Did you drive one with the V-6 or the V-8? Which engine have you decided on?
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I own the helldorado's and have put about 25 days on them here in the PNW through every kind of snow imaginable, from knee deep pow to wind blown to cement to small bumps to icy hardpack to...
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I haven't had a chance to do more than a dry run with the intercom system. My intention was to use it with one of our blind students in our adaptive program, but that never came to fruition. I...
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This is a summertime purchase. I'll provide an on-snow review when I can. I picked up this boot at an off-season sale at the Boot Doctors in Telluride, together with a custom footbed....
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Sun Valley owner Earl Holding recently passed away (2013) but he wanted to leave a legacy in the Sun Valley resort. The millions he invested into the on mountain lodges, manmade snow making...
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A picture paints a thousand words so here's a promo video for the resorts in New South Wales http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=ESezPu_7I1A
pick my colorado car.. - Page 10
- Finndog
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IF I buy one, it would be the 6, it had plenty of power for my needs. yes, the 8 would give much improved low-end torque but I don't really need that. Plus the MPG nose dives
- AustinFromSA
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Woh. This sounds like a winner!
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1058412_jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel-in-u-s-by-2013-report
Jeep's bringing us a 241 horsepower, 406 pound-foot V-6 turbodiesel that's good for about 28 mpg! Yes, please!
I know they'll up the price for a diesel, but it just might be worth waiting until the 2013 models come out to compare your options then.
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Woh. This sounds like a winner!
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1058412_jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel-in-u-s-by-2013-report
Jeep's bringing us a 241 horsepower, 406 pound-foot V-6 turbodiesel that's good for about 28 mpg! Yes, please!
I know they'll up the price for a diesel, but it just might be worth waiting until the 2013 models come out to compare your options then.
Yup. That should JUMP to the top of the list.
That thing is just Ferrari catching up with every other supercar manufacturer that's been using four-wheel drive for years (Lamborghini, Bugatti, etc.). Now if they put that system on something like the new F12 (which they have no intention of doing), you might claim an ultimate awd (though probably not a great ski car).
I forgot all about this video until now (tuned Lamborghini Gallardo drives up a ski slope):
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Woh. This sounds like a winner!
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1058412_jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel-in-u-s-by-2013-report
Jeep's bringing us a 241 horsepower, 406 pound-foot V-6 turbodiesel that's good for about 28 mpg! Yes, please!
I know they'll up the price for a diesel, but it just might be worth waiting until the 2013 models come out to compare your options then.
Umm, unfortunately, that report was released in January 2012, I haven't seen or read anything confirming that. It would be nice and I will certainly be watching for that. If anyone see's anything concrete, please post up. Here's my official list as of June 18
Jeep GC overland (diesel please)
4runner
FJ
subbie
I guess I may have to settle for the Lambo above or even the Ferrari...
Or a FJ or 4Runner......
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Umm, unfortunately, that report was released in January 2012, I haven't seen or read anything confirming that. It would be nice and I will certainly be watching for that. If anyone see's anything concrete, please post up. Here's my official list as of June 18
Jeep GC overland (diesel please)
4runner
FJ
subbie
I guess I may have to settle for the Lambo above or even the Ferrari...
Or a FJ or 4Runner......
Nix The toyo's
- AustinFromSA
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Still looking for more links, but seems pretty official:
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/2013-jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel-coming-to-america.html
http://www.thetorquereport.com/2012/01/2013_jeep_grand_cherokee_offic.html
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/01/official-new-jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel.html
EDIT: Just found this government website, which lists upcoming diesels coming to the US. The Jeep GC is on there. Woohoo!
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hmmm,, sounds very interesting and worhwhile waiting to see. Of course the big question will be how much; My guess is they will add 5-7k to the price. So the once "reasonable" jeep at 38k now will jump to an easy 43-45K. My guess is good luck getting on a a limited or even X model.
Phil, why hatin' the toyos other than the typical arrogant dealer/sales douchebag?
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hmmm,, sounds very interesting and worhwhile waiting to see. Of course the big question will be how much; My guess is they will add 5-7k to the price. So the once "reasonable" jeep at 38k now will jump to an easy 43-45K. My guess is good luck getting on a a limited or even X model.
Phil, why hatin' the toyos other than the typical arrogant dealer/sales douchebag?
The FJ is a rediculously designed vehicle that is big on the outside and tiny inside with awful visibility, one of three vehicles I trade in when I was selling cars with less than 500 miles on it. The 4runner is a dinosaur in it's class with an antiquated 4wd system and a vehicle than has gone soft and no longer the off road vehicle the 4Runner used to be.
