When is nickle and diming enough?

[BobLMTDT4R]

When is it time to stop putting money into a vehicle?

My wife has a 01 Jeep GC 4.0L (everyone sighs when I say this). It has 131,000 on it and its in pretty good shape for an 01, but lately its been needing a lot of care.

It needs a complete exhaust system (headers back), at least 4 new gaskets that I can think of: Trans Pan, Oil Pan, Front and Rear Right Side Inner Axle Gaskets and not sure what else.

We've had to deal with several overheating issues, which is apparently normal for this year Jeep. I've replaced, 2 radiators, 4 water pumps, 3 fan sensors and 2 thermostats, plus 2 flushings. I've also replaced a sensor and solenoid in trans. Its now running fine after all this. After all this, the engine is running fine for having 131k on it.

I've done most of the work on it. Our dilemma is, do we keep it (no car payment) and spend the money to get it correct and hope nothing else happens? Or is it time to move on to a new vehicle?

I have a 97 4Runner with almost 200K on it, it has a 2nd engine in it from the previous owner, so this is something else I need to factor into this equation. Its eventually going to need trans work.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

Bob

 

[BucknutBob]

While I am NOT anti-Jeep, that many replacement parts for the cooling system is beyond ridiculous. Now to be fair, were you specifically told to replace these items, because plenty of people just replace things without first diagnosing the problem and pinpointing the culprit? At only 131k, that's a disaster--you shouldn't need all that for the entire life of a vehicle. You may be doing yourself a favor by trading or selling that--there are plenty of people that would gladly take it off your hands.

 

[Hepar]

I too am not anti-Jeep. Seen, worked and ridden in quite a few great ones. However, I'd never own a Grand Cherokee. I've known more than a few people who've owned them and every singe one was plagued with electrical issues that IF you could narrow down what they were, they were usually pretty pricey to fix.

I would dump it now while the mileage is still under 150,000. If you want another Jeep, pick up a base model with an inline 4. Those are pretty reliable. You could also get something like a Honda Civic where even if you do have issues, the repairs are pretty cheap.

 

[LittleCaesar]

It depends on how much of a car payment you can afford each month and if the GC carries any sentimental value for you.

As far as the GC overheating is concerned, check this link out for more info:
WJ Overheating - Cause and Solution - North American Grand Cherokee Association
My cousin's 2000 had this issue, we fixed it, and the I6 ran well over 200k miles until being T-boned.

 

[BobLMTDT4R]

Yea, I've tracked down all the known issues and searched the hell out of them.

The one thing I hear from EVERY mechanic, tech, dealer and person that has owned one, is that the 01 Jeep GC with the 4.0L was the worst built. It was the last of their kind before Jeep switched over in 02. The engine is literally jammed into the engine compartment. The fan sensor is located under the headlight in a void space. The fan is electrically run instead of mechanically run...sorry I'm getting angry.

I think were going to start looking around.

Thanks
Bob

 

[KidVermicious]

If it's purely a financial decision, it's easy. Look at the cost of financing a new car, factoring in interest and the need to carry full insurance and all that, and compare it to how much you're spending to keep your current vehicle on the road.

There's also sentimental value to factor in, and the need to not be stranded on the side of the road...

 

[JohnsD90]

You could sell it and get a more reliable vehicle of similar value, or just get an $8k civic and spend almost nothing to keep it going over the time you own it.

 

[BobLMTDT4R]

There is no sentimental value to this jeep. It left my wife stranded 1 time and I almost got rid of it them.

The financial point is where I am debating right now. No car payment vs low car payment, time spent fixing it vs time with family. I know there are upkeeps to all vehicles, but it gets to a point where if you can get something out of it, then you have to make a move.

Bob

 

[Ghosty]

I'm only partially anti-Jeep. They're awesome offroad, have TONS of aftermarket support, can be modded to the gills, and they're lots of fun. BUT mechanically and electrically every single one I've dealt with has been a DISASTER. Many local die-hard gearheads agree, after 150k miles they fall apart at the seams. Nothing like our Toyo's, but not expected to be.

I'd get rid of that lemon.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Wow,I'm a bit stunned by the cooling system parts replacement list and multiple times.

I didn't do my water pump/tb til 138k miles and outside normal maintenance over my current 172k miles has only consisted of axle seals @100k,coils/shocks@110k,starter and shorted coil pack@155k and that's it.

I can't imagine I'll ever own a more reliable or even just as reliable of a vehicle even if it's another 3rd gen or a Toyota period.

 

[LittleCaesar]

If you have been through that much agony, sell it. With Jeep not being proactive enough to address the problem with some fix, I'd have a sign in it tonight.