Hemi Grand Cherokee

[Razorbill RIBs]

A quick question for you guys across the pond..... We currently run 3 Grand Cherokee WJs with Quadra trac....which I love.

But, I've been seduced (mainly by the sound) by a WK Hemi with Quadra Trac 2.... As you know the price of Gasoline over here is significantly higher than with you guys, and to make it viable if be looking to convert to run on LPG (Propane), just like my WJs..... But, I'm reading a huge range of mpg figures for the 5.7 Hemi in the early WK.... I understand it has the Mds system (shuts down 4 cylinders when not required), but have read if mpg as low as 9mpg and as high as 20!?! Is anyone running one (4wd guise) as their tow vehicle / daily driver? What mpg are you seeing in normal driving / towing?

Not many over here, so your help appreciated before I consider a new purchase! I may end up with a 3.0 diesel variant (most popular over here)..... But just live that Hemi growl

Also, anything else to look out for with these trucks?

Thanks in advance, Dan

[ncp]

2010 5.7L hemi 4x4 as daily driver and tow vehicle.

Most of my driving and towing is on the highway. I live very close to the higway and most of our boat ramps are less than mile from where you get off the highway.

Cruise control on at 57 mph, 23 mpg (done that San Diego to Los Angeles many times with those results).

Cruise control towing at 57 mph with a 6,000 lb load (diesel Willard 7.3m and aluminum trailer), 12.5 mpg. Properly inflated trailer tires of course! They were low for a couple of trips and it was more like 11 mpg.

Both of those scenarios is using a very light foot for all acceleration and coasting when reducing speed. Around town, no trailer, I can easily drop to the 14 mpg range and I'm sure speeding and accelerating could seriously reduce towing mpg (though I always drive nicely with a trailer).

[willk]

Statute Miles per US Gallons?

[MASATS]

2014 5.7 Hemi 8 speed automatic 4x4. Towing 5000 lbs 10.5 mpg. Around town driving 19 mpg. Long distance driving 22-23. Best truck ever now has 34,000 miles

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by willk

Statute Miles per US Gallons?

Yeah; that's all we know about on this side.


jky

[jwalker]

Multiply those US miles/gal by 1.2009 to get UK mpg.

[Razorbill RIBs]

Cheers all, v helpful! Factoring in the conversion it's not much different to my petrol WJs (convincing myself I need a Hemi in my life). Going to look at one next week.....

[jwalker]

Dan, I'm gonna hijack your thread...just a wee bit... because I've got something you might like to consider. I guess it's a bit naughty putting it here rather than in the for sale section - oops, anyway, I have two Jeeps, a Grand Cherokee WJ 2.7crd and a Commander 3.0crd. The Cherokee is 2003 one owner (me) and 65k miles, always had 4k oil services and otherwise properly looked after. The Commander is 2009, 39k miles, two owners and likewise 4k oil changes since I've owned it and well serviced previously, also top spec with satnav, music system, walnut trim, dark grey leather, rear passenger dvd player etc. and pretty much like new.
Both are good cars and I like them a lot but I don't need two 4x4s so I'm considering selling either one of them. I don't mind which one I keep. I thought you might perhaps have an interest in the Commander.

Commander returns 31mpg at motorway 70mph and 22-23 towing my caravan.
Grand Cherokee returns 35 at motorway 70mph and also 22-23 towing.

Anyone else who may be interested in either one, give me a pm for more details.
Ta.

[ncp]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Commander returns 31mpg at motorway 70mph and 22-23 towing my caravan.
Grand Cherokee returns 35 at motorway 70mph and also 22-23 towing.

I wish. I looked for a used diesel Grand Cherokee before I bought my 2010. they had only made them one year - it was either 2008 or 2009 and I couldn't a used one anywhere near California. Then, no diesel models over here until the 2015 model year!

[Razorbill RIBs]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Dan, I'm gonna hijack your thread...just a wee bit... I thought you might perhaps have an interest in the Commander. Ta.

No problem at all.... I've already got a 2.7 crd WJ.... Great workhorse! I do really like the Commander, and have looked at them a few times over the years, but I think I'm right in saying they don't have a 3.5 tonne tow limit (stand to be corrected!?!) can't really fathom why though! What 4wd system is it running? I'm ideally after Quadra Trac II.... I'm also a Cardi we're known for our thriftiness.... Pm me an idea on money? (I'm also guessing it's got a tow bar?)

[jwalker]

Yes its rated to 3500kg towing, it's a big vehicle, 7 seats though I use it as a five seat with a big load space and yep, I fitted the towbar so that's all good. I'll pm you tomorrow and you can ask anything that comes to mind.

[Razorbill RIBs]

To close this out..... My head ruled my heart and I ended up buying a CRD WK. It's pristine with unmarked alloys / bodywork, never towed, 50k miles with impeccable service history.... It's dark khaki with two tone brown / beige interior.... Not seen one this colour before but I love it (not too blingy).

The 3.0 is a great power train.... If not as nice to listen to as the hemi

Tow bar / dedicated electrics on order..... The challenge will be to keep it in the same condition!?!

Thanks for your help....

[Razorbill RIBs]

Cpl pics

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[Xk59D]

Dan,

i'm thinking of getting myself a 3.0crd one of these but i've no idea how they are in terms of reliability, what mileage do issues start showing or even where to get and how expensive are parts over here?

any advice you can offer would be welcome.

cheers

p.s i tried to PM but box full bud

[Razorbill RIBs]

Hi Xk59D,

I'm very pleased with the wk. Im still a bit old fashioned and worry about the number of electrical switches compared to the WJs (eg for engaging 4wd low...where the wj has a lever the wk has a button), but to be fair it's the way everything is now, and the wk is still relatively unrefined / less electrically dependent /more of a workhorse than the more road biased competitors (x5's RRsport etc).... But that's what I need. The ride is much improved to the wj, the circa 220bhp 3.0 Mercedes power train very strong (and surprisingly quick when not towing). My wife likes driving it too. I haven't had to buy anything as yet aside service items, but parts are readily available. It's also on a timing chain.

It's Quadra Trac 11, so very good in sand / mud (I'm a big fan as you may have seen on previous posts, you always get an armchair expert who'll tell you old fashioned locking diffs are better etc...... In the right hands I'm sure they are, I've had air lockers on one of my defenders.....but the jeep system copes very well without any dramas /flatters the driver.....and is still electronics light compared to many alternative / modern systems.

It tows 3.5 tonnes capably, it's comfortable, it's probably as reliable as anything else out there, they're very cheap compared to anything green oval of similar vintage....

I'm also quietly looking for another one at the moment to replace one of the other WJs.... Eventually I'll replace the three WJs for 3 WKs. Hope that helps?

[Razorbill RIBs]

Oh, check for whining diffs etc, they're permanent 4wd as you know.... And If buying without towbar fitted, they're a doddle to add / cheap aftermarket (dealer prices still scary). Also my mechanics had no issue getting into it electronically which is a good job as the local dealer is useless

[Xk59D]

Thanks for info buddy.

There is a few local to me so i intend to have a nosey at them soon.

Where do you get your parts from?