- Finndog
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4runner not off trail worthy? its one the last few out there that are. Sure you're not thinking the new pathfinder? FJ is still in big demand. onboard camera's resolved a lof of the visibility issues. Can't say as I have not driven it yet.
- beyond
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The FJ is a rediculously designed vehicle that is big on the outside and tiny inside with awful visibility, one of three vehicles I trade in when I was selling cars with less than 500 miles on it. The 4runner is a dinosaur in it's class with an antiquated 4wd system and a vehicle than has gone soft and no longer the off road vehicle the 4Runner used to be.
Speaking as the owner of a 1997 4-Runner with 199,587 miles: Wrong. The antiquated 4-wheel system functions as a 4-wheel system should, rather than how many drivers want an AWD to function. Some of us who know how to drive and use our trucks/SUV's offroad or in serious mud and snow actually prefer 4WD. (And a stick, thus the FJ.) The FJ still seems to get a lot of cred from off-road mags. Agree about the visibility, but when they "civilized" the 4-Runner, all that was left was the FJ or a Taco. If I wanted another SUV, I'd get the FJ and have a custom shop cut out another set of windows.

Umm, unfortunately, that report was released in January 2012, I haven't seen or read anything confirming that. It would be nice and I will certainly be watching for that. If anyone see's anything concrete, please post up. Here's my official list as of June 18
Jeep GC overland (diesel please)
4runner
FJ
subbie
I guess I may have to settle for the Lambo above or even the Ferrari...
Or a FJ or 4Runner......
That report is based on confirmation from Chrysler. Here's one that makes it a little clearer: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120106/carnews/120109924. I don't think they debuted it at the NY Auto Show this spring, so I'd suspect it'll probably debut at the Detroit Show in Jan.

The FJ is a rediculously designed vehicle that is big on the outside and tiny inside with awful visibility, one of three vehicles I trade in when I was selling cars with less than 500 miles on it. The 4runner is a dinosaur in it's class with an antiquated 4wd system and a vehicle than has gone soft and no longer the off road vehicle the 4Runner used to be.
Yet they're both consistently ranked among the best off-road vehicles available, sometimes better than Jeeps. And Toyota as a brand is typically ranked among the top (if not the very top) of quality/reliability, while Jeep and Chrysler are all the way down at the bottom. I'd go Toyota over Jeep (or any American hunk) all year long.
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yeah, this is pretty much just what was published when the press release came out on 1.6.12. I am sure it will happen, just when. This fall doesn't seem probable Maybe a early release for next summer.
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Yet they're both consistently ranked among the best off-road vehicles available, sometimes better than Jeeps. And Toyota as a brand is typically ranked among the top (if not the very top) of quality/reliability, while Jeep and Chrysler are all the way down at the bottom. I'd go Toyota over Jeep (or any American hunk) all year long.
I am really impressed with the build, fit and finish of the Jeep GC. I think they deserve even more than a 2nd look. They have really hit it out of the park with this version of the GC. Go test drive one and you will see. That said, the 4Runner is a solid truck and still ranks among the top off road worthy vehicles. Right now, the 4 runner is prices a few thousand above the GC. My wife however, says the GC is a boring looking vehicle!
I should note the 4runner hasn't been updated from 2010, so I can see where Phil feels it is old. I think it's due for an overhaul in 2014.
Edited by Finndog - 6/18/12 at 5:39pm
The articles say it'll go on sale in 2013, not 2013 model year, so I think you might be right on with your summer estimate. Intro in the winter/spring, on sale in the summer/fall as a 2014 model.
As far as the GC, I don't doubt it's a solid offering with a nice build (I disagree with your wife and think it's a nice looking truck with great capability). I do question its long-term reliability, though. Jeep just scores too consistently low with consumers for me to ever consider it. Of course, I've pretty sworn off American cars period.
On another note, they're bringing back the Wagoneer in a couple of years (in place of the Dodge Durango).
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I have to think the better choice is to wait for the GC in a Diesel for sure.
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It'd be tough to pull the trigger on a new vehicle knowing that a diesel is right around the corner, however that could be a good tool for your negotiation.
I'd be talking to a sales manager like, "Hey, I like the GC and all, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY want it in a diesel. You'll have to make it more than worth my while to buy one now, to offset a lifetime of savings the diesel would give me. How about another 10k off of BJ's club price. 32k for a fully loaded GC Overland Summit? Now we're talking." The worst they can do is say "no...you're crazy," and you part ways and come back when they have the diesels. If you get them at the end of the month, and them losing 10-15k on a vehicle is the difference between them making their quota for their 50k dealer bonus from the manufacturer, you never know! I've seen some pretty wild deals struck on domestic vehicles.
