Hi everyone My boet and I have always loved Jeeps and are both currently trying to buy a Cherokee. has He is looking for a newer model, but his little brother(aka me) has always loved the older square XJ. I would preferably like to purchase the turbo diesel model but know nothing about these vehicles at all - other than the
fact that they give me goosies every time I see one! Can you guys please give me your honest opinion on if they are generally a safe buy and if I am looking things that I'd need to be mindful of and check before buying? Your help on this one would be much appreciated! Looking forward to joining the fray very soon! Kind regards Lyle
Hi & Welcome Lyle
Honest opinion = don't buy a diesel XJ. They are trouble.
Rather go petrol if you want an XJ
The TD XJ
is powered by the VM Motori 2.5-litre diesel engine, which is effectively an Italian boat engine. They generally battle with the SA heat. It has 4 separate cylinder heads which cost a fortune to replace, as do the injectors.
The fuel consumption is not particularly good for a diesel either - 14L/100.
The 4.0L actually makes slightly more torque than the diesel, so there is no real reason, that I can think of, that would make someone buy one
All XJ junkie says... except that the fuel consumption unmodified is closer to 9l/100km. Mine with bigger wheels, knobblies, lift, roof rack and full load got 12 on a trip to and back from the Richtersvelt. I thought that was quite heavy. I subsequently found out the intercooler was clogged solid with mud so I could have been doing
less. Before the lift and modifications I would be happy with a sub 10 on a trip and 12 in town.
I like my Jeep but it has been in the family since day one and looked after. Cooling issues were sorted out by having a good cooling system flush and fixing the viscous coupling. And using anti-freeze.
So like anything looked after it is a good vehicle. The problem is finding a good one.
XJ Td 140Hp 236 ft lb torque XJ petrol 190Hp 225 ft lb (for post 96 models)
Petrol
fuel consumption: 12-15 l/100km open-road 15-19 l/100km town only That is why you consider a diesel.
Offroad during the Hex trail myself and 3 XJs all filled up at Winelands on the way there and I used a quarter tank for a whole days rock crawling... XJs and Tjs were worried and looking for a petrol station in De Doorns. Petrols offroad have a big drinking problem. That is why you would consider a diesel.
Also during the Hex I had to live with the
constant squealing of brakes from the petrols on the long technical descents while the diesel was happily chugging along on engine braking. That is why you consider a diesel.
That is why I love my Diesel.
Only issue I really have is that the noise it makes starting up scares all the wildlife away... and the noise it makes when turning off is almost as bad.
Talk softly, carry a big stick.
Originally Posted by Biggles
All XJ junkie says... except that the fuel consumption unmodified is closer to 9l/100km. Mine with bigger wheels, knobblies, lift, roof rack and full load got 12 on a trip to and back from the Richtersvelt. I
thought that was quite heavy. I subsequently found out the intercooler was clogged solid with mud so I could have been doing less. Before the lift and modifications I would be happy with a sub 10 on a trip and 12 in town. I like my Jeep but it has been in the family since day one and looked after. Cooling issues were sorted out by having a good cooling system flush and fixing the viscous coupling. And using anti-freeze. So like anything looked after it is a good vehicle. The problem is
finding a good one. XJ Td 140Hp 236 ft lb torque XJ petrol 190Hp 225 ft lb (for post 96 models) Petrol fuel consumption: 12-15 l/100km open-road 15-19 l/100km town only That is why you consider a diesel. Offroad during the Hex trail myself and 3 XJs all filled up at Winelands on the way there and I used a quarter tank for a whole days rock crawling... XJs and Tjs were worried and looking for a petrol station in De Doorns. Petrols offroad have a big drinking
problem. That is why you would consider a diesel. Also during the Hex I had to live with the constant squealing of brakes from the petrols on the long technical descents while the diesel was happily chugging along on engine braking. That is why you consider a diesel. That is why I love my Diesel. Only issue I really have is that the noise it makes starting up scares all the wildlife away... and the noise it makes when turning off is almost as bad.
Biggles,
but you are also comfortable working on your diesel and probably maintaining it whereas the 4.0 needs less TLC
All XJ junkie says... except that the fuel consumption unmodified is closer to 9l/100km.
