Thoughts and Opinions Needed on a 2008 Jeep GC Diesel

[SSF556]

Ok...want to get thoughts. I am looking to build something that would make a good expedition vehicle. Capable off road, plenty of power, but will not beat me to death driving down the highway. I do not need a dedicated rock crawler.

I currently have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel with QT2. It was previously my company car and in June I was given the opportunity to buy it for $7500. So I have $7500 invested in a vehicle I have driven since day one. I know exactly what maintenance has been done, so past history is not an issue. It has had the severe duty maintenance since new. Oil/Filter every 6,250 miles. Vehicle currently has just over 60,000 miles. 90% of its life has been spent on I-85.

My issue is do I take this vehicle and turn it into a bad *** expedition vehicle or do I sell it and make some money and buy something that has a little bit better aftermarket support and something that I may not be so concerned with scratching etc etc....older land cruiser, 4runner, wrangler, etc
I could easily get $20,000 for this Jeep, maybe more.

The engine is the 3.0 V6 Mercedes Diesel....this is a world engine that is sold in Export Jeeps. It is also the same engine that is in Mercedes/Cars and Sprinter Vans. Parts are expensive for the engine which is about the only negative. But I am prepared to cover those costs if they arise. All other parts are identical to other 2008 Grands...tranny, diffs, transfer case, brakes.

I am also liking the uniqueness of this vehicle..diesel especially.

Pic of said Jeep...I have added Bilsteins and tow hooks up front.

 

[NOMADIC_LJ]

Depends what your needs are. Is another vehicle going to provide better for you?

Personally I would keep it. You have a great platform on which to build, why make things complicated?

 

[Root Moose]

Run it.

http://www.allpar.com/photos/shows/moab/grand-canyon.jpg

http://www.allpar.com/photos/shows/moab/grand-cherokee.jpg

 

[DrMoab]

Keep it. I have thought about building one also. I have a friend who has one and you won't find another jeep that gets the MPG or makes the power it does unless you are willing to dump big $$$ into a supercharger or a hemi conversion and even then you won't have the MPG.

 

[KSJeep]

I'd keep it, I have an 05 Hemi and it does great. Very capable and even impresses the hard core Jeep guys with what it can do. Aftermarket support is also getting better. Check out the Jeeps Unlimited Fourms (WK section) for all you need to know about the WK. The Old Man Emu is the best bang for your buck lift and there are a couple of manufactures making bumpers for the WK now.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=65

 

[Warhead]

why start over? I would build on what you have, scratches...I would not worry about scratches, they are there to remind you of your travels(think of them like scars except you can repaint scratches)

 

[fisher205]

I would sell it to me for what you bought it for and buy whatever.

 

[SSF556]

I would sell it to me for what you bought it for and buy whatever.

HaHa...maybe this was the response I was looking for to keep it...Progress updates as they come...

 

[Hilldweller]

Sell it.
Sell it fast.
To me.

Yes; you'll be happier if you sell it.
To me.

 

[nwoods]

What you really want is an all wheel drive Volvo wagon, same color and everything. I'll trade you straight up!

 

[Tanto]

Here is something to get the gears turning.

Yes, that is a front winch bumper.

 

[jeepdreamer]

Keep.

Hyaena..
I think you would be doing yourself a grave discervice to sell what you have.
Its an outstanding powertrain...and considering you KNOW the maintenance history there should be no surprises. The diesel makes the thought of a jaunt to some other country even easier and the mpgs will not suffer as much when you start adding on stuff.
Since you won't be needing a rockcrawler that is good. You can follow the KISS plan and remain happy. I would go with the OME lift and replace front and rear bumpers. Add rocker protection and ensure the skid plates are stout enough...Buttttt you said no rock crawling.?? IMHO, all the plastic junk and parts are the biggest detriment to the GC platform. All that stuff is easily damaged and very costly to replace. Why not swap it for something that will offer real protection, can handle a winch, and looks better all at once? The rockers are gonna need the protection. Tere are always times when the trail ends and you may find yourself haveing to work to get turned around or back on course. The chance of scraping a rocker is good...
The skids should just be considered an insurance policy that you will use. All it takes is one good hit in the wrong area and all that money you saved buying it will go to buy you a new engine or tranny.ACK!

 

[mountainsoul]

I'd keep it. Nice Jeep.

 

[SSF556]

Interesting that you guys have responded.

I still struggle with the fact that I could get $20,000 plus for this truck. But I think knowing the mechanical history of the vehicle and the fact that I could always sell it is going to make me keep it. Plus it is paid off and it is mine. Because of the diesel I do keep a "diesel savings account" Parts are expensive.

And there is a draw towards the older products...Land Cruiser, Land Rovers, etc...but there is also something cool about having a unique vehicle.

So the plans are starting to take shape....

Tanto...beautiful Jeep..probably a little more than what I want to do, but I need people like you forging the way so I can have aftermarket parts...:wings:

Jeepdreamer...even though I will not be building a rock climber per say I will be replacing all the plastic bits underneath with the OEM skid plates. They will provide enough protection. I will also be getting the OEM rock sliders as well. Rear diff cover is getting ordered as well. Front tow hooks have been installed. I have the QTII system so it is very capable. Maybe lockers in the future, but that may affect ride quaility. Got to keep the wife happy, because she occasionally drives the Jeep.

I have installed rear Bilsteins. Front Bilsteins will get installed when I do a Budget Boost...just to give me a quick 2-3 inches of ground clearance. (Daystar or RR).

I am looking at the 4xGuard Matrix system for the front. Not a big fan of the huge ARB look.

I would love to get a rear swing out tire carrier, I especially like the ones that I see on the 4Runners/Tacomas. Hopefully something like that will pop up for the WK.

Thanks for all the encouragement.

Obligatory Pic of the Jeep....

 

[zigsrig]

I need to update my photobucket with some more current photos. But here is a grand, 2.25" lift, Bilsteins, 4xguard protection and a Gobi Rack.

I would vote for keeping the CRD. i always have my eye out for one to swap my junk to.