Jeep Commander OR Jeep Grand Cherokee????

[JoeG4]

The TL does have something like tiptronic, but it's definitely not 'like a standard without a clutch' lol. DSGs are closer in behavior, but still not a substitute for 'the real thing'.

That's not to say they're worthless - when you are on a twisty mountain road you can put it in say, 3rd gear much easier than you could with an oldschool gear selector, and keep it there as long as you (and the car) think it's a good idea.

It's just a more intuitive approach to the old "PRND321" gear selectors. The DSG system is a totally different type of mechanical system than your standard automatic is, but it's still an automatic for all intents and purposes.

 

[lbro]

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?

He's 16 years old, he wouldn't want to be seen in one of those. I know I wouldn't. I would get a Nissan Xterra with 4x4. The 05's are around 12-17k in good condition.

PS: Checked craigslist in California.

 

[TheShinyMac]

The TL does have something like tiptronic, but it's definitely not 'like a standard without a clutch' lol. DSGs are closer in behavior, but still not a substitute for 'the real thing'.

That's not to say they're worthless - when you are on a twisty mountain road you can put it in say, 3rd gear much easier than you could with an oldschool gear selector, and keep it there as long as you (and the car) think it's a good idea.

It's just a more intuitive approach to the old "PRND321" gear selectors. The DSG system is a totally different type of mechanical system than your standard automatic is, but it's still an automatic for all intents and purposes.

So Joe, as far as I can tell, you are recommending the Acura TL to me?

 

[yg17]

The TL does have something like tiptronic, but it's definitely not 'like a standard without a clutch' lol. DSGs are closer in behavior, but still not a substitute for 'the real thing'.

That's not to say they're worthless - when you are on a twisty mountain road you can put it in say, 3rd gear much easier than you could with an oldschool gear selector, and keep it there as long as you (and the car) think it's a good idea.

It's just a more intuitive approach to the old "PRND321" gear selectors. The DSG system is a totally different type of mechanical system than your standard automatic is, but it's still an automatic for all intents and purposes.

Having driven a real manual, DSG and a "regular" tiptronic (i.e., non DSG, torque converter), I think a proper manual is still the best IMO, but the DSGs aren't bad, and they can shift faster than any human possibly can in a manual, so if all you care about is raw 0-60 and quarter mile times, then the DSG is probably the best. But for the fun factor, give me a real manual any day. The regular tiptronics aren't even worth mentioning. They're slow to shift, I think shifting in tiptronic mode on some of those is slower than the time it takes for it to shift in D. My parents' both have cars with tiptronic (Hyundai Sonata and Mazda 3) and when I'm driving them, yeah, it might be nice to flip the gear selector over to the tiptronic mode and downshift to pass someone on the highway, but it's really nothing giving it a bit more gas won't accomplish. It seems rather gimmicky and it's something they just throw in there to claim the car has a "sporty manual mode" or some BS like that. The DSG is different because you can go from 6th to 4th in the blink of an eye, god only knows how long a tiptronic would take to shift from 6th to 4th.

And I couldn't agree more on your last statement. I have a GTI, which is one of the cars VW offers with a DSG, and on the GTI forums, I'm always seeing people saying "No, the DSG isn't an automatic, it's a clutchless manual!" Bullcrap. If there's a mode where it can automatically shift gears for you, it's a bloody automatic. A very good automatic transmission, yes, but still an automatic.

 

[TSE]

He's 16 years old, he wouldn't want to be seen in one of those. I know I wouldn't. I would get a Nissan Xterra with 4x4. The 05's are around 12-17k in good condition.

PS: Checked craigslist in California.

I'm 17 and quite frankly I would be perfectly happy with one. Who cares what anyone else thinks?

 

[TheShinyMac]

And I couldn't agree more on your last statement. I have a GTI, which is one of the cars VW offers with a DSG, and on the GTI forums, I'm always seeing people saying "No, the DSG isn't an automatic, it's a clutchless manual!" Bullcrap. If there's a mode where it can automatically shift gears for you, it's a bloody automatic. A very good automatic transmission, yes, but still an automatic.

Wait so does the 2010 Acura TL have the fast switching Tiptronic or no? I am way to excited for this

 

[Theclamshell]

I'm 17 and quite frankly I would be perfectly happy with one. Who cares what anyone else thinks?

I'm 15 and i was looking at Subaru wagons and foresters i think there pretty sick actually

 

[yg17]

Wait so does the 2010 Acura TL have the fast switching Tiptronic or no? I am way to excited for this

I have no idea what the TL has, but unless it has a clutch pedal, whatever it has is nothing like a standard transmission.

What is someone your age doing with a brand new TL anyways? Insurance will be expensive, and no offense, but as a novice driver, chances are much greater that you'll end up wrecking it.

