Jeep Commander OR Jeep Grand Cherokee????

[wm6405]

Hey guys, I'm turning 16 soon and will getting my first car...hopefully. (Don't worry, I'm not some spoiled 16 year old who gets everything he wants. I worked hard this summer so I can help pay for part of my car/gas/insurance.) But since I'm putting money towards it, my dad was letting me choose cars in our price range and I think I've narrowed it down to either a Jeep Commander or Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I'm not sure which I like better...If any one owns either of these cars, I'd like to hear about them. Or if you have any insight towards either one it would be helpful in my decision making.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[lbro]

In my opinion, Jeeps aren't very good in terms of quality but if you really want one of the two I would go with the Grand Cherokee because I think it looks nicer.

 

[wm6405]

In my opinion, Jeeps aren't very good in terms of quality but if you really want one of the two I would go with the Grand Cherokee because I think it looks nicer.

Alright thanks, I'm still open to other cars though. I was also looking at Xterras too...But I would want a car with pretty good quality because I'll be getting something used that is 4 or 5 years old with 50K-70ishK miles, so I would want it to be built well so I'm not having to pay for repairs all the time.

 

[Burnsey]

Alright thanks, I'm still open to other cars though. I was also looking at Xterras too...But I would want a car with pretty good quality because I'll be getting something used that is 4 or 5 years old with 50K-70ishK miles, so I would want it to be built well so I'm not having to pay for repairs all the time.

An older Jeep will no doubt be a nightmare when it comes to reliability and maintenance. Also why buy a giant SUV? Get a nice 2 door coupe or hatchback. Better yet, check out the new Ford Fiesta.

 

[Theclamshell]

The Xterra seems like a nice car but i would have to say if you can afford it check out the fiesta and other small cars like that Cough*Kia Soul*Cough

i would get the commander though because i think it has a nicer, newer look than the Cherokee.

 

[waloshin]

This

Versus

I would say the Jeep Grand Cherokee for the exterior and the Jeep Commander for the interior.

 

[kellen]

I would go with the grand Cherokee. The commander is big and has 3rd row seating. I also prefer the look of the grand. Also the transmissions aren't that reliable in the commander, but that may be limited to certain years.

I have a jeep Cherokee and it has been a great car. However the brands are generally at generally more problematic. The good thing is that jeep has a great online community so you can get help easily.

 

[JoeG4]

They're both almost the same size, did NOT realize that. Both kinda big IMHO for a 16 year old, here's a small piece of advice:

Whichever you get, get a backup camera and/or sensors. THEY WILL SAVE YOUR ASS. Serious.

The 5.7 + 5 speed transmission will serve you great as far as reliability is concerned, you might run into stupid faults like needing to replace worn suspension parts or small electronic parts, but if you're looking into european cars you'll run into the same stuff there lol.

There's only 2" of difference between the Commander and GC - I just found that out :O Surprised the hell out of me. At 186" and 188" they're both not that big.

Still, be careful.

 

[yg17]

I wouldn't touch a Chrysler with a 10 foot pole.

 

[Fezwick]

If you're 16 and want a Jeep, I'd probably get an older one. The older Cherokees and Grand Cherokees are pretty nice vehicles. My family has owned several without having any significant problems. The other thing is you can buy them pretty cheap. I drive a 2000 Cherokee and it's been a solid vehicle.

Like Kellen said, the Jeep community is pretty sweet. If you're really strapped for cash and something breaks, fix it yourself. There are all sorts of online write-ups for just about everything.

If you're dead set in buying a newer one, I'd probably go with a Grand Cherokee. My dad has an '08. Nice car and a really smooth ride.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

I had a 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L from 2005-09 and it was a great, great car. I never had a single issue with it and it never went to the shop for more than routine service. The gas mileage is horrible (I averaged around 15 mpg combined), which should play into your decision, since as a teenager you're probably going to be driving a lot and leaving it idling for extended periods (with stereo blaring, no doubt).

As for the post with the pictures of the interiors, you posted pictures of the GC Laredo (bottom of the line) and the Commander Limited (or maybe even the top-of-the-line Overland). To compare apples to apples, this is what the inside of my GC looked like, and I think the newer ones are even nicer.

 

[liamoblomy]

grand cherokee everytime. Beautiful car.

 

[iJohnHenry]

Are we safe in assuming you need all that space for friends, sport equipment, camping, etc??

and other small cars like that Cough*Kia Soul*Cough

I gave one a hard look at the dealers, while waiting for my KIA's lube service.

It's well thought out, but, as much as I try, I can't get my head around the style. It's certainly better than the other cubes out there right now. Cough*Fugly*Cough

I would suggest you test drive the new Forte Koup. Very sporty, and a probable chick magnet.

 

[Theclamshell]

I would suggest you test drive the new Forte Koup. Very sporty, and a probable chick magnet.

let me chime in on the Forte's i have the 4 door model and i LOVE the thing. I highly recommend it.

 

[waloshin]

I had a 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L from 2005-09 and it was a great, great car. I never had a single issue with it and it never went to the shop for more than routine service. The gas mileage is horrible (I averaged around 15 mpg combined), which should play into your decision, since as a teenager you're probably going to be driving a lot and leaving it idling for extended periods (with stereo blaring, no doubt).

