Speaking of begging...

[ox4mag]

Okay, so my last post was in response to Graham's test of the Liberty and I mentioned my wife has been "begging" for one. So, we've got some big news that will require us to have a larger vehicle. But that's for a later thread.

I'm looking at a 2005 WK 4x4 Limited mated with the 5.7L. Do any of you have any input on the 5.7L and this platform in general? I believe the WK to be highly underrated as an off-highway "family" vehicle (minus the issues with ground clearance). Just curious what fellow ExPo members think of this platform before we give it serious consideration. The CRD version is the preference but the price is too good on this platform to totally nix it.

Any input, from off-highway performance to daily drive use, is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sdjeep]

The 05's did have a few electrical bugs in the Limited models. I have an 06 Commander with the 5.7 (same platform as the Grand) and have had a few issues. Nothing too major, just irritating. Radio died, airbag clockspring, and a bunch of fit and finish like trim and even the door panels have been replaced. As for the drivetrain itself, i love it. The Hemi has tons of power, and the Quadra Drive 2 is just like having lockers front and rear. The 4wd systems is noisy to the point where you think something is broke, but it works well. I am only getting an average of 12mpg with city and some highway driving. If i would have known how much the market would have dropped when gas went up i would have bought used. Sticker was 44k and a year later its worth 20k. A bit hard to swallow for those who are use to Jeeps holding thier value. If you do get one, be sure to get the skidplates and some decent rocker guards. I found out i needed them too late.

 

[ox4mag]

Thanks for the input! I'm looking at some of 4xGuard's offerings for the WK and rockers are certainly on the list. This vehicle will mostly be used for daily driving and frequent weekend excursions on mild trails.

For storage, how do you like the XK? My big concern is overall space with the WK. And as you mentioned, the market has plummeted value-wise on these vehicles due to gas costs, etc so there are deals to be had on either platform.

 

[Skylinerider]

FWIW, we drove the WK before we decided on the Commander, we found the Wk to be a little cramped for kids and all that they need for a road trip. I love the space in the Commander. We almost never have the 3rd row up, so we can stick whatever is needed in the back. Ours is an 06 and we picked it up for 17k with 50,000 miles on it in May.

 

[sdjeep]

Even folded down the third row seats take up a lot of room. I know a lot of people at the jeepcommander.com forum remove the seat entirely and gain a bunch more room. I may do that after we get the house so i have a place to store them. I think i have had someone use the third row 3 times since we bought it in December of 06. All other times they are folded down and just take up cargo space. It almost seems like i can fit more in the Unlimited with the rear seat out than i can with all the Commanders seats down. Maybe it's just because i can pile the stuff higher in the Unlimited.

 

[ox4mag]

Hrrmm...wondering if maybe the XK is a better option then. Ahhh, decisions decisions!

 

[Root Moose]

If you don't need/want diesel I'd go with the XK. The WK seems small inside. I feel like I'm going to hit my head on the headliner and I'm not a big guy (6').

 

[Spenser]

I too went to purchase the GC and bashed my head getting in and out of it due that sloping door frame, it also seemed much more cramped and claustrophic to me. Ended up with Commander, only thing I dont like is the cheesy vinyl/pleather seats, should have bought the limited. Fairly happy with the 4.7, if they had had the hemi with the "dropped" cylinders at highway speed, would likely have bought that. Had no major issues other than the "service 4wd" flash and the steering rack broke for some absurd reason, not badly or at speed, but still needed replaced. Other than that, been great car, with exception of limited accessories but the majority of what you want or need is out there.

 

[sdjeep]

My 06 has the MDS and i still only average 12 MPG. Once i got 18 by setting the cruise at 50mph after i dropped out of the hills and into the desert.

 

[PhulesAU]

I'd pick the commander based on a friends survival of being T-Boned and rolling twice. She waked away with MINOR cut only. She replaced it with an Escalade ( bigger is safer), she wishes for another Commander.

 

[hutchman]

Hi Frank, I just bought an 02 WJ because of the solid axle and the fact the deal was too good to pass up. I paid cash for it and that was one of the real reasons I did not get a newer Grand or a Commander.

If I needed the room and the money was not a huge issue, I would have bought a Commander. For a DD they are much better on road than a WJ. The WJ is not a great highway vehicle - it is very similar to a Wranger in the way it handles. For off road use, the Commander will go most anywhere the WJ will go stock. I don' think you can go wrong with one for an all around vehicle.

However, if money is an issue, the WJs are tough to beat due to current prices.

Hutch

 

[ox4mag]

Thanks for all the input! I test drove the CRD WK back in January and my big complaint was the lack of ground clearance and the slope of the windshield. The windshield can be accomodated for most folks though by lowering the seat level. However, with that being said my big issue is space. If space is the only issue, the XK is obviously the way to go.

I guess it comes down to what's going to be most important in a DD (this will be mostly DD use with frequent, mild to moderate off-highway conditions) as far as space, comfort, and fuel economy. I love the CRD and like the idea of the EV (electric vehicle) even more. But the EV won't be out till 2010 and we need something in the next 6-7 months.

Keep posting your comments. Maybe we should start a poll on this? Highest poll % will be the choice we go with!