Jeep

Jeep questions and answers

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Q: jeep ? ?
how do jeeps do on gas ? just estimated ? when a jeep has a 4 cylinder MANUAL transmission

A: they are OK but not really great, the 4 wheel drive and weight of a Jeep works against it. at least it is a manual as the automatic is worse. expect 20-22 mpg highway 15-17 city at best,

Q: Jeep hard to start when the engine is cold?
I have a 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee. When the engine has sat for a while, it will barely turn over. This started about a week ago. After it has run for a few minutes, it will fire up like the battery is fully charged. If it sits for 10 minutes or 2 days, it starts as if the battery is dead. The battery is fairly new (about 3 months old). Any ideas as to what is wrong?

A: Try charging the battery with and external charger, then starting it cold. If it works then your alternator is not charging the battery well - or your battery is not taking the charge (even on new battery). I noticed that sometimes my trips are all so short the batteries never really recover (charge). So if I charge then using external charger, I can see it take about 1 hour or more to charge them. Then the cars usually starts much faster (like 1 second instead fo 5 seconds of cranking). Then it is good for another year or so. Good Luck...

Q: What Hawaiian islands should we rent a Jeep on?
My finance and I are going to the islands of Maui, Kuai, and the big island on our honeymoon. We are planning on renting a car on all three and upgrading to a Jeep on the big island. Can we get away with not renting a car on any of the islands? What about the Jeep, should we consider a Jeep on the other islands?

A: It depends on where you stay but I think you're going to want a car on all of the islands. The big island is a must, by the way. Whether you get a jeep or not is really just a preference thing. I had a jeep on Maui and we had the top off which made for interesting viewing looking up at the sky. On the Big Island there are some roads you might think a jeep would be needed, but if you read the fine print of the maps / rental agreement they basically say 'even if you have rented a Jeep, there are certain roads you are not allowed to take a rental car on'. If you just plan on staying in the hotel you might not need one on Kauai and / or Maui, but I think having one on each is probably worth it (they're pretty cheap out there).

Q: How different does it feel to drive a jeep if you have been driving a car all life ?
I have had a car all my life. Now I am thinking of buying a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. What are the differences between driving a car and a truck ( Jeep). How is it different maintenance wise. I know it is easier for Jeep to get by on snow. What's the mileage like, ease of driving, comfort level etc. I shall be very grateful for any experiences.

A: It'll probably strike you as a bit strange at first. My Jetta is very agile, low to the ground, zippy, and (because it's a TDI), gets amazing mileage of 46+mpg. My Laredo, on the other hand, is not quite as agile, higher off the ground so you can see the road better in snowy conditions, can be zippy, and gets about 20mpg at best. The Cherokee has a very nice ride and does real well in snow. Afterall, it IS a Jeep! As far as maintenance goes, it really depends on what you're used to. My Jetta has been virtually maintenance free. My Laredo has had a hiccup here and there, but mine is a '97, while you're looking one built on a new platform. No so easy of a comparison there. Do you want an SUV that will easily go over 100K? Yes, a Jeep can do that. My ZJ has an I6 under the hood. Those engines have gone 300K and more. Unfortunately Chrysler yanked that engine from the Jeep in the late 90s. Yes, some Jeep die hards will tell you that Chrysler has ruined the Jeep line up since they purchased it from American Motors. With the newer models out there right now, I tend to agree. Before taking the plunge and purchasing a Jeep (or any SUV), make sure you're getting one for the right reason. If you want to go off roading, need something to get you through nasty roads in the winter, then sure. Go ahead and take the plunge. But if you don't want to spend $40 - $50 or more to fill up a tank of gas, then maybe you want to look at a Honda CRV. The Cherokee will only average about 20mpg on the highway. I've heard some salesman claim they get over 25mpg. But that's simply not true. The Liberty CRD (diesel) can barely eek out 22mpg.

Q: What is the difference between Jeep TJ and Jeep Rubicon?
I am thinking of buying a fairly new car 2004-2006 and I was wondering what the difference is between Jeep TJs and the Jeep Rubicons in general. And also, what are your guys` thoughts on Jeeps; do they run well, are they strong etc.. Thank You.

