[compcrasher86]

Alright everybody, I've been drooling at the WKs for TOO long now so I think its time to consider getting one. I was looking to pick one up used with 30-60k miles on it, but I need somebody to convince me its worth the 14-20,000 dollars as this is a BIG investment for me.

Reading reviews on vehix, cars.com, etc, I hear alot about the main computer spazzing out, flickering gauges and lights, and stalling out the engine. One woman's engine started up and went WOT throttle on her, which I find hard to beleive but it scared me.

It seemed as though half of the WKs ran into problems like this, so I want to know what the most common ones are, if they are easy and cheap to fix, etc.

This is a Jeep forum, I will trust you guys more than the soccer moms on vehix so some honest advice would be good.

As for the setup, Im thinking khaki grey, jeep green, black, or red. I'm pushing for the 4.7L V8 (I would never drive the 3.7 V6), leather interior, 4x4 of course, heated seats, power everything. This will be a DD, so I dont think it will be seeing more than some big snow storms.

So, what are most common failures and problems, and how easy are they to fix. Also, how long do these ones generally last, because my ZJ is at 140k miles and still purring.

Honestly, I love the way the WK looks, but would I be better off with a WJ Limited?

[Marcus86GLHS]

as a former ZJ and WJ owner, my opinion is that the overall quality and reliability of the WK is definately on par or slightly better than previous renditions, but the ride and handling of the WK just blows away all previous GC's it's that much better.......so for daily driver duty the WK is a fantastic step up from a ZJ.

[compcrasher86]

Originally Posted by Marcus86GLHS

as a former ZJ and WJ owner, my opinion is that the overall quality and reliability of the WK is definately on par or slightly better than previous renditions, but the ride and handling of the WK just blows away all previous GC's it's that much better.......so for daily driver duty the WK is a fantastic step up from a ZJ.

The interior really sells me over. I hear a lot of good word about comfort, Ive seen it, I love it, but I want to make sure I'm not getting something that will last to 80k miles, then die out on me forever.

Ironic actually, that the ZJ has a rock solid performance, but a sub-par interior/comfort level (not the seats I love those) and the WK has amazing comfort and style, but a not so reliable engine (from what I've heard) anybody able to disprove this? Why did they stop making the i6 engines, I'm going to miss that part?

Marcus, I beleive you on the reliability, but I'm going to wait and see how many more people support that, I guess they really haven't been around too long but what I am looking for is somebody who can show me a WK can make it to 140k miles just like my ZJ

[Texas WJ]

140,000 miles should be a breeze.

I moved up from a WJ and have been happy so far. The only issue I've really read about lately being "common" seems to be a issue with the LEDs burning out behind the AC controls.

There's other issues, but none that I would consider vehicle wide like the blend doors on the WJ. All in all, the electronics actually seem to be better sorted than those on my WJ.

The inline six was discontinued because it would no longer meet the emission requirements I believe. That's fine in the end as you'll want the 4.7 liter V8 anyway. It's a great engine. I had it in the WJ and it never missed a beat in the 120,000 miles I owned it.

That said, a couple of posters on here have had nagging problems with their vehicles. I feel for them, but I definitely think it's not indicative of widespread craptastic Chrysler quality or anything.

[compcrasher86]

Originally Posted by Texas WJ

140,000 miles should be a breeze.

I moved up from a WJ and have been happy so far. The only issue I've really read about lately being "common" seems to be a issue with the LEDs burning out behind the AC controls.

There's other issues, but none that I would consider vehicle wide like the blend doors on the WJ. All in all, the electronics actually seem to be better sorted than those on my WJ.

The inline six was discontinued because it would no longer meet the emission requirements I believe. That's fine in the end as you'll want the 4.7 liter V8 anyway. It's a great engine. I had it in the WJ and it never missed a beat in the 120,000 miles I owned it.

That said, a couple of posters on here have had nagging problems with their vehicles. I feel for them, but I definitely think it's not indicative of widespread craptastic Chrysler quality or anything.

Thanks texas, I was hoping to get this kind of advice. Led's behind ac controls, pshhh! thats what autozone and ebay are for. I feel alot more reassured knowing this is not a very big problem. I want to upgrade but I still want that classic Jeep reliability. That being said, the place I am looking at buying it from offers a couple months of warranty to the car in addition to anything left from the factory warranty so I think if I had a problem, I would be able to detect it beforehand. I'm a hardcore electrical fanatic so as you can tell, it didnt throw the wk off my list.

Still open to comments though, anybody?

[Marcus86GLHS]

"......but I want to make sure I'm not getting something that will last to 80k miles, then die out on me forever..........."


all of us feel the same of course.

that said, you are on solid ground w/ the WK, especially the newer ones, as many early manufacturing and design shortfalls have been corrected, not to mention incrimental improvements to the interior and driveline and exterior cosmetics (ie: fog lights in the bumper? never liked that and Jeep fixed that in 2008).

i waited until the 2008 model year to pull the trigger on the WK, despite wanting one since late 2004. The '08/'09 models really are the best WK's in my opinion.