And for those who are nay-saying the Jeep versus Toyotas, you really need to recalibrate your expectations. Times have changed. Toyota's are extremely reliable vehicles, no doubt, but over the last couple of years, Toyota's quality has slipped a lot (their fit and finish is NOT what it used to be), while the domestic vehicles (including Jeep/Chrysler) have made gigantic strides. The quality of their interiors far exceeds Toyota's now, and their electronics are light-years ahead of anything Toyota has to offer. If I was to buy a vehicle with 300,000 miles, yes, I'd only go with a Toyota, but for a new vehicle, it doesn't matter nearly as much. The diesel that they're putting in the Jeep is actually a Fiat-based V-6 that is a very proven motor. It'll last a long, long time. The electronics around it, probably not so much, but still, you'll probably be enjoying your vehicle much more overall.
Last year, when I was car shopping for a good snow/off-road vehicle, I tested the new 4-Runner and FJ. While they both seemed more than competent, I couldn't bring myself to buy one due to their extremely outdated, feature-lacking interiors. A $40k+ 4-Runner didn't hold a candle to the Jeep GC's when it came to features and amenities. Plus really crappy mpg to boot. Good vehicles, though. The costs just aren't justifiable in my eyes, especially since Toyota dealers are FAR less negotiable on them. Unless you plan on driving it until the day you die. They might be worth it then, as they do last forever. I personally get bored of cars faster than that.
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yeah, I like the negotiating plan!
RE toyo's interior. agreed, there is absolutely no comparison between the 4 and GC. the GC is like a luxury vehicle interior. easy on the eyes, no glaring tinny trim.
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I went to the Toyota dealership to give them an honest look, but was honestly extremely disappointed in how the Toyotas were overflowing with cheapy, hard plastics. No way was I going to spend that kind of cash on an interior that was well below that of my old '04 Mazda 3...a car I spent $15.9k on brand new. Also hard to swallow after I was used to driving my old '97 Cadillac DeVille that I spent $2,000 on (that thing had a beautiful, well-appointed interior, with TONS of great features). If I'm going to spend over 40 grand, that thing better blow the doors off of anything I've ever owned. I'm not spending that amount of money to majorly downgrade in interior quality, I don't care how off-road worthy it is.
That's where the GC impresses me. The interior of that absolutely blows away every car I've ever owned, including my 2005 Cadillac CTS-V. Yes, I've owned a lot of different cars. Haha.
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Seems to have some off-road cred, too:
- Finndog
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yeah, its a great truck. i do think it's a bit boring looking on the exterior though
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Quite true, but that boring, conservative look is what's going to keep it looking good in the long run, though. For example, I have a '99 GC. That thing is still a great looking vehicle IMO, and doesn't look too dated at all. Same with the 4-Runner's of yore. I think the 90's versions are still fantastic looking vehicles. Sometimes when cars try to look too modern or futuristic, it makes them look aged really quick. Take many of the 90's Dodge cars, for example.
You're right, though. Very bland looking. But whatevs. At least you'll be lounging in that awesome Napa leather. That cabin's so nice, you won't care what the world outside thinks of it. 
- Finndog
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yeah. still currently #1 choice.... ![]()
- AustinFromSA
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Hey, I'll give you a fantastic deal on MY Grand Cherokee Limited with the V-8. It may be about 13 years old, has about 200,000 miles on it, and is pretty well beat up, but at least it's interior still smokes the new 4-Runners! And it'd be about 1/15th the price. 
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Jeep, in North America, has used Mercedes diesels in GC's and VM Motori diesels in Libertys. VM Motori was founded in 1947. Detroit Diesel bought VM in '95 and Detroit Diesel was bought by Chrysler in 2000. In 2003 Penske bought 51% of VM from Chrysler, then the remaining 49% in 2007. Still with me? Penske sold 50% to GM later that year. Fiat later bought the 50% GM had and that is how Fiat ended up with VM. Or something like that.
The next GC diesel engine is not Fiat based, it comes from VM Motori. They make fantastic engines and have been installed in Jeep Wranglers and Libertys, here in the states, for export, for many years.
http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2011/02/jeep-to-show-new-diesel-for-grand-cherokee
http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2012/01/jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel-coming-for-2013
Look for the GC diesels to start selling late this summer, early fall.
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I have one too. Mine is a 96 with 175,000. Great machine.
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I failed to mention that starting in '13 GC's will have an 8 speed AT. This is HUGE and will bump up fuel mileage significantly.
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As a past owner of a VM Motori Liberty and current owner of an ML320 Merc I'm sold on diesels. I hope Jeep does more development on the new GC diesel than they did on the Liberty. It could have been a great setup but was only good. My ML is living up to expectations. I'm getting 32-35mpg on trips in warmer weather with great drive all day comfort. Never had any snow traction issues. Hope to keep it a long time.
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