Considering a 3.7 WK in Feb or March

[Wills2K4GC]

My lease ends on my '04 WJ in a few months, and with me buying my '04 and giving it to my mom since she needs a car, I'm in debate between the WK and the Commander. From what I heard, some ppl. I know haven't had luck w/ their Commanders even though they're a better deal than the GC. I was looking to get into a Laredo "X" pkg. (similarly equipped to my '04 GC SE) w/ the 3.7 V6 sometime in Feb. or March '07. I test-drove the V6 a while back and it feels quicker than the 4.0 I6, but was wondering how those who have the 3.7 Laredos, how's yours holding up?

[OnlyInARealJeep]

Originally Posted by Wills2K4GC

My lease ends on my '04 WJ in a few months, and with me buying my '04 and giving it to my mom since she needs a car, I'm in debate between the WK and the Commander. From what I heard, some ppl. I know haven't had luck w/ their Commanders even though they're a better deal than the GC. I was looking to get into a Laredo "X" pkg. (similarly equipped to my '04 GC SE) w/ the 3.7 V6 sometime in Feb. or March '07. I test-drove the V6 a while back and it feels quicker than the 4.0 I6, but was wondering how those who have the 3.7 Laredos, how's yours holding up?

Don't get a 3.7L V6.

[bbbradley]

Get the 3.7L V6.

[Atl XJ]

Originally Posted by OnlyInARealJeep

Don't get a 3.7L V6.

Its weak in the Libby. I can't imagine what its like in the WK.

[bbbradley]

OK, now that that is done...

Take a drive and see if the additional cost is worth it to you, for us it wasn't. It depends on what you need the car for. For some people the V6 makes perfect sense, for others they need (or at least feel the need) for the larger engine.

/bill

[DurangoZJ]

Originally Posted by bbbradley

Get the 3.7L V6.

I agree.

If you were happy with your 4.0 I6 then you should be more then happy with the 3.7L.

I haven't heard of too many problems with this engine.

If you are planning on towing/lifting your Jeep I would suggest at least the 4.7l.
It sounds like you don't need it for any of the reasons listed though.

[OnlyInARealJeep]

What all did you use your 04' WJ for?

[mendelmax]

well, 4.0 is a bit underpowered, but still fine. I can't imagine smaller engine in heavier rig... It will probably be similar, but damn, it is still slow, right? I wish I could test drive it- they are not available here in europe...

[bbbradley]

Originally Posted by mendelmax

well, 4.0 is a bit underpowered, but still fine. I can't imagine smaller engine in heavier rig... It will probably be similar, but damn, it is still slow, right? I wish I could test drive it- they are not available here in europe...

From a straight numbers comparison the WJ had 195hp to move ~4100lbs, the WK has 210 hp to move ~4400. The HP/weight ratio is actually slightly better with the WK, though it is essentially a wash.

Engine size does not always mean engine power, a 2006 F1 engine is "only" 2.4L and can pump out 700+ hp.

In the 2 years we've owned our 3.7 I've yet to be run over due to lack of power.

[jeepejeep]

I think the trans. problems with the 6 are fixed. I drove all the engines when I bought mine. The Hemi was amazing but I really didn't need the extra power and my insurance guy said it would be more money so I went with the 4.7. I feel the 3.7 is under powered. The WK weighs about 4,500 lbs. A lot more than my old ZJ with the 4.0!

Drive them all and buy what you feel comfortable with.

[Wills2K4GC]

Originally Posted by OnlyInARealJeep

What all did you use your 04' WJ for?

I used my '04 to commute to/from work. I've also used it at times to help a few friends move stuff. Other than that I've hardly taken it off roading and with the way gas prices have been, the 4.0 was enough for me.

[bbbradley]

Originally Posted by Wills2K4GC

I used my '04 to commute to/from work. I've also used it at times to help a few friends move stuff. Other than that I've hardly taken it off roading and with the way gas prices have been, the 4.0 was enough for me.

Based on that...don't get a Jeep! :p Seriously, if you rarely go off-road and mainly use it as a big wagon, get a wagon. The gas penalty is not worth the extra expense.

JMO...

If you must, the 3.7 will suffice for all of what you mentioned above very nicely.

[Street WK]

I have magnaflow and k&n intake on my 3.7 and it gets more than the job done. Don't listen to the people that don't own one or have not driven one for an extended period of time.

[95CherokeeSport]

I came from a '99 WJ with the 4.0 I6 and went to an '05 Rocky Mountain WK with the 3.7. I have no problems with the engine. The transmission shift points I do have an issue with, but after 14 months and 8,000 miles I have no complaints about the engine.

[litton]

You might consider getting a 2wd version. Saves some weight, better fuel economy and the 3.7 would be happier. Still have a Jeep....at least in looks.

[mendelmax]

Originally Posted by bbbradley

From a straight numbers comparison the WJ had 195hp to move ~4100lbs, the WK has 210 hp to move ~4400. The HP/weight ratio is actually slightly better with the WK, though it is essentially a wash.

Engine size does not always mean engine power, a 2006 F1 engine is "only" 2.4L and can pump out 700+ hp.

In the 2 years we've owned our 3.7 I've yet to be run over due to lack of power.

It's not about HP. It's all about torque when it comes to daily driving. Sure, on 1/4 mile maybe higher HP in 3.7 WK would win with 4.0 WJ, but on daily driver I care more about how often tranny changes gears, how it drives at cruising speeds etc. This F1 engine is great example- let's give it a really heavy trailer and check who would win 1/4 mile Or better- let's test both after 300K miles run
I think 4.7 is the best option (price/performance/reliability/economy comparison) Grand Cherokee got

[OnlyInARealJeep]

Originally Posted by Wills2K4GC

I used my '04 to commute to/from work. I've also used it at times to help a few friends move stuff. Other than that I've hardly taken it off roading and with the way gas prices have been, the 4.0 was enough for me.

Well if you are sure thats all you'll be using it for, then go ahead and get the 3.7L V6.

[Atl XJ]

Originally Posted by Street WK

I have magnaflow and k&n intake on my 3.7 and it gets more than the job done. Don't listen to the people that don't own one or have not driven one for an extended period of time.

I've driven a 3.7l KJ enough that I feel I can comment on it. Its sluggish in the considerably lighter KJ, so its gotta be worse in the heavier WK.

[wkearney99]

The 3.7 in a WK constantly downshifts in even the lightest of traffic conditions. If you're fine with having no real pickup and a transmission that's constantly hunting for gears then get it. Otherwise either get the 4.7 or, as has been suggested, don't get a WK at all. Or, potentially, take a look at the Libby, Compass or Dodge Nitro (which is basically the next-gen libby). If cost is an issue then why pay for more gas by getting a WK?

[OnlyInARealJeep]

Originally Posted by wkearney99

The 3.7 in a WK constantly downshifts in even the lightest of traffic conditions. If you're fine with having no real pickup and a transmission that's constantly hunting for gears then get it. Otherwise either get the 4.7 or, as has been suggested, don't get a WK at all. Or, potentially, take a look at the Libby, Compass or Dodge Nitro (which is basically the next-gen libby). If cost is an issue then why pay for more gas by getting a WK?

Maybe he likes Grand Cherokees more then libbys.