02 vs 03-04 Overland WJ's
#1
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Year: 2004 WJ, 1998 XJ
Model: Grand Cherokee(WJ)
Engine: 4.7 HO
02 vs 03-04 Overland WJ's
Possibly going to look at an 02 Overland WJ with 83,000 miles w the 4.7HO as you know. 2nd owner. In the last 2 years and 12,000 miles the current own did the following: Heater core replaced, front and rear differentials serviced, transmission serviced, front and rear pads and rotors and a couple of other small things. No rust, no dents and it looks in great shape in and out. He is asking $4500 firm.
In my research, I came across on older post where a trusted member here stated the 03-04 Overlands got upgrades over the 02's. I was wondering what they were. Is it just a comfort feature stand point or mechanical/improved engine issues?
I know some of the problems with these years. I am meticulous on maintenance and fix all of my own vehicles. However, I am not set up for major engine repairs. Based on what I described, how would you feel about it? This will be my new DD. I already own an XJ that is rock solid that my wife drives. I have an 01 F150 at the end of its life. It's between something like this where I would dish out the cash, or go get a newer F150 with around 30,000 miles but car payments for 5 years. I have been flip flopping on the decision.
Last edited by rgr4475; 03-26-2017 at 04:37 PM.
#2
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Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7
I cannot answer your question. However. Compared to what I am seeing around here for vehicles similar to the one you are looking at. I'd take that and run!
#3
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Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7
If you go to WJJEEPS.com it will show the differences between those years...sounds and looks like a really nice Overland
#4
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Year: 2004 WJ, 1998 XJ
Model: Grand Cherokee(WJ)
Engine: 4.7 HO
I have been to that site. It mentioned some of the different options it came with but didn't mention any engine or other mechanical differences. The member mentioned the 03-04's were better but couldn't find why on my own.
#5
Old fart with a wrench
AFAIK, and I'm a 4.0 fanatic, the only major differences I've heard about is the later models have multiple knock sensors and the early ones don't. That's purely a rumor from my standpoint.
#7
Old fart with a wrench
Okay. if you go to wjjeeps.com and look under Engines 4.7HO specs, it gives you all the changes made specifically for that engine. Different rods, pistons, bearings and intake design, and valves&springs. It's designed to run on regular fuel, but runs best on premium.
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#9
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Year: 2002
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L (AMC) Straight Six
Equipment wise, the RB1 GPS navigation system became available in 2003 (in 2002, all you could get was the A/M-F/M-RDS-Cassette-CD radio (which was still standard on the Overland for 2003, and also included a ten-disc, rear-mounted CD changer where the numbered buttons on the radio controlled the different CD changer functions), and I believe they may have switched the standard dark gray metallic "Hammerhead" alloys to the "Rogue" chrome-clad alloys. I believe the seat colors may have changed a bit in 2003 (instead of single-tone Taupe like in 2002, beginning in 2003 they used Dark Slate Gray with Taupe inserts), and 2003's still had a full-size spare with matching tire, but to cut costs, they may have switched to a black steel rim (still full-size, NOT a "doughnut") in lieu of the matching spare wheel. 2003's also added Sirius Satellite Radio and U Connect Hands-Free capabilities to the entertainment system as well, and Patriot Blue (later Midnight Blue) became an available exterior color option for the Overland (there was NO Blue for the Overland in 2002).
I don't know about the mechanical side, but I don't think much changed mechanically from 2002 to 2003, other than what others have already mentioned with the knock sensors.
I don't know about the mechanical side, but I don't think much changed mechanically from 2002 to 2003, other than what others have already mentioned with the knock sensors.
#10
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Year: 2004 WJ, 1998 XJ
Model: Grand Cherokee(WJ)
Engine: 4.7 HO
Equipment wise, the RB1 GPS navigation system became available in 2003 (in 2002, all you could get was the A/M-F/M-RDS-Cassette-CD radio (which was still standard on the Overland for 2003, and also included a ten-disc, rear-mounted CD changer where the numbered buttons on the radio controlled the different CD changer functions), and I believe they may have switched the standard dark gray metallic "Hammerhead" alloys to the "Rogue" chrome-clad alloys. I believe the seat colors may have changed a bit in 2003 (instead of single-tone Taupe like in 2002, beginning in 2003 they used Dark Slate Gray with Taupe inserts), and 2003's still had a full-size spare with matching tire, but to cut costs, they may have switched to a black steel rim (still full-size, NOT a "doughnut") in lieu of the matching spare wheel. 2003's also added Sirius Satellite Radio and U Connect Hands-Free capabilities to the entertainment system as well, and Patriot Blue (later Midnight Blue) became an available exterior color option for the Overland (there was NO Blue for the Overland in 2002).
I don't know about the mechanical side, but I don't think much changed mechanically from 2002 to 2003, other than what others have already mentioned with the knock sensors.
I don't know about the mechanical side, but I don't think much changed mechanically from 2002 to 2003, other than what others have already mentioned with the knock sensors.
Last edited by rgr4475; 03-26-2017 at 11:24 PM.
#11
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Year: 2004 WJ, 1998 XJ
Model: Grand Cherokee(WJ)
Engine: 4.7 HO
Craigslist vent. Talk to the guy on the phone, get all the info, talked to the wife and now I'm trying to get the guy to call and/or text me back so I can go look at it and buy it. Ad is still up so hopefully not sold. Frustrating.
#15
Old fart with a wrench
When I used to look for used Chevy trucks, I'd always take $100 cash with me. If I found something I liked, I'd give the owner a deposit to hold it for 24 hours. Only once did that not work. Somebody offered him $200 more than he was asking! He gave me my deposit back though. The buyer gave it to him on the spot in cash!
As the saying goes, "Cash talks, BS walks!"
As the saying goes, "Cash talks, BS walks!"
Last edited by dave1123; 03-27-2017 at 06:48 PM.