*** Long Post Ahead, Proceed with Caution *** 
I had been looking for a WJ for some time now. I don't know if I'm right keeping it that specific, but I have kinda restricted my search for 2001+ model years (cause of the 5-speed auto vs 4-speed auto in older ones) and Overland trim, mainly due to them being equipped with the V8 4.7L HO (265hp and 325lb-ft of torque), Quadra-track TC, Vari-lock differentials (LSD diffs front and rear) and factory rock sliders.
Leaving in Athens, Greece supply for stock, clean (Jeep was rust-free) and low milage WJ with the above characteristics is not plenty at all. I came across the other day a 2003 overland with 143k km (89k miles) on it and inspected it yesterday. The thing is that is had been almost idle since 2014 (when the last service took place at 128k km (80k miles). Asking price is 7k.
The guy at the shop who inspected it (he has been taking care of my 2003 TJ for many years now) said that the Jeep seamed in very good condition and that I shouldn't bother with it being idle for such a long time if there are no major (part from the expected ones). The list with the expected ones though (normal for a vehicle that has been almost completely idle for many years was not short. These included replacement of oil and filters (engine, transmission, TC, Front/Rear Diffs etc.), engine headers (the engine did a metallic sound when turned on), HVAC blended doors (AC did not blow cold through all vents), new tires and sealing (axles, crankshaft, tranny etc.)and finally, we ran the diagnostic since check engine light was on and showed that lambda sensor (not sure I say this one right, the one in the catalytic converter) needed replacement. According to my mechanic, nothing of the above consists an issue that should make me walk away, rather than I want it, I could use them to take about 1k of the price (offer 6k) since all the above would finally cost me about 2 grand (so total cost to bring it in a good running condition would (hopefully) reach 8k.
The purpose of this Jeep would be to serve as a 2nd vehicle (probably shared within the family) primarily for vacation. Either road-trips with mild off-roading around the mainland or an island getaway Jeep (although it's tough to beat the open-air feeling of the TJ in the Greek islands during the summer
, sometimes passenger and cargo capacity is an issue). Thus, it is planed to be driven mostly on highways and country roads (not a lot of city driving) and (at least is supposed to 
) stay in stock form.
I found a thread in another forum with the key points to check before buying a WJ, however I was wondering if anyone here has experience with it that can share. (important things to check, what is a red flag and I should stay away from, parts availability in the future, is it in fact correct to keep my search restricted only to Overlands? etc.)
I don't know what's the value of the WJ in the States at the moment, but considering that Overland trim is rare over here and the interior of this one was in a pretty good condition for an 18-year old Jeep, without saying it's a bargain, it seems to be a good deal.
I already test-drove it a bit yesterday (after my mechanic did) and didn't find any issues using as guidance the WJ Grand Cherokee Buyer's Guide I found in another forum. I'm close to pulling the trigger on this one after doing another inspection for the minor stuff (check power mirrors, heating seats etc.) that I didn't have time to check yesterday.
However, those who did manage to get to the end of this post
and have some knowledge to share, I would greatly appreciate any input.
Attaching a couple of pics from the add as well.
Many thanks in advance,
Kon
I had been looking for a WJ for some time now. I don't know if I'm right keeping it that specific, but I have kinda restricted my search for 2001+ model years (cause of the 5-speed auto vs 4-speed auto in older ones) and Overland trim, mainly due to them being equipped with the V8 4.7L HO (265hp and 325lb-ft of torque), Quadra-track TC, Vari-lock differentials (LSD diffs front and rear) and factory rock sliders.
Leaving in Athens, Greece supply for stock, clean (Jeep was rust-free) and low milage WJ with the above characteristics is not plenty at all. I came across the other day a 2003 overland with 143k km (89k miles) on it and inspected it yesterday. The thing is that is had been almost idle since 2014 (when the last service took place at 128k km (80k miles). Asking price is 7k.
The guy at the shop who inspected it (he has been taking care of my 2003 TJ for many years now) said that the Jeep seamed in very good condition and that I shouldn't bother with it being idle for such a long time if there are no major (part from the expected ones). The list with the expected ones though (normal for a vehicle that has been almost completely idle for many years was not short. These included replacement of oil and filters (engine, transmission, TC, Front/Rear Diffs etc.), engine headers (the engine did a metallic sound when turned on), HVAC blended doors (AC did not blow cold through all vents), new tires and sealing (axles, crankshaft, tranny etc.)and finally, we ran the diagnostic since check engine light was on and showed that lambda sensor (not sure I say this one right, the one in the catalytic converter) needed replacement. According to my mechanic, nothing of the above consists an issue that should make me walk away, rather than I want it, I could use them to take about 1k of the price (offer 6k) since all the above would finally cost me about 2 grand (so total cost to bring it in a good running condition would (hopefully) reach 8k.
The purpose of this Jeep would be to serve as a 2nd vehicle (probably shared within the family) primarily for vacation. Either road-trips with mild off-roading around the mainland or an island getaway Jeep (although it's tough to beat the open-air feeling of the TJ in the Greek islands during the summer
, sometimes passenger and cargo capacity is an issue). Thus, it is planed to be driven mostly on highways and country roads (not a lot of city driving) and (at least is supposed to ) stay in stock form.I found a thread in another forum with the key points to check before buying a WJ, however I was wondering if anyone here has experience with it that can share. (important things to check, what is a red flag and I should stay away from, parts availability in the future, is it in fact correct to keep my search restricted only to Overlands? etc.)
I don't know what's the value of the WJ in the States at the moment, but considering that Overland trim is rare over here and the interior of this one was in a pretty good condition for an 18-year old Jeep, without saying it's a bargain, it seems to be a good deal.
I already test-drove it a bit yesterday (after my mechanic did) and didn't find any issues using as guidance the WJ Grand Cherokee Buyer's Guide I found in another forum. I'm close to pulling the trigger on this one after doing another inspection for the minor stuff (check power mirrors, heating seats etc.) that I didn't have time to check yesterday.
However, those who did manage to get to the end of this post
and have some knowledge to share, I would greatly appreciate any input.Attaching a couple of pics from the add as well.
Many thanks in advance,
Kon
but it’s very informative.
