Nothing fancy really. I needed more space/utility than my Mark VIII and I wanted a car for the winter/trips so that I wouldn't care if I got it dirty. After two failed attempts to purchase a Toyota 4 runner, I decided I am going to give this thing a shot. It is a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, V8, 4x4 and all the other goodies that come with a limited. After driving the GC there was no going back to the Toyota that actually costs more, is much slower, louder. But the 4 Runner will most likely be more reliable. I got this thing with free maintenance until 75k miles, and warranty until 75k so I have no worries with this suv for the next year or two.
Since I got a Jeep obviously I had to take it off roading. So the pics are from my recent trip to the death valley. I haven’t even taken any real pics of the Jeep. Sad part is the Jeep was flawless before my adventure, now it has scratches along the side…
Here are some observations in comparison to my mark (apples to oranges):
The good:
• Jeep feels a lot faster (when you don't floor it) and the throttle is very sensitive, this is due the 3.73 gears in this thing I believe.
• I think this thing will take a mark until 45mph or so, it is NO dog.
• The 5 speed auto in the Jeep is amazing, it always knows the right gear, downshifts are quick and crisp.
• The Jeep has a decent stock stereo that produces lots of bass, surprisingly.
• 2 zone climate control comes in very handy for the girls.
• The ride is very smooth, no vibes shimmys nothing.
• Brakes are better than those on my mark or most cars that I have driven so far.
The Bad:
• Gas mileage is bad to say the least. I would get 19.5 avrg in the mark, this thing averages 16.5. Freeway mileage doesn't go above 20 which is the real disadvantage. But it takes regular so costs are about equal.
• The Headlights aren't all that great in the Jeep. Which is surprising since they have pretty large reflectors. A quick check revealed that it only uses 55w bulbs.
• Back seat in the Jeep is rather small.
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/1112.jpg
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/1113.jpg
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/1114.jpg
Since I got a Jeep obviously I had to take it off roading. So the pics are from my recent trip to the death valley. I haven’t even taken any real pics of the Jeep. Sad part is the Jeep was flawless before my adventure, now it has scratches along the side…
Here are some observations in comparison to my mark (apples to oranges):
The good:
• Jeep feels a lot faster (when you don't floor it) and the throttle is very sensitive, this is due the 3.73 gears in this thing I believe.
• I think this thing will take a mark until 45mph or so, it is NO dog.
• The 5 speed auto in the Jeep is amazing, it always knows the right gear, downshifts are quick and crisp.
• The Jeep has a decent stock stereo that produces lots of bass, surprisingly.
• 2 zone climate control comes in very handy for the girls.
• The ride is very smooth, no vibes shimmys nothing.
• Brakes are better than those on my mark or most cars that I have driven so far.
The Bad:
• Gas mileage is bad to say the least. I would get 19.5 avrg in the mark, this thing averages 16.5. Freeway mileage doesn't go above 20 which is the real disadvantage. But it takes regular so costs are about equal.
• The Headlights aren't all that great in the Jeep. Which is surprising since they have pretty large reflectors. A quick check revealed that it only uses 55w bulbs.
• Back seat in the Jeep is rather small.
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/1112.jpg
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/1113.jpg
http://www.lincolnsclub.org/forum/user_files/1114.jpg
