We may be in the market to repalce my 03 Tahoe and are considering a few different vehicles. One of the is NOT a new Tahoe because we dont want to spend that much. Ive looked at a few used 08 Tahoe Z71's and at 30k bucks I would rather buy a new vehicle with a warranty even tho i do plan a few light mods. So I went and drove some new jeeps..albeit short trips here are my thouts, just cuz im bored at work lol.
Drove a 2012 Jeep Unlimted Sahara edition. With hardtop,automatic and 18in wheels with all terrain goodyears. it had clot interior and the upgraded sound system but no navi. I wanted to drive a auto because if i did get one it would NOT be a manual just for everyday comfort. It rode pretty damn good...MUCH better than any other stock wrangler ive been in. Noise on the highway, 75mph with a rain and thunderstorm in the near distance, was very good. Sure some wind noise with the 3pc hard top but better than I though.
The new v6 doesnt have a ton of grunt in the lower revs but once over 3200-3500rpm its really kinda fun. Passing semis with 3 people inside was actually EASY. if you have ever owned a wrangler you know how hard that can be lol. The trans shifted well and power was really good at all levels of speed. We didnt do any offrading because it was getting late.
The interior was decent on room. Im about 6'3" and im a big framed guy but rom was decent. My right knee kinda nudged the 4wd shifter but my knee rubs against the console of my tahoe as well so it wasnt a big deal. Im kinda spoiled by power seats so yeah i wanted a little more adjustment. I did wish it went back about another 2in but it wasnt that bad. Seats were fairly comfy if a little flat. A long trip would really tell the story. Headroom...not an issue.
Fit and finish was pretty good. You have to slam the doors at time to get them to close properly but its kinda expected. Decent room in the backseat as well. Ample room in the rear boot area and the factory 7-8in sub didnt take up much space...of course if I owned one that would be out in the first week and a real 12in sub would be in its place. Over all i really liked it and Im really going to consider buying one.
If I did at a later date i would add a 2in lift, some slight road armor and better tires, nothing to aggressive but im not a oem spec tire fan on really anything lol. Also the stock headunit would be changed at some point. As would the exhaust and a CAI intake to free up some hp and a few mpg's as well as help with the sound. Magnaflow actually sounds good with the new 3.6. Overall im impressed. yed its the first wrangler ive been in since like a 98 model but still as an everday vehicle its really on my 2nd look list and i may go test drive again this time on some rougher roads
I also drove a new Grand Cherokee V6 Laredo with basic options and Leather.
The new GC has top notch fit and finish. Material feel is very good over all and the seats are very comfy. The center cole is wide enough at elbow level to be cofy for driver and pass. but again my right knee rubbed the console. Its going to happen with me just about in any vehicle but it did do it and slightly more than the Wrangler so it is what it is.
I was a little worried how the V6 would be in the GC and its not bad. Again, not much down low but its better than I thought. The trans shifts very well and smooth enough. The ride is very quiet almost subdued. Without the burble of the hemi the truck is almost too quiet. But thats what some want i guess.
Interior space is very good and offers plenty of headroom with the power seat adjusted to how i like it. good knee room against the dashboard on both side and a comfy armrest. Rear seat was pretty good...i dare say almost better than my tahoe. Rear seats seemed fairly comfy as well. The rear seats also recline a few degrees which is kinda cool. the boot area is pretty decent size with a fullsize spare hidden under the floor. thank god no more inside mounted standing spars like in the older GC's
Highway power the V6 is really good, not hemi good, but still good none the less. Again its very very quiet and handled the wind very good..but honestly its pretty boring. Kinda felt like a normal car or dare i say minivan lol.
Overall its a nice truck but I would have to have the V8 just for fun factor. Its simply to muted and boring for me with the V6. The wrangler with the same engine and trans is just more fun. Maybe its because of the off road ability and more truck like feel but I prefer the wrangler over the GC. the wifey...well she liked the GC better. The headrest was more comfy to her and it was quieter than the wrangler lol.
The wrangler with leather would be very nice to have but i would probably just add leather like seat covers later just for easy cleaning as well as wear and tear. So for now im going to consider the wrangler over the GC. Its more fun,still has a good bit of room and great power..all with good fuel economy.
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Originally Posted by PaceFever79
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