As for the post with the pictures of the interiors, you posted pictures of the GC Laredo (bottom of the line) and the Commander Limited (or maybe even the top-of-the-line Overland). To compare apples to apples, this is what the inside of my GC looked like, and I think the newer ones are even nicer.

Yes they are the 2011:

 

[wm6405]

Thanks everyone for your responses. They have all been very helpful...Some of you said that I don't need a big car like that and I'd be better off with a small car, but I'm not really a big fan of small cars and so I'd prefer an SUV. Although, to be honest, I really wouldn't need all the room that the Commander has or the third row of seating because I can't imagine me needing to take more than 2 or 3 people around...Also, some of you said that they are pretty reliable cars (or at least the newer ones) which is good if I'd be getting an '05 or later because I won't have the money for frequent repairs. And I guess if it's not too big of a job my dad and I could fix it...And another important thing is safety. My parents wanted something that's safe. So are either of these safer than the other? I've heard the wranglers aren't very stable and flip easy but these both seem like they'd be much more sturdy to me.

Thanks.

 

[TheShinyMac]

Wow. That new Cherokee is looking nice, I also am in the same situation as you, but Im leaning towards an sedan but wow this is sticking out to me!

 

[kellen]

Wrangler isn't going to tip over, you'll be fine. However they are noisy and can be harsh.

Jeeps are nice to have and quality seems to be hit or miss with them.

The 3rd row folds flat in the commander so you wont really notice it while it's away. Friend has one that is loads with leather, nav, 3rd row seating, back up camera. Nice, but I like the grand Cherokees looks better.

I would avoid the hemi engine and srt8 as you will prob not need the power.

 

[wm6405]

Wow. That new Cherokee is looking nice, I also am in the same situation as you, but Im leaning towards an sedan but wow this is sticking out to me!

I know! The 2011 Grand Cherokees pretty much look like luxury cars from the inside now (and I almost think they've lost there "Jeep" look from the outside too). But they definitely are nice...it's just that they double my price range that I'm in.

 

[TheShinyMac]

I know! The 2011 Grand Cherokees pretty much look like luxury cars from the inside now (and I almost think they've lost there "Jeep" look from the outside too). But they definitely are nice...it's just that they double my price range that I'm in.

Well what is the situation with your parents? As in what do you have to meet to get the car? To my understanding you already got the green light "pun intended" and now its your choice? I have to get straight As this year, which won't be easy and I have to pay for gas which isn't hard since I already have a job and no other expenses until I'm 18 I believe we are both in the same budget and currently I'm torn between the A4 and Acura TL

 

[JoeG4]

Be ready for the gas bill. My 300c costs $50 a week in gas (and I drive about 14k a year).

All SUVs are more at risk for rolling than cars are - even with things such as roll mitigation and ESP, it's just simple physics. If you're that worried about that maybe you should look at a Dodge Magnum instead (which is actually a bit longer than the GC or commander lol). The LXes (magnum/300/charger/challenger) are all pretty safe cars (I've seen 2 incidents now where someone managed to roll one at 100+mph and still walked away), and they still have a lot of character if that's what you're looking for.

ShinyMac: I know you like Audis, but an Acura TL? Is that even a comparo? The A4 is a FWD car. It has the 2.0T sure, but it's still fundamentally FWD and will be a headache fairly quickly. Have you considered the TSX? That's where I'd go. Honda V6s + automatics are kinda.. I dunno. Still a great car I'm sure

Meh I've been there though. Audis are very nice looking cars.

 

[yoyo5280]

Neither. A used Land Rover LR3.
heh.

 

[TheShinyMac]

ShinyMac: I know you like Audis, but an Acura TL? Is that even a comparo? The A4 is a FWD car. It has the 2.0T sure, but it's still fundamentally FWD and will be a headache fairly quickly. Have you considered the TSX? That's where I'd go. Honda V6s + automatics are kinda.. I dunno. Still a great car I'm sure

Meh I've been there though. Audis are very nice looking cars.

I thought they were comparable I mean near the same price point, both look amazing. etc, care to inform me as why the Audi will be a headache quickly? I have no knowledge when it comes to FWD vs AWD Vs RWD except when driving in snow EDIT in the TL they have the Tiptronic transmission with is like standard without the clutch and I feel like if I get the TL I would wan't that package

 

[wm6405]

Well what is the situation with your parents? As in what do you have to meet to get the car? To my understanding you already got the green light "pun intended" and now its your choice? I have to get straight As this year, which won't be easy and I have to pay for gas which isn't hard since I already have a job and no other expenses until I'm 18 I believe we are both in the same budget and currently I'm torn between the A4 and Acura TL

Yeah, I've pretty much already gotten the green light from my parents. They've never really had like standards I have to meet, but like I've always made good grades and I never get in trouble for screwing around and stuff. And since I'm putting a good sum of money towards it, they want me to have some say in what it is, instead of just trying to surprise me. But they still have a price limit and everything...Yeah I'm looking for cars under about 15K so that Audi and Acura are pretty close to that if you get them used

 

[TSE]

Go for a Subaru wagon. Lots of space while not being big, all wheel drive, decent gas mileage, dependable, maneuverable, and did I say all wheel drive?