New or Used Jeep Grand Cherokee: What Makes the Most Sense for You?

The Grand Cherokee has been one of Jeep’s most popular vehicles for over 30 years, offering its trademark off-road ability with a sophisticated touch. Because this midsize SUV is also durable like a Jeep should be, there are many great-running used Grand Cherokees available alongside the new models, giving prospective owners plenty of choices.

When you’re looking at a Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale, deciding whether to buy a new or used version is one of the first and biggest choices you have. The correct answer comes down to which makes more sense for your needs. McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT is here to help you figure that out with this guide that looks at the benefits of both new and used Grand Cherokees and the factors you should consider before getting behind the wheel.

New Jeep Grand Cherokee Pros and Cons

Going for the latest and greatest Jeep Grand Cherokee has plenty of advantages. Most importantly, since it has no previous owners, you know the vehicle will be pristine. This eliminates any concerns about quality. You’ll also get the latest performance and technology features, which often means better fuel efficiency, handling, infotainment, and safety. Finally, it’s easier to get a Grand Cherokee with the specific features you want. If there isn’t a perfect Grand Cherokee on the lot, the dealer can arrange to order one from the factory that’s built to your specifications.

The biggest drawback people find to a new Grand Cherokee is the cost. Although this SUV is known for its great value, a new model still costs a lot more up front than a used vehicle, and the insurance payments will be higher, too. This can be prohibitive if you have a limited budget. Also, we’ve heard of people getting anxious over driving a new Grand Cherokee because they don’t want to put the first scratch or ding on it.

Used Jeep Grand Cherokee Pros and Cons

There are a lot of benefits to buying a used Grand Cherokee, too. The biggest is the price tag, as even a vehicle with a few years on it won’t cost anywhere near as much as a new model. (Insurance will be less expensive as well.) By extension, you can afford features like suspension lifts and wireless charging that you may not be able to otherwise. Sometimes, you’ll find components and packages on used Grand Cherokees that are no longer available in new vehicles. For example, Jeep discontinued the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine option on the Grand Cherokee after the 2023 model year, but there are plenty of used vehicles with this power plant.

That said, you should be aware of a few potential pitfalls. The Grand Cherokee is a reliable vehicle overall. We’ve seen them last 200,000 miles or more when following the recommended maintenance schedule. However, there is a higher risk of a breakdown on a used model, and they need more maintenance overall. Furthermore, the condition from vehicle to vehicle can vary greatly, so reviewing the vehicle history and doing your research is vital. Also, to get certain features you want, there’s a chance you may need to compromise on other things. Maybe you want a maroon used Grand Cherokee with a HEMI, but the only one at your local dealer with a HEMI is blue, so you must decide if you’re okay with the trade-off.

What You Should Consider

Now that we’ve gone over the main points of each option, it’s time to think about which one to shop for. While only you know the ultimate answer to that question, there are some factors everyone should weigh. Here are five considerations when buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee and how they might influence your decision.

Your Budget

The bigger your budget is, the more you should lean towards a new Grand Cherokee, as it has a clean history and all-new parts and accessories. Anyone with a more limited budget will get the most bang for their buck from a used Jeep. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, though. Maybe you can afford a new Grand Cherokee Laredo, but you decide you’d rather buy used to get an off-road-ready Trailhawk or ultra-luxurious Summit.

How and Where You Drive

Different Grand Cherokees are better for certain situations. The most recent models are known for their on-road refinement, so these types of drivers might be better off with a new one. As for off-roading, there are new trims like the Overland and Trailhawk that are good for getting away, especially with the latest Quadra-Drive II system. However, you might prefer a used model that has the Quadra-Trac II system for wintery conditions, and older models have more factory and aftermarket upgrades available to customize your rig.

Features and Options

Which features are a priority should impact what Grand Cherokee you buy. If having the latest driver assistance is important, get a new Grand Cherokee with features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. Those who are okay without the most recent safety features are more likely to be satisfied with a used Grand Cherokee. The same goes for factors like infotainment tech and fuel efficiency.

Whether You Plan to Switch Vehicles

Some people want to keep their Grand Cherokee for a decade or longer, while others like to switch things up frequently. If you plan for your Grand Cherokee to be a long-term vehicle, lean towards a new one, as they are more likely to last a long time. Anyone who expects to sell or trade in their vehicle after a few years should buy used. These Grand Cherokees depreciate less and, therefore, have more resale value.

The Warranty

Regardless of the Grand Cherokee you buy, you want to know you’re covered in case something goes wrong. All new Grand Cherokees are covered by Jeep’s transferable factory warranty, which includes a three-year/36,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and three years of free scheduled maintenance. The warranty on a used Grand Cherokee may vary by dealership, though you can sometimes purchase warranties and service contracts from a third party.

Find Your Next Jeep Grand Cherokee

Whichever Grand Cherokee is right for your driveway, McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT will help you discover it. If you’re still having trouble choosing between a new or used Grand Cherokee, our no-pressure sales staff can help you decide based on the demands of your busy life. We are the leading Jeep dealer in the Zanesville area, and we have a large selection of Jeep Grand Cherokees on our lot ready for you to test drive, from the latest Grand Cherokee two-row and Grand Cherokee L three-row models.

With competitive financing and instant cash offers on your trade-in, we get you the best possible deal on a new Jeep Grand Cherokee with monthly payments that fit your budget. For pre-owned Grand Cherokees, we will beat the KBB Fair Purchase Price and provide the CARFAX vehicle history report free of charge. Browse the details of each vehicle online, where our massive inventory is updated daily. Once you’ve selected your perfect Grand Cherokee, entrust it to our official Mopar service center, which has the latest automotive technology, certified automotive technicians, and OEM parts for lasting great performance.

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