[Bruce B.]

I belonged to a Mini Cooper forum previously. Someone had created a punch list of what to check when accepting the car from the dealership for the first time. It helped tremendously in making sure the car was really ready for delivery. From trolling the forum for a few days I've picked up the thoughts of checking all the fluids (including the DEF) and fit of the doors and panels.

Since I don't have the vehicle in front of me, I have no idea of what fluids the JGC might have beyond the normal PWS, PB, oil, radiator, ATF, and DEF. Additional checkpoints would be really helpful.

The list in the Mini Cooper forum also had all the different settings for the car operations and what each option did. You could peruse this checklist and have your choices ready to "go" once the vehicle got home.

What else should I be looking for? Has a list like this been created? If so, where might I find it on the Forum.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[MN Gray Beard]

I belonged to a Mini Cooper forum previously. Someone had created a punch list of what to check when accepting the car from the dealership for the first time. It helped tremendously in making sure the car was really ready for delivery. From trolling the forum for a few days I've picked up the thoughts of checking all the fluids (including the DEF) and fit of the doors and panels.

Since I don't have the vehicle in front of me, I have no idea of what fluids the JGC might have beyond the normal PWS, PB, oil, radiator, ATF, and DEF. Additional checkpoints would be really helpful.

The list in the Mini Cooper forum also had all the different settings for the car operations and what each option did. You could peruse this checklist and have your choices ready to "go" once the vehicle got home.

What else should I be looking for? Has a list like this been created? If so, where might I find it on the Forum.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I really like this idea! I hope you get some activity here.

My one little contribution: Make sure that, if you're expecting Quadra-Drive II with the Off-Road Adventure II package that the little icon near the Select-Terrain knob is NOT a Jeep going downhill but a Jeep going across bumpy flatland. While it specifically signals the distinction between Hill Descent Control and Select-Speed, it will also tell you if they did or didn't install the eLSD in the rear. I'm waiting for the second JGC (a diesel) we've ordered in 2 months. I caught that the first, a V6-VVT, removed those two from the ORA-II package without signaling that fact to either the dealer or me. I caught it by noticing the wrong icon on the pushbutton. I'm attaching a picture of the one that you should see with Select-Speed and QD-II.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

FYI....the older build ORA2 Diesels have Hill Descent only. They most certainly have the rear ELSD. I think that changed around Dec 13.

 

[MN Gray Beard]

FYI....the older build ORA2 Diesels have Hill Descent only. They most certainly have the rear ELSD. I think that changed around Dec 13.

Glad I ordered later. Seems like a great feature to have in at all slope levels and directions! Thanks for the info!

 

[MN Gray Beard]

FYI....the older build ORA2 Diesels have Hill Descent only. They most certainly have the rear ELSD. I think that changed around Dec 13.

Let me be a little more specific in the problem that I had. When we ordered the Overland, the ORA II package showed up with QDII and Select-Speed on Chrysler's ordering system at the dealer, even with the V6-VVT selected. It never removed them even though those options don't seem to be compatible with that engine. The price of the ORA II package was considerably less than with V8 but that could have reflected any number of things. The ONLY way I caught the inconsistency was by noticing the unanticipated icon on the console button. That prompted me to go over the build sheet with the sales manager; we both discovered the QDII and S-S were not on the list. A new order with a diesel and ORAII was the result. I'll check back in on this thread when it's actually delivered in 7-9 weeks.

 

[jackdaw]

I really like this idea! I hope you get some activity here.

My one little contribution: Make sure that, if you're expecting Quadra-Drive II with the Off-Road Adventure II package that the little icon near the Select-Terrain knob is NOT a Jeep going downhill but a Jeep going across bumpy flatland. While it specifically signals the distinction between Hill Descent Control and Select-Speed, it will also tell you if they did or didn't install the eLSD in the rear. I'm waiting for the second JGC (a diesel) we've ordered in 2 months. I caught that the first, a V6-VVT, removed those two from the ORA-II package without signaling that fact to either the dealer or me. I caught it by noticing the wrong icon on the pushbutton. I'm attaching a picture of the one that you should see with Select-Speed and QD-II.

View attachment 132

That's really helpful! I've got a 2015 on order with ORA II, and have been surprised at how uninformed Jeep and other people have been about QD II. I was offered 4 different 2014s earlier in the summer as "matches" for what I wanted, and not one of them had ORA II or QD II! So, I will look for the indicator you picture when (maybe if) my vehicle ever gets built. It sounds like you had to send your first one back and order again? Yikes! Thanks for the tip.

 

[jackdaw]

I belonged to a Mini Cooper forum previously. Someone had created a punch list of what to check when accepting the car from the dealership for the first time. It helped tremendously in making sure the car was really ready for delivery. From trolling the forum for a few days I've picked up the thoughts of checking all the fluids (including the DEF) and fit of the doors and panels.

Since I don't have the vehicle in front of me, I have no idea of what fluids the JGC might have beyond the normal PWS, PB, oil, radiator, ATF, and DEF. Additional checkpoints would be really helpful.

The list in the Mini Cooper forum also had all the different settings for the car operations and what each option did. You could peruse this checklist and have your choices ready to "go" once the vehicle got home.

What else should I be looking for? Has a list like this been created? If so, where might I find it on the Forum.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Boy, that would be helpful. I've ordered a 2015 GC diesel Overland with ORA II through a third party facilitator (CarTelligent), thinking it would make things easier and cheaper. I'm not so sure. But when they get the car and present it to me, I can turn it down, for any, or no reason. I sure am going to go over the build sheet and everything very carefully. It would be great to have a check list!

