[Katmandu]

Looking for a Jeep in the $27-28,000 range. Need to keep payments under $475/month.

Current Rebates are...

$4,000 on the Commander

$3500 on the Grand Cherokee

and $1500 on the Liberty. I also get an extra $500 for being Retired Military.

I also have use of an Employee Friends/Family discount. That's Invoice Price minus 1%.

Only requirements are 4x4, Power Seat and a Moonroof. That leaves the choices to a Limited Liberty, Laredo GC, and a Base Commander.

My research shows (after all the #s are run) that all the vehicles above can be had in the $27-28 range.

What do you'all suggest ?

[HighCountry]

A moonroof, you must enjoy leaks! Anyway, I have a friend with a new Commander and it gets worse mileage than his Dodge 4x4 Cummins Diesel. Nice ride, but dang the mileage. Don't know anyone with the Cherokee.

I would go with the Liberty and get a 4x4 version with the Offroad Package so the resale will be decent someday.

Of course, you didn't mention a Wrangler... Which is the only Jeep model I personally would be willing to own.

Bruce

[Katmandu]

Originally Posted by HighCountry

A moonroof, you must enjoy leaks! Anyway, I have a friend with a new Commander and it gets worse mileage than his Dodge 4x4 Cummins Diesel. Nice ride, but dang the mileage. Don't know anyone with the Cherokee.

I would go with the Liberty and get a 4x4 version with the Offroad Package so the resale will be decent someday.

Of course, you didn't mention a Wrangler... Which is the only Jeep model I personally would be willing to own.

Bruce

I've had many vehicles with moonroofs with no leaks whatsoever.

My 98 Dodge Ram 2500 w/Cummins Turbo-Diesel gets the SAME MPG as my wife's 05 Liberty. That's 22 MPG highway for both.

The wife says the Wrangler is too much of a "toy" looking rig for her.

[HighCountry]

The Cummins gets better mileage than a lot of dinky SUVs, the Commander my buddies wife drives gets about 13.5... Whew!

I'd bet if you could rent/borrow a Wrangler for a week that the wife would change her mind!

Bruce

[Katmandu]

Originally Posted by HighCountry

The Cummins gets better mileage than a lot of dinky SUVs, the Commander my buddies wife drives gets about 13.5... Whew!

Yea, they are pretty wicked on MPGs.

I'd be getting the small 3.7L in any of the vehicles. Still not good MPG even with that engine.

I have seen many reports of low 20s with the 3.7 in the JGC and 19-20 in the Commander.

[HighCountry]

Better take one of the 3.7L's out on an open road and attempt to pass another car or get up to speed on an entrance ramp. Just 'nail it' and see if you can live with it.

Poor acceleration is just as dangerous as weak brakes!

Bruce

[XJK]

FWIW i would go with the 08 libby, i like the new style along with the vehicle itself being smaller (much like the older XJ).

minus the IFS i think this is a very solid vehicle.

-Kyle

[Katmandu]

Originally Posted by HighCountry

Better take one of the 3.7L's out on an open road and attempt to pass another car or get up to speed on an entrance ramp. Just 'nail it' and see if you can live with it.

Poor acceleration is just as dangerous as weak brakes!

Bruce

Good point.