Grand cherokee

[OGCollard]

Ok guys, i know its an xj forum but im looking for some constructive input! My 2000 xj died. I gotta replace it but am not a good enough mechanic to buy another xj with 200,000 miles. Plus, i still have my 99 xj! So i am looking at 2 different 2005 grands. One with the 4.7 liter v8 and one with the 5.7 liter hemi. Both are in the 80,000 mile range and less than 10k. My question is does anyone know if wither engine is really more reliable than the other? Any major issues i should know about? Any input is GREATLY appreciated. I dont normally have or spend this kind of money on a vehicle so im kinda nervous!

[Mudderoy]

I've heard the 4.7 is fine as long as you do regular maintenance. I still like the 4.0l better, lol.

[4.3LXJ]

Both are sensitive to regular maintenance. One issue particularly on the 4.7 is that they are put together with tight clearance. When they wear from high milage you need to up the viscosity on the oil or they will fail. That thin oil is fine when new and gives a little better milage but is inadequate later

[bluedragon436]

Me personally would go with the Hemi, but that's because I loved my Hemi, and would have loved to have had it in my Jeep... The 4.7 does have some head gasket issues I've seen online quite often, but again I think that's one of those things that as long as you aren't trying to drag race with it, or not taking care of it with regular maintenance it'll be fine...

[denverd1]

the Hemi will develop a tick eventually, they all do, much like our 4.0s. if you can live with it, they make awesome power and are very receptive to light mods (CAI, exhaust, tune) to produce even more.

you plan on towing anything?

[cantab27]

Heads on the 4.7s....i kept the cooling system a+ on my old one and never had a problem ..dan a friend not so lucky 2k later .....like most things ,what has previous owners done .....good luck..they don't like heat ...it's a jeep thing 😉

[bluedragon436]

Wonder if he jumped on either one of these, or if he found another XJ to snag up!! Is kind of funny, as I've almost been thinking about looking at an 05 GC or one of the Commanders, most likely with the Hemi... I know I'll go through withdraws from having a play rig and will end up with another... so that is the only thing stopping me from selling my XJ and doing it for now... I've got too much time/money invested into the XJ to run away from it... lol

[carloxj]

I would get a hemi for power especially when towing.