Commander Owners - Talk To Me

CheapSunglasses · 03-08-2010, 09:04 PM

Hey All,

I'm a long time YJ owner and my wife drives an '01 GC that is on it's way out....I'm thinking of buying her a used Commander, probably an '07 or an '08.

Can you guys please give me a heads up on what to look for, pro's and con's, reliability, etc.

We're a family of 5 and need something with the 3rd row seat, so the Commander seems like a good fit.

Thanks in advance.

JillTheThrill · 03-09-2010, 02:03 PM

Good afternoon and welcome Jeep Commander prospect!

Pros
Exterior styling: If you love the boxy and rugged look...this is definitely for you. It also looks sporty while looking luxurious at the same time.

Ride smoothness: Though this is and off road truck, the highway drive is extremely smooth.

Off Road Capability: The XK represents the Jeep formula very well...it is truly made for off-road. It performs wonderfully on rough terrain and in deep snow right from the factory.

Powertrain performance: If you get a V6 you'll see it has a ton of power for a 6 cylinder. If you go V8: you won't be dissapointed.

Cargo capacity & towing: There are a multitude of tie downs and the hard surface of the cargo are is easy to clean. The rooftop cargo area is helpful This vehicle tows my tent camper with much ease.

Space: Lots of space! The 3rd row comes in handy especially for a big family.

Cons
I honestly don't have any.

Hopefully you'll go through with the idea of purchasing your wife a Commander. I think both of you will love it.

**StrokedWJ** · 03-09-2010, 02:17 PM

I really like our XK. IMO, a vehicle that large really does better with the V-8. We've got a Sport with the 4.7. I would have liked the nav and hemi, but couldn't find any in our price range. Jill hit on most of the pros. The only negative I can think of is the gas mileage. Right now we're averaging just below 13 mpg according to the on board computer but thats a lot of stop and go driving.

CheapSunglasses · 03-09-2010, 05:29 PM

Thanks All....I just got back from a test drive....Sport model with the 6, and I was surprised that the 6 pulled as well as it did (for a 4,800 lb. SUV)....I think I would probably prefer the smaller of the two V-8's, but in our price range the 6 should work well....It handled incredibly well for a big SUV....I was really pleased with it.

I read elsewhere on the board that some had trouble with low idle problems and stalling....Anyone else have these issues?

Thanks again!

Xsquid · 03-10-2010, 10:10 AM

I have an 07 Liimited, 5.7 with all he goodies in it. Except Nav. Few issues I find that I don't like are little. One, I cant stand that water pools under the door when I wash it or it rains. Not inside, but under the door on the trim outside the seal. Does that with the liftgate so it freezes shut in the winter. Also, could use a bigger gas tank since it doesn't get that great of MPG. Although, recently i did find a sweet spot in that department. Made a trip from Columbus Ohio and set played with cruise control to see where I would get decent mileage. I found that setting it at 64 I got 18.5! Best I ever got.... but who wants to drive slow? Any ways.. As far as the third row seating, I think you have to be a midget dwarf to fit back there. I have had adults back there..... Once.. They didn't like it. I have owned a BMW 335i, Infinity, Expedition, and several other nice cars and SUV's and the Commander BY FAR is my favorite! You have to now that you are not getting this thing for gas mileage. I would not get one without the 5.7. There is a guy I work with that has the smaller V8, I drove it and did not like it. Towing... I pull a lot with it. Motorcycle trailer with 4 touring bikes in it, pulls just fine. Actually pulled a buddies 32' boat last year and did well with it. It's comfy, quick, good for road trips. Well thought out vehicle. Also, I tend to work lots of hours at work. Sometimes over 100 hours. Kicking the seats down makes a decent bed in the back! At least for me, I'm only 5'8" but im sure taller folks can fit too.

sabre364 · 03-11-2010, 01:11 AM

Seats are tight in the back, i believe the second row is smaller than the wk.

otherwise it seems pretty decent to me considering all the mechanicals are almost 100% identical

sabre364 · 03-11-2010, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xsquid