The figure of 14 I quoted was from CAR mag, but they didn't actually do a road test
Originally Posted by Biggles
Offroad during the Hex trail myself and 3 XJs all filled up at Winelands on the way there and I used a quarter tank for a whole days rock crawling... XJs and Tjs were worried and looking for a petrol station in
De Doorns. Petrols offroad have a big drinking problem.
Nah, this is a myth. We just stop to see if the pumps are all working ok
Originally Posted by Biggles
Also during the Hex I had to live with the constant squealing of brakes from the petrols on the long technical descents while the diesel was happily chugging along on engine braking. That is why you consider
a diesel. That is why I love my Diesel.
The petrols have to use brakes to stop going into the back of diesels
Originally Posted by Biggles
Only issue I really have is that the noise it makes starting up scares all the wildlife away....
....& the chicks - they don't dig diesels
My 2.5 does 9.4-9.8l/100km. But then i drive softly. The Vm motor is now made by Detroit motors. The London Taxis now run on the 2.5 Vm motor. It is not as fast as all the other but
will comfortably do its 120 on the open road. Boy oh boy! Put it offroad! Its like a tractor. Low, 1st and take your foot of the juice and it will climb most obstacles while idling. My Jeep rusted the welch plugs through and i am currently doing the repairs myself. Head Gasket R1080. Inlet+ exh gasket R150. Welch plugs R30 for 8. The rest is elementary and elbow grease. While doing all this i have removed the Viscous fan and have fitted a 16" electric fan. This should give me another km or 2
on fuel. And a few horses. Unfortunately my Jeep was a lemon when i bought it, but it still is a good vehicle, as all Jeeps are. Electric seats, aircon, speed control, power steering. Good ground clearance and the possibility of many mods to make it exactly what you want it to be. Dont listen to the petrol heads, they dont know what they are talking about. The only thing they know is that the service intervals is a bit shorter. But that is why a diesel lasts longer. Enjoy
Pieter Kemp. 2011 Isuzu 300d-teq 4x4 d/c Home built Blapsie caravan. The decision you make today, will determine the road you walk tomorrow
Originally Posted by Biggles
All XJ junkie says... except that the fuel consumption
unmodified is closer to 9l/100km. Mine with bigger wheels, knobblies, lift, roof rack and full load got 12 on a trip to and back from the Richtersvelt. I thought that was quite heavy. I subsequently found out the intercooler was clogged solid with mud so I could have been doing less. Before the lift and modifications I would be happy with a sub 10 on a trip and 12 in town.
I like my Jeep but it has been in the family since day one and looked after. Cooling issues were sorted out by
having a good cooling system flush and fixing the viscous coupling. And using anti-freeze.
So like anything looked after it is a good vehicle. The problem is finding a good one.
XJ Td 140Hp 236 ft lb torque XJ petrol 190Hp 225 ft lb (for post 96 models)
Petrol fuel consumption: 12-15 l/100km open-road 15-19 l/100km town only That is why you consider a diesel.
Offroad during the Hex trail myself and 3 XJs all filled up at Winelands on the way
there and I used a quarter tank for a whole days rock crawling... XJs and Tjs were worried and looking for a petrol station in De Doorns. Petrols offroad have a big drinking problem. That is why you would consider a diesel.
Also during the Hex I had to live with the constant squealing of brakes from the petrols on the long technical descents while the diesel was happily chugging along on engine braking. That is why you consider a diesel.
That is why I love my Diesel.
Only issue I really have is that the noise it makes starting up scares all the wildlife away... and the noise it makes when turning off is almost as bad.
Hey biggles, howzit ...i recall you have the Hyster engine in your Jeep ....
ORA ------------------------- Ian
Servicing is no more difficult than any other diesel and much easier than a petrol. Oil and filters.
Junkie... Chicks dig diesels. Something to do with low revs and the vibrations.
Talk
softly, carry a big stick.
Originally Posted by Biggles
Junkie... Chicks dig diesels. Something to do with low revs and the vibrations.
Nah, that your SYE coming loose
@ XJ Junkie. Unlike some persons i dont suffer from an inferioriority complex and dont need bigger things as a crutch. Its all in the vibration and the way it ticles. With smaller things you
need the right techniques. Unlike some who are closet diesel fans and tel everyone that diesel stinks?
