loss of the diesel engine and the 5 sp tranny....

Whatever JBaumgarts decides is okay with me.....Jeep or whatever....it's his money and his decision.....Not too many have owned as many Jeeps as I have and I think the site has to remain open to everybody's view...

[JBaumgart]

Hi,

You might want to test drive the ML Bluetec....considering you are looking for good mileage and towing capability.....I did and I was sold...

Yeah, I've been considering the ML as well. The bluetec is a little pricey and I would be a little anxious about having a breakdown several hundred miles from the nearest dealership. There are only two in my state and both are a long ways from my fishing destinations...plus I've owned several German vehicles and know first hand how expensive the upkeep can be. :mad: Otherwise, it looks like a great vehicle that would suit my needs. Torque when towing + fuel economy when I'm not. From what I've read, it's built like a tank and rides great.

But I do like the idea of getting back to buying American if it's a good fit. It's been a long time actually, I think the last one I've owned was the original Grand Cherokee, way back in 1983 which was the first year they came out! When I told my wife yesterday that the 2011 model has caught my eye, she remarked, "I really liked that car!" :rolleyes:

[frostyy]

Yeah, I've been considering the ML as well. The bluetec is a little pricey and I would be a little anxious about having a breakdown several hundred miles from the nearest dealership. There are only two in my state and both are a long ways from my fishing destinations...plus I've owned several German vehicles and know first hand how expensive the upkeep can be. :mad: Otherwise, it looks like a great vehicle that would suit my needs. Torque when towing + fuel economy when I'm not. From what I've read, it's built like a tank and rides great.

But I do like the idea of getting back to buying American if it's a good fit. It's been a long time actually, I think the last one I've owned was the original Grand Cherokee, way back in 1983 which was the first year they came out! When I told my wife yesterday that the 2011 model has caught my eye, she remarked, "I really liked that car!" :rolleyes:

Yes, it probably will be more costly upfront to purchase the ML (depending on what version/options of the GC you are interested in......the MB dealership is really the only premium car dealership we have in our small city (no Lexus, BMW, Acura etc) and I travel as well but not really worried about breaking down as the vehicle is covered by the dealership and the manufacturer for roadside assistance for many years....

Yes, ownership can be expensive for German vehicles....especially if you keep them past the 4 year/mileage warranty.....I probably will trade it in before the warranty ends on a new one since I like to keep my vehicles fairly new...

Yes, one of the reasons I bought Jeep was because I always bought (North) American as well....you will notice quite a bit of difference in the ride and comfort of the GC given you have not had a Jeep since the early 80's....

As far as the ride goes, I would say that the ML and the Jeep GC Overland ride very similar.....perhaps the ML is a little quieter inside but that's about all I noticed (both are about the same size inside and out).....the Overland was a great riding vehicle both in the city and on the highway....

If Chrysler/Fiat does come out with a diesel version of the Overland in the future and a new tranny....I would definitely consider getting another one.....Best of luck with your decision.......

[JBaumgart]

frostyy, thanks again for your input. Actually my brother has a new GC Limited, about a year old, which I've ridden in. You are right, the ride and luxury is way beyond what my '83 ever was, I was very impressed. But that's to be expected - in the last 25 years all of the SUV's are leap years ahead of what they used to be back when they were first being introduced.

You mentioned the Overland model - what makes the ride better than the Limited and Laredo versions? I know it's got a few more creature comforts but is the ride quality also noticeably improved as well?

Also what options did you get on your ML and how much over invoice were you able to negotiate?

P.S. When I said the '83 GC was the last American car I've had, I totally forgot about a '90 Ford Taurus SHO that my wife drove for a few years. Great motor in that car!

[Scottina06]

the 2011 GC will have the quadra-lift suspension with several modes to choose from

[frostyy]

frostyy, thanks again for your input. Actually my brother has a new GC Limited, about a year old, which I've ridden in. You are right, the ride and luxury is way beyond what my '83 ever was, I was very impressed. But that's to be expected - in the last 25 years all of the SUV's are leap years ahead of what they used to be back when they were first being introduced.

You mentioned the Overland model - what makes the ride better than the Limited and Laredo versions? I know it's got a few more creature comforts but is the ride quality also noticeably improved as well?

Also what options did you get on your ML and how much over invoice were you able to negotiate?

P.S. When I said the '83 GC was the last American car I've had, I totally forgot about a '90 Ford Taurus SHO that my wife drove for a few years. Great motor in that car!

Hi,

Given you have drove in your brother's....then you know what I'm talking about...
I tended to buy the Overland model (when it was available) because it usually had larger tires, nicer looking rims, more comfortable seats (heated, power features) and nicer looking (leather and suede combo) and I liked the extra touches (real wood inserts on steering wheel/dash), dual zone automoatic climate control, power adjustable pedals, .....and now the 2011 will have the heated steering wheel and the power lift gate...

I can't really say how the other models drove because I only owned Overland editions and 2 Limiteds.....I assume the better tires and more features for the seats made it probably a little more comfortable and automatic climate control....

I paid about $1600 under retail invoice (Can $ of course)....and the dealer paid for shipping since the color I wanted had to be brought in from another dealer.....got an excellent price on my trade-in though....it had only a few thousand miles on it and in showroom condition (2010) and basically I got what I paid for it new (minus taxes etc).....so I was happy with that deal...