A: Terry H and luckydagger covered the technical differences. In practice, the stock TJ will cover what most drivers will want. They're drivable on the road and provide a good off-road capability. If you get into some serious off-roading, the TJ needs a few modifications to take the abuse you're going to give it - like protection for key components underneath like the transfer case, gas tank, etc, some protection for the body, recovery points so you can tow it out of trouble. Then, you want to minimize the chance of getting into trouble in the first place, so you need bigger tires, axle lockers (at least for one axle), and a lift. Your serious off-roaders usually go with at least 33 inch tires, which means the body has to be lifted in order to fit the bigger tires. The drawback is the modifications that make it more capable off-road begin to make it less drivable on-road. Enough modifications and you can have the ultimate off-road machine, but wind up having to carry it to the trail on a trailer because it's no longer street legal. The Rubicon comes already equipped with most of the essential modifications a serious off-roader will make. The exception is that the tires are only 31 inches (bigger than the stock TJ) and the Rubicon isn't lifted (although the stiffer springs do lift it slightly). In other words, the Rubicon is about as serious an off-road machine as you can get without making some significant sacrifices to its on-road drivability. Getting the Unlimited version improves the on-road stability, but the extra length will give you a slight disadvantage in off-road capability (actually, the extra length gives you an advantage in some situations over a shorter wheel base, but there's more situations where the short wheel base is beneficial). If you live somewhere close to some really rugged trails, you'll be shocked at the terrain that a Rubicon can drive over. For most off-road environments, the stock TJ will have all the capability you're ever going to need.

Q: How much does the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited cost with hardtop and glass windows?
The Jeep™ site won't allow me to view the site so i can't figure it out.

A: Alright the 2 wheel drive base price starts at 22,915 USD while the 4 wheel drive model base starts at 24,090 USD. The 2 wheel drive XS Package starts at 25,530 USD while the Sahara package starts at 27,845 USD The 4 wheel drive XS package starts at 26,705 USD, the Sahara package starts at 29,020 USD, while the Rubicon starts at 32,165. It looks like they all come with the 3.8L v-6 with 6 speed transmission. The different upgrades seem to change things such as shift on fly and rims and interior clothes. Other than that it doesnt look like much else changes from the base. If you need anymore information just let me know.

Q: How many Jeep models are offered with diesel engines?
I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD , I'd love to have a full size Jeep if offered with Diesel power.

A: the only one available right now \is the grand cherokee with the mercedes 3.0 v6, and it is awsome. over 375 ft lbs of torque, quiet, and awsome fuel mileage. it runs cleaner than your 2.8, its quieter and smoother. there was talk of the wrangler getting the 2.8 before it went away. Viem Motori builds the 2.8. it went away because of the 2006.5 diesel emissions requirements. VM is currently designing and testing a new 2.8 4 cyl for the new bigger liberty, and i'll bet you'll see it get into the wrangler. there will also be a v6 and v8 cummins next year, but they have not yet said what they will be availale in. my guess is durango, dakota, and obviously 1/2 ton trucks.

Q: What is the easiest and most effective way to sell a Jeep?
I bought a 2004 Jeep Wrangler for my boy friend and I kicked his worthless but out and now I am stuck with a 17 thousand dollar Jeep. I do not want to keep it. I have placed an add for it in two local newspapers, and on craigs list. Are there any places that people go to sell cars, etc. I do not want to take it to a dealer, casue I will out close to 5 thousand dollars. If you want to buy a Jeep email me and I will drive it to you!!!

A: Craigsllist is good. Also look on-line for some Jeep forums and post a for sale there, you get better exposure since those people are specifically looking for a Jeep and can also give you an idea of what price to expect to get. If you bought it at a dealer, don't expect to get what you paid for it.

Q: How is the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 in snow and bad weather?
I am thinking about buying the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, I am aware of its amazing power and acceleration, but is it built like all the other jeeps? How is it in the snow and bad weather? And I see that its a 4x4, but is that full time or can you put it in 4x4 low? Thanks.