[kentman]

Honestly, if I were 17, I would not be buying a $14K vehicle. I would be putting that cash toward college or savings. My first vehicle that I bought on my own was $15K when I was 22. I was at least done with college and was starting my first job out of college. Fortunately for me, having a car at college was not really needed.

I would keep the ZJ, assuming that it has no fatal flaws. I kept my '97 ZJ 4.0L for 223K miles, and my brother still has it on the road beyond that. Paid off is great. All you have to pay is repairs to keep it going. The ZJ will live forever.

[colinzj]

Hate to say it, but I agree with Kent's voice of reason. If you're 17-18 and just going to college... keep driving the ZJ unless there's something wrong with it.

You don't want to be driving what's essentially a brand new car in a college town and parking it in college parking lots. It will get trashed and quite possibly broken into, and it's just that much worse when you're still making payments on it. Even if you're sitting on a trust fund or a huge nest egg of savings, I'd probably skip it for now.

On the other hand, if the ZJ's costing you as much in repairs every month as a car payment would be, it might be worth it if you're feeling brave. It's a hell of an upgrade for the most part, and the downgrades are generally livable.

I'd also say under no circumstances "upgrade" to a WJ. They were nice vehicles, but most of them are going to have more miles than your ZJ does these days, and need a whole lot of lovin' in their near future. I hadn't intended to jump all the way up to a WK, but going from my ZJ with 130K that needed a lot of work to a WJ with 180K+ that needed a lot of work just wasn't in the cards.

[compcrasher86]

Originally Posted by kentman

Honestly, if I were 17, I would not be buying a $14K vehicle. I would be putting that cash toward college or savings. My first vehicle that I bought on my own was $15K when I was 22. I was at least done with college and was starting my first job out of college. Fortunately for me, having a car at college was not really needed.

I would keep the ZJ, assuming that it has no fatal flaws. I kept my '97 ZJ 4.0L for 223K miles, and my brother still has it on the road beyond that. Paid off is great. All you have to pay is repairs to keep it going. The ZJ will live forever.

ZJ is good, and it runs strong at 140k. I know it will last for a while, but you need to understand the context of me driving it. My parents got the ZJ thinking I would be able to peacefully share it with siblings. Turns out I've become a Jeephead, so it turns my stomach over every time I have to hand over the keys.

Parents have seen the way I care for the ZJ, and have agreed to match whatever I put towards my own car that I can keep through and after college, so naturally I'm looking for a nice WK I can call my own, because this offer may not be available to me later in time. I know I will not be able to afford fancy new cars like WK's once I'm out of college, so I figure I might as well take advantage of the offer. So in the end, I will only be spending about 7-8k on a low mileage nice looking WK

Originally Posted by colinzj

Hate to say it, but I agree with Kent's voice of reason. If you're 17-18 and just going to college... keep driving the ZJ unless there's something wrong with it.

You don't want to be driving what's essentially a brand new car in a college town and parking it in college parking lots. It will get trashed and quite possibly broken into, and it's just that much worse when you're still making payments on it. Even if you're sitting on a trust fund or a huge nest egg of savings, I'd probably skip it for now.

On the other hand, if the ZJ's costing you as much in repairs every month as a car payment would be, it might be worth it if you're feeling brave. It's a hell of an upgrade for the most part, and the downgrades are generally livable.

I'd also say under no circumstances "upgrade" to a WJ. They were nice vehicles, but most of them are going to have more miles than your ZJ does these days, and need a whole lot of lovin' in their near future. I hadn't intended to jump all the way up to a WK, but going from my ZJ with 130K that needed a lot of work to a WJ with 180K+ that needed a lot of work just wasn't in the cards.

regarding college: I am going to college in the city, 20 minutes away from home, so I would probably leave the WK at home while I am at college, and a shiny sleek car will be waiting for me on the weekends/over vacation. No worries of leaving it in college town.

The ZJ has minor minor repair costs, usually about 20-30 bucks a month worth of preventative maintenance. I care for it like a child, thus the reason I beleive I am ready to take on a newer more modern car.

Thanks both of you guys, I'm really on the edge now, about picking up maybe my own ZJ and continue doing what I'm doing, but that dang WK pamphlet the dealer gave me is fighting for the WK. Of course he also took the liberty to show me a "special deal" on a jet black fully loaded, 2005 WK with almost all the options, only 39,000 miles for around $13k. I had to hold back from drooling

**note: we are moving and downsizing our house because of increment weather patterns here on the ocean, so my dad told me there was to be plenty of money left over and whatever car I get will be payed for in full at the dealer or wherever we buy it from (there are many used car places around here). No worries about making car loan payments, etc.

[marlon_jbt]

If that's the case, then go for it.