Pieter Kemp. 2011 Isuzu 300d-teq 4x4 d/c Home built Blapsie caravan. The decision you make today, will determine the road you walk tomorrow
2 images
spring to mind when talking about XJ TD's
Cheers Steve Wright
2015 Grand Cherokee CRD Overland 2020 Renegade Limited S,
SWMABO's ride Previous Jeeps- 8 XJs, 3 KJs, 3 WJs, 2 TJ's, a WK, an MJ & a '17 Renegade
I know of only two people that has been reasonably happy with the XJ 2.5 and its Biggles and Pieter all the others I have met have spent $$$ on it.... somoene on the forum wanted to an axe to it awhile ago
and sold it.
I would not recommend the 2.5 or the 3.1 to anyone.
The 4.0litre petrol is a much better option.
Water covers 3/4 of the earth, Jeep covers the rest.
Unless you are confident to be able to identify a technically spotless one and do most of your repairs & maintenance yourself, rather go for the 4.0 petrol. That motor is said to be bulletproof.
As I said a couple of times before: I have NOT been able to save money by driving the turbodiesel version of any vehicle vs. the petrol version. All the fuel
savings (and more) went into maintenance. There are a few turbodiesel engines out there, I would still buy 2nd hand (e.g. Isuzu D-TEQ) but the 2.5 Vm Motori Jeep is certainly not one of them.
@ XJ Junkie. Unlike some persons i dont suffer from an
inferioriority complex and dont need bigger things as a crutch. Its all in the vibration and the way it ticles. With smaller things you need the right techniques. Unlike some who are closet diesel fans and tel everyone that diesel stinks?
Can't sell it then hey?
I had the second 2.5 Diesel in South Africa. Drove it 105 000 km before I sold it. The only thing that broke was the idler tensioner pulley. I was a fantastic car but could not stop for love or money. The brakes were pathetic to say the least. If I had gone with my gut feeling on this purchase I would of bought the Country with ABS. Other than that what a car.
When I drove on the 4x4 course it made the other 4x4 look a little silly. The instructor could not get it stuck while trying to show how to get out or a axel twister. Do not leave this thing in low and in 2nd gear and climb out the cab, you will fetch it in Cairo. What an underrated 4x4. I loved mine. I also had a button fitted on the dash to bypass the stupid idea that you had to have your foot on the brake to start it.
sorry one last point. It is still driving around today saw it not so
long ago has two little dolphin stickers above the Sport logo on the door. Maybe someone on the forum actually has it.
Originally Posted by kevjones
Do not leave this thing in low and in 2nd gear and climb out the cab, you will fetch it in Cairo. What an underrated 4x4. I loved mine.
Lol. Brilliant
I would keep an eye out for one with a fubared engine buy it for nothing and drop in 3.0D4d or something similar. The 2.8Td VM used in the later Cherokees should also fit.
Talk softly, carry a big stick.
Originally Posted by Biggles
I would keep an eye out for one with a fubared engine buy it for nothing and drop in 3.0D4d or something similar. The 2.8Td VM used in the later Cherokees should also fit.
Steve......don't even think
to bastardize a XJ. You will be sent to hell camp!!
It's aJ e e p thing...........you would'nt understand!! Ek ry met stok-ou Jeeps, want dan dink almal ek's al lankal ryk!! Gee vir my 'n Coke......skoon
Coke......met 'n dubbel Brannas in asseblief!!
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Who makes Jeep 2.5 diesel?
Jeep's diesel engine is made by Italian VM Motori S.p.A., which is owned by Fiat Chrysler (FCA), or as it'll soon be known, Stellantis. This is the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6's third generation, but its first application in the Wrangler.
How long will a Jeep diesel engine last?
Some owners report driving between 200,000 to 300,000 miles on their EcoDiesel engine. That's significantly longer than many gas-powered engines built to last at least 100,000 miles and up to 200,000 with proper care.
Who makes the diesel engine for Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Built by VM Motori and developed together with Fiat Powertrain, a company of Fiat S.p.a., the new 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine produces maximum horsepower of 177 kW (241 hp DIN) at 4,000 rpm and torque of 550 N•m (406 lb-ft) at 1,800-2,800 rpm.
What years did Jeep Grand Cherokee have diesel engine?