As for options....I got the 'premium package' which included Nav, power tailgate, power folding mirrors, power tilt/telescoping steering column, heated rear seats, and a few other things with respect to digital music, parking sensors, memory package for seats...

I also got the trailer hitch package, and media interface package (SD memory slot, Ipod, bluetooth phone, voice control etc) and that was about it with respect to optional equipment.....

the rest was pretty much standard (heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 19" tires, 7 sp tranny 4 matic permanent all-wheel drive, activ bi-xenon headlamps)

We have owned quite a few Chrysler products since my brother works for Chrysler (other Jeeps besides the GC, Minivans, Pacifica, 300)....the only other vehicles we owned were a VW Rabbit, Jetta, 2009 Passat more recently and a 94' Mercedes C class when it was new....

[JBaumgart]

Hi,

Given you have drove in your brother's....then you know what I'm talking about...
I tended to buy the Overland model (when it was available) because it usually had larger tires, nicer looking rims, more comfortable seats (heated, power features) and nicer looking (leather and suede combo) and I liked the extra touches (real wood inserts on steering wheel/dash), dual zone automoatic climate control, power adjustable pedals, .....and now the 2011 will have the heated steering wheel and the power lift gate...

I can't really say how the other models drove because I only owned Overland editions and 2 Limiteds.....I assume the better tires and more features for the seats made it probably a little more comfortable and automatic climate control....

I paid about $1600 under retail invoice (Can $ of course)....and the dealer paid for shipping since the color I wanted had to be brought in from another dealer.....got an excellent price on my trade-in though....it had only a few thousand miles on it and in showroom condition (2010) and basically I got what I paid for it new (minus taxes etc).....so I was happy with that deal...

As for options....I got the 'premium package' which included Nav, power tailgate, power folding mirrors, power tilt/telescoping steering column, heated rear seats, and a few other things with respect to digital music, parking sensors, memory package for seats...

I also got the trailer hitch package, and media interface package (SD memory slot, Ipod, bluetooth phone, voice control etc) and that was about it with respect to optional equipment.....

the rest was pretty much standard (heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 19" tires, 7 sp tranny 4 matic permanent all-wheel drive, activ bi-xenon headlamps)

We have owned quite a few Chrysler products since my brother works for Chrysler (other Jeeps besides the GC, Minivans, Pacifica, 300)....the only other vehicles we owned were a VW Rabbit, Jetta, 2009 Passat more recently and a 94' Mercedes C class when it was new....

Wow, sounds like a great new vehicle you bought there! That option list is fairly incredible I have to say!

I probably owe it to myself to take a serious look, but I think I'll wait until the new GC's are introduced before pulling the trigger. I still have a pretty wide range of SUV's that I'll be considering besides the GC and ML, including the MDX, 4 Runner and possibly even a used Land Cruiser? Will partially depend on how "rich" I'm feeling at the time. ;)

[Marlin]

It's my gut feeling Jeep are limiting the V6 towing rating to the likelyhood of it not having an engine and transmission oil cooler. Sure you can put a class 3 hitch on it, but they are able to void your warranty if proven it's towed over its capacity. (Not to mention the insurance issues).

More profit is made from the higher specced vehicles, so it makes some sense thsat if you're serious about towing they'll try and steer you toward a more powerful, higher rated vehicle, and make a bit more from you ;) :)

[jeepster23]

If u want a similar Mercedes blue tec with all the same options as a Jeep GC overland you are looking at 60 or 65 grand. if u want a stripped down one maybe its comparable in price, but definitely not with same options.

[JBaumgart]

If u want a similar Mercedes blue tec with all the same options as a Jeep GC overland you are looking at 60 or 65 grand. if u want a stripped down one maybe its comparable in price, but definitely not with same options.

The option pricing on Mercedes and BMW models is very pricey. The ML models do not even come with standard leather - to add it's another $1,800 or so! I'm not one to spend a bunch of extra cash just to have a fancy nameplate in the garage! But I won't rule any competing vehicle out until I've done a comparison of features and pricing first, plus of course taking test drives after I've narrowed it down.

[ROBT05]

As others have indicated, I will wait until the 2012 model year comes out. I have owned a 93, 99 and 05, all first model years and they definitely had bugs. Looks like I'm a slow learner, but this time I will wait and see.

[robjeep]

I am currently looking pretty hard at new vehicles. Currently my list is (in no particular order):
1. Gen 1 SRT8 (hard to pass on the deals you can get right now).
2. Gen 2 Overland (I am sure this is going to be a great vehicle, but need to see it and drive it).
3. Infinity FX35 (I like the FX, but am not sold on it. The electronic stuff is awesome in the FX).
4. Cadillac SRX turbo (This might be my favorite right now having not driven the Gen2. Peppy, luxury, sort of sporty looks and very nice ride. It also helps that my wife loves it.)

[SvenskaJeepGuy]

As others have indicated, I will wait until the 2012 model year comes out. I have owned a 93, 99 and 05, all first model years and they definitely had bugs. Looks like I'm a slow learner, but this time I will wait and see.
i am exactly the same as you lol