 

[Tilpots]

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?

Yeah. A Forrester or Outback sounds exactly like what the OP needs. A big Jeep SUV isn't necessary. Everything I've seen about the Subarus is positive. Fun, reliable, good on gas, low cost of ownership... Slam dunk.

Whatever u get OP, drive safe

 

[Dane D.]

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?

I had a Forestor, great car till you hit 100k miles, head gaskets went. Expensive repair and went out again at 190k. Axles and bearings are quite weak, replaced all, twice. Electrical problems also were common, interior lights would not work, went through many headlights. Gas mileage sucked for a small engine (18-19 mpg) in city. Not comfortable on long trips.

As for the OP and his Jeep, don't do it, Jeeps are quite poor in build quality and expensive to repair. My father has a GC, only thing good is the engine. AC/heater problems, electric windows failed, worst ride I ever experienced. Go for a KIA Sportage, I have a 2007.

After 56k miles, only one problem, rear anti-sway bar linkage wore out on right-side. Great gas mileage with 4 cylinder and 5-speed, I get 24-26 city, 27-28 highway.

 

[TheShinyMac]

I have no idea what the TL has, but unless it has a clutch pedal, whatever it has is nothing like a standard transmission.

What is someone your age doing with a brand new TL anyways? Insurance will be expensive, and no offense, but as a novice driver, chances are much greater that you'll end up wrecking it.

I did not say I have it yet lol I am still safe, knowing my parents they will put a speed limit on it, which I know wil kill the engine correct? But anyways I have taken several defensive driving courses so I feel prepared for the road, I;m not your average teen age driver according to Allstate!

 

[bamaworks]

I had a Jeep Commander till recently with the 4.7L V8 and QDII, was a nice vehicle until the transfer case died conveniently out of warranty (38000 miles) and I switched to a 2010 Ford F-150 XLT and the quality difference is astounding. The Ford feels infinitely more soundly assembled and of greater quality materials.

Just my 2 cents FWIW.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

A Forrester or Outback sounds exactly like what the OP needs. A big Jeep SUV isn't necessary.

I don't think he's worried about what we think is necessary. He should go for the JGC as long as he realizes how much gas he's going to be burning through.

 

[stonyc]

Get a used 2001 or so Cherokee Sport. The mileage is likely to be comparable to the GC or Commander, maybe better... you'll save money on the total price (you can probably find a nice one for 5-6k) and insurance. Then you could ask your parents' permission to put the savings on your vehicle towards college (for example: you could get a nice MBP out of it when you start in the next couple years).

That's if you're looking at a Jeep, only. Personally, I would stay away from the GC and Commander... Chrysler in general, I would stay away from, unless you really had your heart set on something like the CJ or Wrangler.

If you're really looking at an SUV, maybe consider a 4x4 Ford Escape... better mileage, and not so much of a "beast".

20/26 4x4 Escape
15/20 Commander
16/22 Grand Cherokee

 

[countrykid333]

If I had to pick between the two, Id go GC, but that being said I think your going down the wrong road if your looking for a car that is well suited for a new driver. A big Suv may look cool, I know what your thinking; high ride height, big V8, put all the friends in the back, but trust me you'll regret it. Between gas and simple drivability a suv is probably not the best choice.

I have to agree with who ever has been suggesting a subaru, Im a huge fan of these cars. Subarus are fairly reliable (in my experience) and the all wheel drive is really a plus, even in southern environments. If youre looking at a 2005ish year car look at the outback Xt, its basically the normal outback with a turbo thrown on and better suspension.

There have been some head gasket problems, subaru has done some redesigns to mend the problem and its also been known that if you replace your coolant at the recommended intervals with subaru coolant it will greatly reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring.

Good luck shopping

 

[wm6405]

As for the OP and his Jeep, don't do it, Jeeps are quite poor in build quality and expensive to repair. My father has a GC, only thing good is the engine. AC/heater problems, electric windows failed, worst ride I ever experienced. Go for a KIA Sportage, I have a 2007.
.

What year GC did your dad have? Do they get any more reliable with the newer models?

 

[wm6405]

I don't think he's worried about what we think is necessary. He should go for the JGC as long as he realizes how much gas he's going to be burning through.

Yeah I really don't think I'd be using as much gas as you guys think I would be. I mean, I live like 2 miles from school and all my friends and places I'd need to go are pretty much in a 5-8 mile radius of me. So I really can't see myself needing to fill up more than once every couple weeks or so...Or that's at least what I would hope for. I definitely could be underestimating how much I would be driving though.