 

[lou]

I have the exact new car delivery prep right out of the service manual. Any interest in some of that information? It is extensive including all fluids, tire pressure, door alignment, paint chips, battery voltage, software updates, road test, etc.

I looked it up to see if the dealer was supposed to upgrade software.

 

[jackdaw]

I have the exact new car delivery prep right out of the service manual. Any interest in some of that information? It is extensive including all fluids, tire pressure, door alignment, paint chips, battery voltage, software updates, road test, etc.

I looked it up to see if the dealer was supposed to upgrade software.

Is that for a new Grand Cherokee diesel? That would be very useful. I realize I'm assuming my buying agent is going to have the build sheet, which doesn't sound as detailed as what's in the service manual. Is that a manual that came with the car, or that you bought or consulted separately? One key thing I'm going to look for, given some of the comments on this website, is that the Off Road Adventure II elements are there, especially the Quadra Drive II components. With that package, it's also supposed to come with the 18 inch wheels instead of the 20 inch, which I guess is better offroad. My buyer sent me stickers on four 2014s he thought fit my requirements, and none of them had QDII, but that was him. Jeep doesn't seem to make the ORAII package to sit on a dealer's lot until someone wants it... Anyway, how would I get the new car delivery prep inventory? Sounds worth having and checking before I accept the car.... Thanks!

 

[lou]

I got the factory service manual covering the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the complete prep is in there. The internal code for the vehicle is WK, and it covers all engines worldwide. Check the forum for my post with the website of the service manual if you want to have a look.The Jeep website looks like an Overland with the Offroad 2 package swaps to 18" wheels. Jeep covers themselves well be always stating some options can not be had with some configurations.
I was able to find a lot (100's) of 2014 diesel jeeps still on the lot using autotrader.com. The 2015 with the diesel may be a long wait according to one dealer I spoke to. I got $6600 off my 2014 Limited Diesel, may be worth looking into and skipping having a buyer look....

BTW: This rides so much better than the Mini!!! It's nice having both, with this you just drive over what would have bent the wheel on the mini

 

[lou]

Oh, and I don't think the Offroad adventure 1 or 2 should be a deal breaker. Mine does not have either. I do wish it did, but I could easily buy and bolt up the factory (or better) skid plates and go hop over rocks. The select-speed function I think is for the select few who may actually use it. Just my 2 cents.

Another BTW: The highway mileage on the Jeep is the same as the R53 Cooper s

 

[jackdaw]

Oh, and I don't think the Offroad adventure 1 or 2 should be a deal breaker. Mine does not have either. I do wish it did, but I could easily buy and bolt up the factory (or better) skid plates and go hop over rocks. The select-speed function I think is for the select few who may actually use it. Just my 2 cents.

Another BTW: The highway mileage on the Jeep is the same as the R53 Cooper s

Well, the QDII, which only comes in the Off Road Adventure II package, has the electronically switched rear differential, which means that it's more than just all wheel drive: the torque gets sent to the rear wheel that's got traction, so you don't end up ... spinning your wheels! That might be harder to bolt on if you decide you want it. You're right, it only matters for those going off road. But I'm a fly fisherman and general lover of the outdoors, and my purpose in getting the GC at all is to be able to get to wilderness places, while still having a civilized ride for city driving, which admittedly is most of what I do, and decent mileage. So, if I can't get the ORA II/ QD II, I'd probably just get something else. BTW, the 2015 diesels have started to be made, so I'm told mine will come in a few weeks, with all the bells and whistles I ordered - I hope!.

I bet the mini is more fun to drive on twisty roads. and easier to park downtown...

 

[lou]

Thanks for the clarification. I wasn't paying attention to the difference between Quadra-Drive and Quadra-Trak. That's fantastic you'll really use the off road capabilities of the Jeep. Mine is a 30 MPG rolling office that sees trackday tow duty. It really does drive well and is fun with all that torque. I'm sure you'll love it.

I did have a chance to drive the last Mini GP at Thompson Speedway. It was a lot of fun.

 

[lou]

So did you end up getting the Jeep?

 

[jackdaw]

So did you end up getting the Jeep?

Supposed to arrive at the dealer tomorrow, then my agent gets it in two days, so Dec. 17, if goes according to plan.
Then I'll have to sess it out to make sure it's got everything. But boy, the price of diesel sure stays high while gas comes down. Almost cancels out the cost benefits due to mileage. Of course, there's the convenience of the mpg. And not to forget about the torque!

 

[jackdaw]

So did you end up getting the Jeep?

Hi Lou,

I am picking up my 2015 GCdiesel tomorrow. I couldn't find your post with the url: for the service manual that shows how the new vehicle should be fitted out upon arrival. Can you send that to me again? Thanks. - David (jackdaw)

 

[jackdaw]

I have the exact new car delivery prep right out of the service manual. Any interest in some of that information? It is extensive including all fluids, tire pressure, door alignment, paint chips, battery voltage, software updates, road test, etc.

I looked it up to see if the dealer was supposed to upgrade software.

I see I 'd have to purchase the manual to be able to use it when I review the car before accepting it. I guess I'll go with the list I have from Chrysler, and the one tip about making sure the QD II is there.

Hey Lou, what is your opinion about extended warranties, you know, that cover service after the factory warranty runs out. Since Jeeps don't have good reliability ratings, I'm tempted, since I expect to keep this one a long time. But so many - maybe ALL? - these extended warranty companies seem to try to avoid responsibility. As far as I can tell, all of the them have lots of reports of negative experiences. Any thoughts? Thanks! - David