I have an 07 Liimited, 5.7 with all he goodies in it. Except Nav. Few issues I find that I don't like are little. One, I cant stand that water pools under the door when I wash it or it rains. Not inside, but under the door on the trim outside the seal. Does that with the liftgate so it freezes shut in the winter. Also, could use a bigger gas tank since it doesn't get that great of MPG. Although, recently i did find a sweet spot in that department. Made a trip from Columbus Ohio and set played with cruise control to see where I would get decent mileage. I found that setting it at 64 I got 18.5! Best I ever got.... but who wants to drive slow? Any ways.. As far as the third row seating, I think you have to be a midget dwarf to fit back there. I have had adults back there..... Once.. They didn't like it. I have owned a BMW 335i, Infinity, Expedition, and several other nice cars and SUV's and the Commander BY FAR is my favorite! You have to now that you are not getting this thing for gas mileage. I would not get one without the 5.7. There is a guy I work with that has the smaller V8, I drove it and did not like it. Towing... I pull a lot with it. Motorcycle trailer with 4 touring bikes in it, pulls just fine. Actually pulled a buddies 32' boat last year and did well with it. It's comfy, quick, good for road trips. Well thought out vehicle. Also, I tend to work lots of hours at work. Sometimes over 100 hours. Kicking the seats down makes a decent bed in the back! At least for me, I'm only 5'8" but im sure taller folks can fit too.

Is it much bigger than the WK in the front? I've only been in the back of one. i don't have any clue how folks taller than 5'10" manage to drive the WK, works for me as i'm short but the footwells are so narrow, etc.

coolram62 · 03-11-2010, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabre364

Is it much bigger than the WK in the front? I've only been in the back of one. i don't have any clue how folks taller than 5'10" manage to drive the WK, works for me as i'm short but the footwells are so narrow, etc.

The XK and WK pretty much share the floor pan (at least to under the back seats). I'm 6'4 and don't have a problem though the power pedals help a lot. The footwell could be wider and a wear pad on the left foot dead rest would be nice. I agree if it fits your budget ,you intend a lot of towing, the 5.7 is the way to go over the 4.7.

aspjeepguy · 03-12-2010, 05:28 AM

My wife and I just switched from an 08 Patriot to an 08 Commander Rocky Mountain Edition with the V6. We love this thing except for the gas mileage. But we knew that going into it. I have seen 07's and 08's with V6's and less than 25K selling for $16,000

Our Commander came with Power Sun Roof, Tow Package, Heated Seats, Sirius, Remote Starter and many other things.

I was also looking for V8's however I was not going to spend an extra $5,000 to get one with a V8.

For $5000 I can purchase an old pickup truck to do towing and such.

Johnny

Lt_JWS · 03-12-2010, 11:48 AM

I love my commander, i've got the 4.7V8 and its got plenty of power and gets decent mileage 17city for me so far but i've only had it for about 3weeks now. I "upgraded" from an 08 WK with the V6 that i let the dealer talk me into it was ok but I didn't LOVE it....If you can afford a Hemi get it as they are a blast to drive, if not the 4.7 will suffice!

r6allstar · 03-15-2010, 02:03 PM

Picking up my XJ tomorrow. Be patient if you are shopping around. Granted, I was one of the lucky ones, but I found a used 2006 65th Anniv. Edition with 4.7L (48,000 miles) w/ sunroofs, tow pkg, 4x4, Quadra-Drive 2, 3rd row and 6 disc changer.. All for $13,000

Burtman88 · 03-15-2010, 03:35 PM

Nice work now all you need is a RC lift and some tires.

**StrokedWJ** · 03-15-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r6allstar

Picking up my XJ tomorrow. Be patient if you are shopping around. Granted, I was one of the lucky ones, but I found a used 2006 65th Anniv. Edition with 4.7L (48,000 miles) w/ sunroofs, tow pkg, 4x4, Quadra-Drive 2, 3rd row and 6 disc changer.. All for $13,000

x2, I have a feeling the XK's, and large SUV's in general, will start getting hard to move with the rumor of gas spiking to $5/gallon this summer.

Burtman88 · 03-15-2010, 04:19 PM

Same thing i thought thats why i bought a crotch rocket. up to 55 miles to gallon i fill up once a week driving in the city and it only costs 8 dollars with premium.

2009 hemi limited QD2 RC lift
2009 Honda CBR 600RR

Lt_JWS · 03-15-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r6allstar

Picking up my XJ tomorrow. Be patient if you are shopping around. Granted, I was one of the lucky ones, but I found a used 2006 65th Anniv. Edition with 4.7L (48,000 miles) w/ sunroofs, tow pkg, 4x4, Quadra-Drive 2, 3rd row and 6 disc changer.. All for $13,000

hell of a deal!!!

03-15-2010, 02:03 PM	#11
r6allstar Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 3 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Picking up my XJ tomorrow. Be patient if you are shopping around. Granted, I was one of the lucky ones, but I found a used 2006 65th Anniv. Edition with 4.7L (48,000 miles) w/ sunroofs, tow pkg, 4x4, Quadra-Drive 2, 3rd row and 6 disc changer.. All for $13,000