Welcome to the jeepExperts.com’s suggestions and methods to purchasing a used WK Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Have another suggestions? Please get in contact with us and inform us about it!
Buying a used 2006-2010 Grand Cherokee SRT8
Compiled by RS & Milous
Finding the correct car
1. Familiarize your self with the variations in options and choices between the completely different mannequin years. The first Grand Cherokee SRT8 was launched as a 2006 mannequin within the winter of 2005. The 2008 mannequin was a mid-cycle refresh that had extra modifications and new choices than any of the opposite mannequin years. The remaining yr for the primary era was 2010, a brief mannequin yr that ended within the spring of 2010. For detailed info see: Grand Cherokee SRT8: Features, options and specifications
2. If you’ve got by no means purchased a used car, or in case you have restricted expertise on this space we might recommend that you just spend a little time on the web looking out and studying generic articles protecting “Used automobile shopping for suggestions”. There is a lot to be discovered about shopping for and promoting practices and pitfalls. One of the worst errors you can make when shopping for a car, new or used, is to be in a hurry. Take your time and by no means accept something lower than a car with the precise colour and choices that you really want. If you’ve got a native trusted mechanic it’s at all times a good thought to have him do an total inspection of the car previous to your buy.
3. Even in case you are planning on looking for a used Jeep SRT in your native space, do a nationwide used car search and doc as many autos as potential. Write down the mannequin yr, the asking and remaining promoting costs, mileage and key choices. This gives you a good thought of the market costs for the car you might be in search of, and gives you a sign of what mannequin yr most closely fits your finances. Do a used car search on internet sites resembling Ebay, Autotrader.com or Cars.com. For further market pricing info go to the Edmunds.com TMV (True Market Value) webpage.
4. Also observe the wholesale (trade-in) costs at any time when potential. You’ll be in a higher negotiating place in the event you can decide the typical wholesale value that used car promote for. Regardless of what a salesman might inform you, they’ll have by no means paid “above wholesale e book worth”, even for decrease mileage autos in “mint” situation. You may additionally determine to purchase from a non-public get together relatively than a vendor. Used SRT autos can typically be discovered on the market on message board websites resembling CherokeeSRT8.com. You may also submit “Wanted to Buy” messages at this or related websites.
5. Check car construct dates. All else being equal, finish of mannequin yr builds are extra fascinating as points are corrected all through the mannequin yr. The construct date could be discovered on the motive force door shut face. Build date decoding info could be discovered at this hyperlink on our web page: VIN decoding and build sheets.
6. Try to acquire info on the car restore and upkeep historical past from the vendor or different sources. Find out when the switch case and axle fluids have been final modified. If wanted, this service could be considerably costly if carried out by the vendor.
7. Determine the unique “in-service” date. The “in-service” date is when the car would have first been bought and when the unique manufacturing unit guarantee would have began. Used autos might include prolonged warranties bought by the prior proprietor. Some of those warranties should not transferable, you’ll want to confirm the guarantee, if any, on the car you might be shopping for. If an prolonged guarantee is obtainable on the car you might be shopping for you’ll want to ONLY buy a guarantee by way of Chrysler/Jeep and never an aftermarket guarantee firm. Extended guarantee costs have a excessive mark up and are at all times negotiable.
Inspecting the car, inside
8. Play the radio and switch the amount up, examine for any blown audio system. For 2006-2007 fashions with a manufacturing unit navigation radio, examine the DVD disc for authenticity – eject the disc and confirm that it isn’t a “copy” (originals have silkscreened labels; copies don’t have any label or paper label). You may additionally wish to confirm how outdated the disc launch is – disc half numbers are listed right here: REC Navigation radio. For directions on eradicating the disc, see this picture: REC radio disc door removal. 2008-2010 navigation radios don’t use a disc for map software program, the recordsdata are loaded onto the onerous drive. Check nav display for scratches. If the car has the non-compulsory rear DVD participant, confirm its operation in addition to having the two pairs of wi-fi headsets and the distant management. For particulars on the rear DVD system see: Rear-Seat DVD Entertainment Systems.
13. All Jeep SRT’s got here commonplace with vibrant pedals, examine to see if they’re current and in good situation. For a picture of the pedals see: SRT8 racing pedals.
14. Check operation and situation of the entrance energy seats and rear seats. Check/wiggle entrance seats for any indicators of looseness within the tracks.
15. Check for a Jeep SRT particular proprietor’s guide, in addition to the navigation guide. If current, examine the manuals for any written-in info like the unique proprietor’s title, telephone quantity.
Inspecting the car, exterior
16. Look for autos which have been saved as near inventory as potential. Lots of householders have changed and/or modified TCM’s and PCM’s (Transmission and Powertrain Control Modules), however this can be onerous to detect. Many house owners have added, and should have since eliminated, superchargers which put a lot of pressure on inventory engine and driveline elements. How clear is the engine bay? Meticulously examine all wiring within the engine space for indicators of splicing, faucets from engine fan or different modifications, aftermarket lamps/lights set up/deinstallation, and so forth. Look for indicators of the engine heads or consumption manifold being eliminated. Many house owners put in thick manifold gaskets (aka “Phenolic spacers”) to supposedly scale back warmth switch to the manifold. These overpriced gaskets are completely nugatory and leaked as a rule. Check for indicators of coolant spray/leaks or oil stains/leaks across the whole engine bay.
17. Check the exhaust system to see whether it is inventory, aftermarket or modified. Some aftermarket cat-back corporations have had QC points resembling poor welds. With the exception of the Mopar and Corsa cat-back methods, some might have a loud drone at freeway speeds. Many house owners have added aftermarket headers which can or might not go emissions in sure states. Aftermarket headers at all times end in codes being thrown, and infrequently units are used to attempt to conceal the thrown codes, if even quickly. Headers are additionally vulnerable to leaking on the engine facet.
18. Check all 4 tires for uneven, irregular or extreme put on. Replacement run-flat tires are very costly for the Grand Cherokee. Check rims for any curb rash, dings or peeling. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 fashions by no means got here with a spare tire.
19. Check whole car (together with the roof space) for paint imperfections, indicators of repainting, scratches, dents, door dings, and so forth. This must be carried out in vibrant mild or daylight, and the car must be clear. Also examine the decrease entrance fascia airdam/foglamp space for any indicators of paint chipping or curb scrapes.
Test drive
20. Adjust the seat and steering wheel positions and ensure it’s snug for you. Take a take a look at drive on native roads in addition to the freeway. Also drive a brief distance on a tough highway if potential. Pay shut consideration as to how the car steers, shifts and brakes. Check for any vibrations, odd noises, rattles or clunks. Check for wind noise at freeway speeds.
After the acquisition
1. Verify right tire stress (33 psi) with an correct guage.
2. Install a set of Mopar or Gorilla wheel locks.
3. Install a locking gasoline cap (not a lot for theft causes however for prevention of somebody placing one thing aside from gas in your tank).
4. Verify right lug nut torque (100 ft.-lbs.)
5. Install a cabin air filter if not current. Replace filter if soiled. See Cabin air filter.