[compcrasher86]

Ive got till spring to make a final decision, this about the only thing I havent procrastinated on in my life. So... given the context I'll shoot for a WK, but if the budget is tight I'm thinking WJ. I can't see myself getting another ZJ, just because the modern looks are a must, and also I would like a double din nav unit... Its possible to do in WJ with mods, impossible in a ZJ, and 100% possible mod-less in a WK.

Still, any common issues I should know about/ be afraid of?

Questions:

Right now I have the 242 selec-trac on my ZJ and I couldnt love it more because it put me in charge of choosing what 4wd mode I wanted. As far as I know, the quadra-drive in the WK's chooses everything for you, how well does this work compared to the 242? Also, I was always curious. I see next to the shifter the 4wd T-handle. Now how does that work? I know in my ZJ I have a mechanical linkage that is a PITA to get into 4 low and grinds occasionally, but I still love the 242. Does the WK shift into 4 Low electrically or something? I would probably rarely use it but I'm curious.

Oh and how could I forget, does anybody have any specs on the speaker sizes? I have some Infinity Sr5100's from my ZJ I have fallen in love with their sound. They are 6.5", will those fit into the new WK speaker spots? Boston acoustics is nice and all but I think these $130 pair of speakers will have a little more oomph to them.

And Another, how does the "range select" thing work. From the looks of it, that basically means tiptronic, right? So how do you tell it if you want to control the shift through tiptronic or if you want it to go full auto? It looks like theres only one D position so is there a button somewhere?

Lastly, How is the foot room in the back. I forgot to sit in the back at the dealership, but I hear some people complaining about it. I am 5' 10 but I will be in the driver seat. All my friends and family are under 6', will this be ok/comfortable in the back seat. The rear will be rarely occupied, but in the event it will, I want it to be comfy

[Texas WJ]

Oh and how could I forget, does anybody have any specs on the speaker sizes? I have some Infinity Sr5100's from my ZJ I have fallen in love with their sound. They are 6.5", will those fit into the new WK speaker spots? Boston acoustics is nice and all but I think these $130 pair of speakers will have a little more oomph to them.

Front door are 6"x9", the rear are 6.5". Dash are 3.5"

And Another, how does the "range select" thing work. From the looks of it, that basically means tiptronic, right? So how do you tell it if you want to control the shift through tiptronic or if you want it to go full auto? It looks like theres only one D position so is there a button somewhere?

From the "D" position you tap the shift lever left (down) or right (up) to change selections.

Bookmark this site:
WKJeeps.com

If you decide to go the WJ route, that's also a solid choice. I loved mine.

[John81]

Originally Posted by compcrasher86

Lastly, How is the foot room in the back. I forgot to sit in the back at the dealership, but I hear some people complaining about it. I am 5' 10 but I will be in the driver seat. All my friends and family are under 6', will this be ok/comfortable in the back seat. The rear will be rarely occupied, but in the event it will, I want it to be comfy

The leg room in the back seats is roughly the same as the ZJ's. My dad is 5'11 and doesn't have any issue sitting in the back. As far as interior dimensions go the biggest difference I can see is head room, the WK's have slightly less then ZJ's but I don't see that being an issue for someone under 6'2ish. Can't comment on a WJ as I've never been in one.

[meep]

I may be the "odd man out" here but I preferred my ZJ. I felt like it was more capable, and looked more like a jeep. I like the wk, but it shares alot of characteristcs with the minivan we used to own. The solid front axle on the ZJ also gave a much better "feeling" when negotiating curbs and other obstacles. ZJ just felt more rugged. Certainly had thicker sheet metal.

BUT, the ZJ had 240,000 miles on it and needed 1 qt oil per week. I needed to change. In hindsight, I would have taken $5-6k and replaced motor, A/C, heater core, and kept going. I got a gr8 deal on the WK, but at +3x the cost of a ZJ overhaul.

As an on-road car the wk handles better, though the driveline is tuned and geared like a car/van. My favorite was the I6. Might consider a WJ w/o fancy climate control to get the "better" front suspension and classic 4.0.

Meep

[Jeeprage]

Originally Posted by meep

I may be the "odd man out" here but I preferred my ZJ. I felt like it was more capable, and looked more like a jeep. I like the wk, but it shares alot of characteristcs with the minivan we used to own. The solid front axle on the ZJ also gave a much better "feeling" when negotiating curbs and other obstacles. ZJ just felt more rugged. Certainly had thicker sheet metal.

BUT, the ZJ had 240,000 miles on it and needed 1 qt oil per week. I needed to change. In hindsight, I would have taken $5-6k and replaced motor, A/C, heater core, and kept going. I got a gr8 deal on the WK, but at +3x the cost of a ZJ overhaul.

As an on-road car the wk handles better, though the driveline is tuned and geared like a car/van. My favorite was the I6. Might consider a WJ w/o fancy climate control to get the "better" front suspension and classic 4.0.

Meep

I sorta agree with you on this. I wish I had kept my 98 5.9. I liked the slightly smaller size better. The WK feels somewhat large and bulky. I feel like I'm going to break something in the WK, where as a I never felt that in the ZJ.