Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Sport Trac or Ford Explorer.?

Question

I'm kicking around the idea of getting a new vehicle for my wife (but I will be using it occasionally as well). The vehicles in contention right now are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Sport Trac or Ford Explorer. (All with V8 motors since we will occasionally be towing our boat).

What model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee (between 2006 and 2010 with V8 motor) are the most reliable? Which V8 motor is the most reliable?

Which of the vehicles mentioned are likely to have less maintenance costs associated with owning them?

Which vehicle would be better for towing a boat trailer? Vehicle will need 4x4, low range, and have a tow package.

Is it possible to find a low mileage used vehicle to fit the bill (even if we have to look for 6 months or more) or should we just bite the bullet and go for new?

Answer 1

The Jeep engine on the newer models are OK but the rest is terrible. You will feel every crack in the road you hit. It just drives terrible and the 4x4 is almost always all wheel drive now, not 4 wheel. The Explorer is freakin nice. It has a lot of power and rides so smoothly. It has all the gadgets needed for off roading and for towing.

Answer 2

Ford Explorers are good cars, I had an 02 4x4 a few years ago, and it was great for towing and going up into the snow in the mountains. The only real downside of course was it slurped fuel.



We've also had an Explorer Sport Trac, But they're basically only an explorer in name, so you've basically got a truck w/ a short bed (that was most times too short to use) but if you're not going to use it, it's not bad either.



As for finding one w/ low miles....all I can say is look on autotrader.com and craigslist and see what turns up

Answer 3

Go with the ford explorer with the control trac option.

Answer 4

Don't buy new gas is a killer nd so are payments