A: The SRT8 Grand Cherokee is AWD, not 4WD. There is no lockable 4WD mode. If all you are doing it city driving, you should have no trouble. It does have very large, wide tires that will push the snow instead of cut thru it, but I dont think you are buying this vehicle to really drive it in mud or snow, are you. And to the moron who said by a Ford...I would put the capabilities of a Jeep against any Ford SUV and see who gets to the top of the mountain first. JEEP = 4X4. Always has, always will.

Q: What should the price range be to lift a 2005 Jeep Wrangler?
My husband really wants to lift our Jeep. What do you think about a 1 inch body lift and a 3 inch suspension lift? We go offroading a lot and want to put larger tires on the Jeep. In Southern California, how much should that run. What size tires should we go with? This is an everyday driver as well, so we don't want anything ridiculous. Thanks!

A: Go with the 4" lift, Here is one thing to consider, lift kits have very stiff suspension, if you like the way it drives now, you could go with a 2" lift and it is very inexpensive. With that being said, stay with 32" tires, any larger and you will rub and you WILL have to redo your ring and pinons. Even with 32" tires you won't like the way it drives on the freeway and your gas mileage will go down to 15/16 MPG on the freeway (I kept my orginal tires for long freeway trips and get 20/21 MPG at 60 MPH). A 4" lift with disconnects should be under a grand installed.

Q: 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4 transmission or transfer case problems. Can some one help?
When I put my Jeep into gear it takes about 15-30 seconds to shift into gear and then after is drives for about 30 seconds it makes a grinding noise then it will slip out of gear. The transmission fluid is pink and does not smell like it is burning. Whould you think it is a transmission problem or transfer case problem? Any ideas on anything I can do to repair insead of getting a new transmissision or t-case? I thank you all or help.

A: The problem is tranny related, not the transfer case. Take it to the shop for diagnosis, may be mechanical, may be electrical.

Q: How are insurance rates on 2007-2008 Jeep Wranglers? Is it wiser to lease or buy one of these?
I am currently in college and I have always wanted a Jeep Wrangler. My current vehicle is 1999 GMC Jimmy and it continuously has problems. I want to get into something more reliable that also goes well with my active lifestyle. Any other suggestions?

A: Don't lease a Jeep i dont think your girlfriend will like a Jeep.

Q: What is the difference between limited and laredo jeep grande cherokee headlights?
I have seen many headlights for both limited edition and laredo Jeep Grande Cherokee. What is the difference between the actual headlights? Could I use a limited headlight in my laredo?

A: The shape of the headlights are the same, and therefore, yes... they are interchangable. The difference is in the reflector area inside and within the enclosure. On the Laredo, the "backing" area inside is black. This is the surface you see when you straight at the front of the headlight. It gives the headlight an overall darker appearance. On the Limited versions, this backing area is reflective like a mirror. It makes the headlight (while off) look brighter. Note that on all Laredos, the grille is chrome, whereas on the Limited versions, the grille matches the vehicle color. Limited aftermarket lights can be purchased on eBay for under $100 a pair including shipping. Enjoy!

Q: What is a good car alarm for a jeep wrangler?
I have this jerk breaking into my Jeep every night! I leave it unlocked, with nothing in it, yet he still goes through all the compartments. Usually he doesn't check if the doors are unlocked and instead rips my side window off. Pretty soon all the teeth in my zipper will be gone. Any suggestions?

A: H&K.. Seroiusly if i knew someone was going to break into my car every night I would sit in it or near it until they tried, then give them a big time scare. It should be the last you see of them, unless they are very dumb.

Q: What exactly does a transmission leak in a Jeep Grand Cherokee mean?
I have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee with just around 100K miles on it. I live in cold winter weather, so I'm nervous as the cold nears and just looking for some insight into what this could mean for the winter. Is this the begining of the end of my 'older' car?

A: No. Seals wear, constrict, crack, etc over time and mileage. This is normal. Your transmission has a leak. You need to have it diagnosed and fixed. If you do not and the fluid runs low, you will do damage to the transmission. It could be something simple like a pan gasket. Get it checked out.