Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: silly lily on January 27, 2008, 04:08:29 PM

Title: Going to test-drive this T-reg GC tomorrow. Opinions?
Post by: silly lily on January 27, 2008, 04:08:29 PM: Hi guys! Going to view a Grand Cherokee tomorrow, I think it's a 1999, before the face-lift definitely. It's got around 65k on the clock, it's a limited, 4L (but of course ) and the dealer wants £3995, which will be reduced, I'm sure.
So, what shall I look for on the test-drive, please? Any known trouble areas?
Looks the business, no tow bar (could be good news!). Anyone of you wise guys close by (Leamington) who might be willing to come along?

THe reg no is T603 LJN, in case someone might know it, but I know it's a long shot.

My intention is to convert it to LPG as I can't find one already done AND low mileage.
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Post by: Mike Pavelin on January 27, 2008, 04:58:09 PM: If it's the old shape ZG Grand that's far too much money to pay at any mileage.
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Post by: silly lily on January 27, 2008, 05:31:54 PM: It's this shape:

(http://http://birtydastardsjeepclub.com/forum/userpix/1181_gc_1.jpg)

How much should I try for?
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Post by: Mike Pavelin on January 27, 2008, 06:17:43 PM: That's a ZG alright. Wouldn't pay more than 3 grand for an absolute minter if I were you.

Apart from the commonsense HPi checks, paperwork etc.....

Start from cold with the bonnet open and listen to the passanger side of the engine. If there is a blowing exhaust noise from here, the exhaust manifold is cracked.
Listen for dry/rough bearing noises and whining from the rear axle when cruising. They have a terrible appetite for bearings.
Make some tight turns and make sure it doesn't feel as if you're having to apply extra power to keep it moving/Does the steering fight against you at the same time. The viscous coupling in the transfer case can sieze.
Make sure you can actually feel the automatic transmission change gear. If it feels like it's pulling away in second or third and not changing up, it's broken.
Make sure the air conditioning is ice cold. If the dealer says it just needs recharging get him to do it and gaurantee the A/C. The evaporator inside the dash leaks and costs a fortune to replace.
Check the heated seats work. They fail regularly.
Make sure everything else electrical works properly.
Make sure the alarm works and both remotes are present and correct.
Make sure the tyres have plenty of tread.
Make sure the handbrake works properly. The brake shoes disintegrate.
Make sure there are no warning lamps on all the time.
Check the service history. If it's missing walk away.
Get a very comprehensive warranty, even if you have to pay a few quid extra. These cars can be a money pit.
You are paying over the odds for this car so it should be perfect. You can get the newer shape for under 5 grand now. So if you're not sure, walk away.
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Post by: tag on January 27, 2008, 07:11:37 PM: Wow after reading that I've walked away, and I'm not buying it!!!
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Post by: Dave69 on January 27, 2008, 08:40:02 PM: a friend of mine had one of this shape, TBH the rear axle was an issue on his. He went through two in just over a year and solicitors letters with the main dealer who sold it finally got him sorted with a refund. be wary and go by Mikes list
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Post by: silly lily on January 27, 2008, 10:16:16 PM: Quote from: "Mike Pavelin"
That's a ZG alright. Wouldn't pay more than 3 grand for an absolute minter if I were you.

Apart from the commonsense HPi checks, paperwork etc.....

Start from cold with the bonnet open and listen to the passanger side of the engine. If there is a blowing exhaust noise from here, the exhaust manifold is cracked...........................................
.

Oh, my god! That's a list!!
I had a good feeling about this one, because that's the GC I like over the 1999-2005 model. But no, I wouldn't pay more than £3200 for it. Tell me please these are very reliable vehicles, it would be my every day ride and mountain biking ride through the Alps (so help me God).
Sure the latter is cheap too, but I still need to add the LPG conversion on top of that.
Thank you for the list, my friend, appreciate your time.
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Post by: silly lily on January 27, 2008, 10:28:21 PM: Would I be better off looking at the newer shape, post '99? Are they better, more reliable machines?
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Post by: tim_aka_tim on January 27, 2008, 10:37:27 PM: IMO, as an ex-owner, you might as well just flush your money down the bog as buy as mk2 Grand. I'm not alone. Check out www.carsurvey.org (http://www.carsurvey.org) to see what others think of it.
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Post by: silly lily on January 27, 2008, 11:06:46 PM: By MK 2, you mean the 1999-2005 model, please?
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Post by: tim_aka_tim on January 28, 2008, 12:28:39 AM: Yes.
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Post by: Mike Pavelin on January 28, 2008, 07:46:25 AM: Both versions have their problems. Although they don't very frequently break down the annoying stuff that does happen can be expensive to fix, especially if you can't do it yourself. If you want one get an inspection done on it and buy with a good warranty.
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Post by: tartanzj on January 28, 2008, 12:35:27 PM: I'd agree with Mike's on the price, it does seem a bit steep.

I just hope his list is not typical for all ZJ's or I'm in for a catastrophic disaster soon. :lol: )
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Post by: silly lily on January 28, 2008, 05:26:37 PM: Well, couldn't test drive due to lack of battery. So the guys fitted some run-down battery on a charger, and I could only check the electrics which all work as they should. Every button works.
The engine started nice and smooth on that crappy battery, no strange noises. Stacks of SH, may even call the garage that serviced it many times. Will test drive on Wed when its new battery arrives.
Thanks for your advice... keep it coming, please!