 

[Tilpots]

Yeah I really don't think I'd be using as much gas as you guys think I would be. I mean, I live like 2 miles from school and all my friends and places I'd need to go are pretty much in a 5-8 mile radius of me. So I really can't see myself needing to fill up more than once every couple weeks or so...Or that's at least what I would hope for. I definitely could be underestimating how much I would be driving though.

Your thinking is very short term. You may have this car for the next ten years. Your about to make a big investment that will effect you for many years to come. Choose wisely.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

Yeah I really don't think I'd be using as much gas as you guys think I would be. I mean, I live like 2 miles from school and all my friends and places I'd need to go are pretty much in a 5-8 mile radius of me. So I really can't see myself needing to fill up more than once every couple weeks or so...Or that's at least what I would hope for. I definitely could be underestimating how much I would be driving though.

When I was your age I lived about that close to school, and most of my friends lived in fairly close proximity, but I drove everywhere, all the time, just because I could. Don't underestimate the sense of freedom have a car at 16 brings, and the amount you'll be exercising that freedom. Also, you'll probably have the biggest car amongst your friends (especially if you go with the Commander), so you'll always be the one driving.

Still, like I said on my first post, I loved my Grand Cherokee and drove it like crazy for the four years I had it and never had a problem. If you want an SUV and can afford the gas, you won't be sorry.

 

[steve2112]

I think OP needs the Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Yeah, it's got a Hemi in it. 415HP worth of Hemi.

 

[wm6405]

When I was your age I lived about that close to school, and most of my friends lived in fairly close proximity, but I drove everywhere, all the time, just because I could. Don't underestimate the sense of freedom have a car at 16 brings, and the amount you'll be exercising that freedom. Also, you'll probably have the biggest car amongst your friends (especially if you go with the Commander), so you'll always be the one driving.

Still, like I said on my first post, I loved my Grand Cherokee and drove it like crazy for the four years I had it and never had a problem. If you want an SUV and can afford the gas, you won't be sorry.

Thanks man, you're probably right. I think I'd be driving a lot more than I think...But I don't know if everyone would be wanting to ride with me because of my car. It's kinda insane/stupid what the kids at my school gets. If I just look at my grades parking lot at school it's like: Wrangler Sahara, Tahoe, Camero, Silverado, Denali, Xterra, Wrangler, Yukon, Mercedes, F-150 all lined up. So there will definitely be some bigger and nicer cars around for people to ride in, and I am perfectly Okay and happy with that.

 

[Sankersizzle]

Thanks man, you're probably right. I think I'd be driving a lot more than I think...But I don't know if everyone would be wanting to ride with me because of my car. It's kinda insane/stupid what the kids at my school gets. If I just look at my grades parking lot at school it's like: Wrangler Sahara, Tahoe, Camero, Silverado, Denali, Xterra, Wrangler, Yukon, Mercedes, F-150 all lined up. So there will definitely be some bigger and nicer cars around for people to ride in, and I am perfectly Okay and happy with that.

haha, i know what you mean. i graduated high school in '07 when the Range Rover's popularity amount youth really took off and our student parking lot was filled with them. i got a nice speedy little car that no one could fit in -so i wouldn't have to drive all the time/have them rough up my car.

once i got to university though, i realized you can't put kegs in a speedy little car, so i got a big SUV. you'll really appreciate the space once you get into university. plus, something that no one has touched on is that it's WAY more comfy in an SUV when you're getting laid.

 

[wm6405]

I've Made My Decision

If any of you guys still looked at this thread, or were curious what I got...I went with the Grand Cherokee. I got a 2005 White Grand Cherokee Laredo for a really good price with 80K miles, and I'm very happy...And since it was a couple thousand under my budget I got to save a little money of that difference to put towards if I want to buy new speakers, or stereo or something like that...And I'll also need some money some of the stuff that it didn't come with (Key Fab, Floor mats, and new door handle that hasn't tried to get broken into haha [I think someone tried to jimmy the lock with a screwdriver because its a little bent and I cant lock it from the outside, but it's all good])

 

[lbro]

If any of you guys still looked at this thread, or were curious what I got...I went with the Grand Cherokee. I got a 2005 White Grand Cherokee Laredo for a really good price with 80K miles, and I'm very happy...And since it was a couple thousand under my budget I got to save a little money of that difference to put towards if I want to buy new speakers, or stereo or something like that...And I'll also need some money some of the stuff that it didn't come with (Key Fab, Floor mats, and new door handle that hasn't tried to get broken into haha [I think someone tried to jimmy the lock with a screwdriver because its a little bent and I cant lock it from the outside, but it's all good])

Congrats! I hope it serves you well. Any pics?

 

[wm6405]

Congrats! I hope it serves you well. Any pics?

This is the only one I have right now...The interior is pretty much just standard, but it did come with leather seats unlike most Laredos