Hey fellas,

I think I'm in love.

In looking for a new SUV to replace that junker 92 Olds Bravada I got to drive in bad weather (while the Corvette stays dry in the garage), I've come across several interesting models not the least of which is the GCSRT8.

I started looking at Ford Explorers, then saw a TBSS and was drawn to it for it's Corvette engine. About 2 weeks ago, I needed a 4x4 to go visit my daughter across a snowy mountain range (I-90 crossing the Cascade Mountains in Washington state) and all they had was the Commander. That was the first time driving a Jeep and I was impressed with it.

Anyway, I was browsing the Jeep website looking at the Commander and discovered that you all are hiding probably the coolest SUV in the world in the GCSRT8. Everything I've read about it is good...the looks, the performance, etc.etc. Can't believe I'm thinking about trading my Vette for one, but yep, that's where I am now.

I like the capability of taking 4 or 5 people and a bunch of stuff around in hi-speed comfort. And I'm glad to have discovered this place so I can ask a few questions and learn more about this vehicle before I purchase it.

1. Any thing that I should look for before buying one? Any issues that need resolving with the vehicle?

2. How is it for long-distance cruising? How about driver's seat comfort for guys like me who are over 6'3"?

3. How's the stereo system or do you have to go after-market?

4. Do you use yours as a daily driver or a weekend toy (like some Vette owners I know :D)

5. How availible are they in dealerships? Did you have to order from the factory or were they on the lot?

6. How's the overall quality...fit and finish, paint, squeaks and rattles, etc. etc.

Thanks in advance...

I'm new to this forum and looking at the GCSRT8 too. Here's another site that you might be able to get some info.


http://www.***********/forums/

I have put about 200 miles on mine this week since delivery....it is like driving a square Viper.....it handles and drive beautifully, I am more impressed everytime I drive it...plenty of power, great looks(people really do notice it) and it drives like a sprotscar...I just can't say enough good about this Jeep...

I have had 9 Vipers, 10 Vettes and various other hot cars thru the years, but this makes the old Jeep GC(I have an 02) seem like a school bus....

you will love it !!!

Thanks for the responses so far...

Went today to check them out and found out that theGC SRT8 is a very limited production car. So I did the next best thing and test drove a 5.7 liter Overland. Very impressive. I also found out that they just started production of the SRT8 fairly recently.

I was pleased with the spaciousness and overall feel of the car. It has plenty of leg space as the drivers seat goes back quiet a ways. It is definetly on my short list of possible purchases.

Town & Country Jeep on Aurora sold a black one a couple weeks ago.

I understand they have another coming in a few weeks.

There is one on the lot in Bend, OR. but thats about it for this part of the country.

I'm guessing price gouging will be rampant around here given the price of everything else.

Pat

Hey fellas,

I think I'm in love.

In looking for a new SUV to replace that junker 92 Olds Bravada I got to drive in bad weather (while the Corvette stays dry in the garage), I've come across several interesting models not the least of which is the GCSRT8.

I started looking at Ford Explorers, then saw a TBSS and was drawn to it for it's Corvette engine. About 2 weeks ago, I needed a 4x4 to go visit my daughter across a snowy mountain range (I-90 crossing the Cascade Mountains in Washington state) and all they had was the Commander. That was the first time driving a Jeep and I was impressed with it.

Anyway, I was browsing the Jeep website looking at the Commander and discovered that you all are hiding probably the coolest SUV in the world in the GCSRT8. Everything I've read about it is good...the looks, the performance, etc.etc. Can't believe I'm thinking about trading my Vette for one, but yep, that's where I am now.

I like the capability of taking 4 or 5 people and a bunch of stuff around in hi-speed comfort. And I'm glad to have discovered this place so I can ask a few questions and learn more about this vehicle before I purchase it.

1. Any thing that I should look for before buying one? Any issues that need resolving with the vehicle?
The truck is definitely a sweet ride. Just cruised South Beach yesterday and turn everyones head - for the look and sound.

2. How is it for long-distance cruising? How about driver's seat comfort for guys like me who are over 6'3"?
I'm 6'2" and have pleanty of room. However, if you're a fatso, the bolstered seats will squish your gut bigtime!

3. How's the stereo system or do you have to go after-market?
Stereo is nice, but it could use a little bass boost.

4. Do you use yours as a daily driver or a weekend toy (like some Vette owners I know :D)
For now it's a daily driver, but the 13mpg will force me to get a mini cooper or something for the 50 mile work ride during the week. Maybe in a year or two. But because of the exclusivity of this Jeep, I will hold on to it for a long time.

5. How availible are they in dealerships? Did you have to order from the factory or were they on the lot?
They will be popping up all over soon, so don't pay a penny over MSRP

6. How's the overall quality...fit and finish, paint, squeaks and rattles, etc. etc.
Overall pretty nice. Inside there's some questionable plastic pieces, but nt too bad

Thanks in advance...

Hope this helps

Thanks for the thoughtful responses...

As it turns out, I took wifey down to the local Jeep dealer and she spotted a Commander. She likes it.

I like the Grand Cherokee. While I've not seen the GCSRT8 in person, everything I read about it, I like. Now the decision to sell the Vette and get one or not.

Hmmm. I'm getting tired of having something I don't use everyday and want something that'd be a blast to drive everyday as well as being able to take more than one person along for the ride.

Decisions, decisions...