Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit vs. Lexus GX460 Luxury

GJBenn85

I currently have a 2012 Infiniti QX56. Great vehicle for travel and towing, but I just no longer have a need for a vehicle this large. Thinking of downsizing a bit since I really only tow my boat around town. The only two midsize SUVs that catch my interest that have a tow rating well in excess of my boat's weight are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Lexus GX460.

I've driven both the past few days. As far as technology and driving characteristics, including V8, I much prefer the Grand Cherokee. On the other hand, it seems Jeep reliability is quite mixed and depreciation is killer. The Lexus costs more, has fewer features, isn't as powerful, but I know will more than likely have fewer problems. But, I have never kept a vehicle longer than 3 years so I am not horribly concerned about what will happen beyond 60-70k miles.

Do any of you own either vehicle? What are your actual experiences with problems that pop up? For either vehicle, I would buy new or a slightly used 2014.

cpr

Simple answer Lexus unless you like rattle traps that are in the shop a lot. Jeep's are one of the worse made vehicles in the US. Have you looked at the Nissan Xterra, pulls 6000 lbs and better then a jeep mechanical wise.

WaterEngineer

Toyota 4Runner Limited. That was easy. Next!

rock_fish

WaterEngineer wrote: »

Toyota 4Runner Limited. That was easy. Next!

Wasn't in his options

Carry on

Schmidty

GJBenn85 wrote: »

I currently have a 2012 Infiniti QX56. Great vehicle for travel and towing, but I just no longer have a need for a vehicle this large. Thinking of downsizing a bit since I really only tow my boat around town. The only two midsize SUVs that catch my interest that have a tow rating well in excess of my boat's weight are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Lexus GX460.

I've driven both the past few days. As far as technology and driving characteristics, including V8, I much prefer the Grand Cherokee. On the other hand, it seems Jeep reliability is quite mixed and depreciation is killer. The Lexus costs more, has fewer features, isn't as powerful, but I know will more than likely have fewer problems. But, I have never kept a vehicle longer than 3 years so I am not horribly concerned about what will happen beyond 60-70k miles.

Do any of you own either vehicle? What are your actual experiences with problems that pop up? For either vehicle, I would buy new or a slightly used 2014.

"GJ"....

I've owned both....

I have owned Jeeps until they have absolutely died....and that takes about 20 years or so.....but I always did all the work on them after the warranty ran out....

IF you are going to only own the vehicle for 3 or 4 years.....go with the jeep...cheaper....and they really aren't that bad....

Schmidty

fishonhenson wrote: »

Lease it

why?

Griz

I have driven a jeep since 1985(5). Current is a 2005 GC with 115k. I'd buy another

PennFish

Was a big Jeep fan for years, between the wife and I we went through a 93 Sport , 99, 00, 01, 07 GC. The 93 went for 130K before I traded, 99 not enough goodies for the wife, 00 rear ended, 01 150K and still going for SIL. 07 too many blind spots to deal with, drove good, seats so so.

fins4me

I have a friend who purchased one of the new Jeep Cherokees right after they new body style came out. He has been disappointed in it so far. He has had it back to the dealership three or four times. Mostly cosmetic things but it is a new vehicle and should not be having things fall off and interior lights going out in just a few months.

WaterEngineer

rock_fish wrote: »

Wasn't in his options

So!?

cadman

With only three years ownership reliability won't be an issue. Both will be fine. Pick the one you like and the ride you like. I will throw in that the gas mileage will be better on the Lexus without looking it up. I love my Dodge, but the one thing I can guarantee you, if Chrysler makes it, it will burn fuel.

jad1097

fishonhenson wrote: »

Depending on the miles used much cheaper.

Leasing is a rip off. I guess renting a car, that you maintain, for years works for some but it make absolutely no financial sense for most to do. Low mileage used vehicles make much more sense financially speaking.

bottom feeder

My boss leased a Grand Cherokee at 6 months the rear view mirror fell off. I took it to the dealer, they cracked the windshield trying to fix it. They wouldn't cover it under warranty. They wouldn't pay for a new windshield and told me to have her turn it in on her insurance.
I wound up getting thrown out of the managers office.

FWCSnook

That's crazy! I had to get my windshield seal redone (under warranty) by nissan, and they said there is a chance the glass would break. It did, and nissan covered that too, no problem.

Get whichever one drives nicer, and enjoy it. It's your truck.

BTW, the new 4 runner is fugly as hell. The nose on that thing is hideous.

Mister-Jr

I had a 2008 GX 460 and loved it. Built on the same chassis a Land Rover, go anywhere, no issues after 60,000 miles, not great on fuel.

MRichardson

Jeep reliability isn't mixed.
It's **** and everyone knows it.
The only Jeep to buy is a CJ/Wrangler.

Polar

get a kia sportage, like gandy

silverg

Wife purchased a 15 GX 460 last December. I rarely drive it, but when I do it is mighty fine. Very quiet, nice interior, nice leather, plenty of power, ac in the seats, etc. I think my Land Cruiser is quiet until I ride in her 460 on a trip.

Can't speak for towing because she will not let me insert my ball mount in her receiver.

GJBenn85

silverg wrote: »

she will not let me insert my ball mount in her receiver.

:grin

I love how my Infiniti drives, but it is just BIG and has also not exactly been problem free. It's in the shop right now having the steering column replaced, fortunately still under warranty. I do like luxury brands, pretty nice getting a $70k SUV as a loaner vehicle vs. mainstream where they say "we'll have your car a few days, find a ride." Or, if you're quite lucky, they might loan you an economy car off the used car lot.