As mentioned below, our WJ suffered a premature death due to a rollover accident on February 15, 2010.
Today, Thursday March 4, 2010, we took delivery of a used 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Rocky Mountain Edition 4×4, with ~12,300 miles. Our new WK is equipped with a 4.7L V-8 engine, Quadra-Trac II 4 wheel drive, and the Class IV towing package. The Rocky Mountain Edition goodies include power sunroof, Boston Acoustics premium stereo with six-disc changer, MP3 and IPOD capability; fog lamps, “Ronin II” cast aluminum wheels with gray accents, cargo cover, and roof rack with cross rails. This package does not quite bring the Laredo up to the Limited’s level of equipment, and we will miss the automatic climate control, leather interior and heated seats from our old WJ. Unfortunately, there is a large price premium associated with the Limited of $5-7,000, over the Laredo, owing largely to the Hemi engine that typically comes with the package.
I test drove a number of WK Jeeps before deciding on this Jeep Metallic Green example. The Hemi engine is significantly more powerful than the 4.7L V-8, but the seat of my pants tells me that the difference in performance is largely academic (the Hemi faithful will argue this point) and not worth the added cost. The difference is there, but it is far less apparent than the difference between the 3.7L V-6 and the 4.7L V-8.
I would have liked to have the Limited’s equipment, but could not justify the cost once I discovered the Rocky Mountain edition’s added extras, which had just enough equipment to convince me that I didn’t need to pay $100 more a month for a Limited.
By far, one of the most important selling points of this particular Jeep was its condition and low mileage. The vehicle was obviously not used as intended by the original lessee; with only a few thousand miles put on per year and the obvious excellent condition of the paint and tires, this Jeep spent most of its time sitting in a garage. The salesman suggested it may have been owned by an elderly person; I don’t know if that was the case or not. The interior still had the plastic wrapping on the carpet from the factory when we test drove the car, the engine compartment still had all of the inspection paint marks on the components. The tires appear as new, there are no dents in the body, and the wheels are free of curb rash or corrosion. It has all of its owner’s manual and service records books. It is not perfect; there are two minor flaws: a scuff on the front passenger door trim pad, and a small mark on the driver’s sun visor. There are a couple of extremely minor scratches on the body that are not noticeable unless you are looking for imperfections.
I have never seen a better kept used vehicle — period.
The savings over buying a Limited, combined with the low mileage mean this Jeep will be paid off long before it reaches 70,000 miles; it is not inconceivable it could be paid off somewhere in the 50,000 mile range, but it is difficult to predict the future, and my employment situation may have me commuting back and forth to work again sometime in the next five years.
Here’s some pics of the new machine taken from the dealer’s website.
The ad copy from the dealership read:
“Right SUV!!!! Right price!!!! Come to Dick Huvaeres Richmond Chrysler!!!! Low Miles!!!! Want to stretch your purchasing power? Well take a look at this attractive 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Take this talented Grand Cherokee down the road, and fall in love with driving all over again. Call or stop by for a visit at Dick Huvaere’s Richmond Chryler Dodge Jeep today.“
Asking price was $20,295. We settled on $19,700 plus tax, title, doc fees, etc. Compared to the other vehicles out there, especially considering this one’s mileage, we paid a very fair price. The total came to $21,131.84.
