Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 For Daily

[Ninjazx71]

Hey guys, while not a Viper, it's still in the SRT family... anyone have/had a Jeep GC SRT8 and have thoughts on it? Been thinking of picking up a used 2014/2015 for daily driving and winter. Don't get me wrong, I drive the Viper as much as I can as a daily in nice weather, but might need a new winter car and was thinking of one of these. One person I talked to had a horrible experience with his 2012/2013 and said it was in the shop more than it was in his hands. Hoping this was just a lemon or something. Would still like some input from those that have had them... TIA!

[swexlin]

I have heard so many mixed reports about the GC SRT8 - some seem to be perfect, some poor builds, much the same as the reports about Gen 5 Vipers.

I can say that my 2007 Charger SRT8 (different platform, of course) was almost perfect in the 7 years that I owned it, and my Ram has been good.

I've always toyed with the idea of picking one up as well, so I'll be following this thread as well.

[City]

It's my "family" car and it's been close to faultless. Used in serious traffic (NYC) and ski trips trips to Vermont. Starts on -16 degree mornings and plows through snow like a Jeep - with 4 season tires.

Mine is a 2014 and it's made family trips a LOT more fun!

Couple of things to consider:

• Gas mileage - It's noticeably a gas guzzler (significantly more than my Viper). Can be single digits in town, but you can get close to 20MPG on the hiway with the "ECO" button engaged and a light foot.

• Maintenance is much more costly than my Viper. Had to replace front brakes and tires at 25K miles without much hard driving. OE tires are $500 each and OE rotors and shoes are $600! Those are hefty costs for a 2nd, family car. At least to me.

I might be lucky, having bought one that's been relatively problem free.
If you don't mind the extra upkeep (compared to a more standard, non-performance car), then I'd go for it. As I said, 250 mile luggage packed family trips are now much more fun. (especially when everyone else in the car has fallen asleep )

There's a lot of VOA members that Viper and SRTGC.

[darbgnik]

My gf has a 2014 SRT8 and has had no problems to speak of. I like driving it myself, corners and brakes very well for an SUV.

My only complaint would be the factory supplied Pirelli 4 season tires are quite noisy. I'm assuming the summer tires are better. Oh yeah, and it's harder on fuel than my Ram 3500, lol.

If you get one with the upgraded Napa leather, remember its quite fragile, and will not take a pounding like that fabric bonded bullshit they call leather in Rams and Cadillacs.

[EZ 2B Green]

I drive a 2015 SRT Jeep GC as a daily and it has been mostly problem free (I had howling brake rotors that were recalled but I waited too long to get free replacements). The Pirelli's do get noisy and are expensive. I've switched to Yokohama Parada's in the summer (much less expensive and a great tire) and use Pirelli Scorpion snow's in the winter. I also tow a 3000 pound trailer in the winter. I'm very happy with it and I'm considering the Durango SRT as a replacement.

Does anyone know if the Durango SRT is a one year (of production) only vehicle?

[Ninjazx71]

Thanks guys, great input! Keeping my eye open and checking out some other GCSRT forums as well... looks like for the most part they are pretty solid, which is great!

[idinesen]

I've got a 2012 - bought new and now have 52K miles on her. I've had zero problems with it, even with it being the first model year of the current body / engine style.

Things I love - great power, AWD (so it's basically an all-season 4-dr sport ride), I sit a bit higher than the rest of traffic so visibility is great but with the nimbleness of a sport sedan, it can tow as much as my Durango R/T, awesome sound system (19-speaker Harmon Kardon), all around performance, sleeper aspect of what this ride brings (I love eating ricers, Camaros, Mustangs, etc. at stop lights).

Things I live with - mediocre mileage (but I didn't buy it to compete with a Prius - I have had 20.5 mpg on long road trips, typically average ~14 for daily commuting), limited tire options (yes, seriously limited, especially if you want all seasons).

Things I hate - none.

A few things to consider - my 2012 has the 5-spd auto with the VVT (goes into ECO mode). I've heard of guys having problems with the 8-spd transmissions in the later model years (holding my breath on my wife's Durango R/T with the same trans - no issues at this point). If you buy used definitely be sure to pay particular attention to this part of the drivetrain. Other than that, you'll love it!

Happy to answer any other questions should you have them - PM me or post up here. Good luck!