Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

There are plenty of SUV choices to look at, such as a Toyota Prado or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both should serve your needs well.

As you say Mercedes generally cost more to service and repair, particularly if you have a dealer do the work.

They're not as expensive if you use an independent Mercedes specialist, and there are plenty around who can do that for you. They not only charge less for their labour, they usually have access to cheaper parts. Most of those parts are full factory parts, just sourced from overseas, instead of locally, so you don't miss out on quality or reliability by using them.

Jeep owners generally swear by the cars, but they have had issues over the years that should make you wary about signing on to the brand.

There's not much to split them, perhaps I would prefer the 'Benz.

You're correct in thinking the Mercedes would cost more to service and repair, particularly if you use a dealer. Going to an independent service mechanic with experience of Mercedes-Benz cars would save you plenty. The Jeep would be the cheaper of the two in terms of servicing, and of the two you are looking at that's the one I would opt for.

Andrew Chesterton again: "FCA Australia's technicians have contacted this customer to arrange a like-for-like loan car and a longer test drive of this vehicle to determine exactly the issue so we can fully resolve it under warranty."

I could fill Roadside Assist for weeks with Jeep complaints, despite the efforts of managing director Pat Dougherty to get on top of things. They range from the rear suspension in the Grand Cherokee to electrical failures and general quality glitches, and include most Jeep models.

Based on the Chrysler claim for fuel consumption the diesel comes out in front by about $600 after taking into consideration the higher upfront cost and higher servicing costs.

You could go for a Mercedes-Benz GLC with similar features and save money. My choice — perhaps surprisingly — is the Jeep. Just make sure you find a good dealer.

A space-saver, by our definition, is a narrow temporary replacement, where a 245 is virtually identical to the standard tyre. According to Fiat Chrysler spokesman Andrew Chesterton: "The 18-inch spare is slightly narrower than the standard tyre but has a load rating of 110, which matches or exceeds the standard tyre's load rating. The circumference is also within an allowable tolerance. While the owner's handbook does not recommend towing with a 'compact spare' fitted to the vehicle, the factory-fitted spare we use in Australia is not of this variety."

The Navara and HiLux would be out, for me, because they are utes and you shouldn't be buying a truck just because it can tow well. The Grand Cherokee is a great drive but I also hear lots of complaints, so the Everest — engineered in Australia and based on the classy Ford Ranger ute — would be my pick as the smart choice.