Be double-sure to check for proper operation of the UConnect system, if equipped: set a navigation destination, place a call via Bluetooth, cycle through various media sources, and the like. Check that the heated and chilled seats work on both settings, that the remote tailgate and fuel-door release buttons are functioning properly, and that the back-up camera is working, too. Double check for proper operation of all steering-wheel-mounted controls as well.

Run the climate control system through its paces, noting that some owners have reported issues with blend-door actuators, which control the distribution of air through the cabin. Set the temperature to max hot, and max cold, and ensure that air, at the temperature of your choosing, is flowing from all of the selected vents as you work the climate control system through its paces.

Check the centre portion of the dashboard, around the defroster vent, for signs of bubbling or lifting. This issue was commonly covered under warranty, and isn’t altogether uncommon.

Have a technician scan for the presence of any stored trouble codes within the Grand Cherokee’s computer system. This is a good idea on any used car, as it can reveal potentially hidden issues, including a big one in the Grand Cherokee: early copies of the Pentastar V6 in 2011 may suffer from a cracked cylinder head, which can cause a misfire code to be stored by the computer. This issue was almost immediately corrected in production, and likely affects only a fraction of a percent of Grand Cherokee units produced in the initial year, but shoppers are advised to get a computer system scan if they’re considering a 2011 V6 model, just to be extra safe.

Another trouble code, P0128, may appear if there’s a problem with the thermostat on the Grand Cherokee’s V6 engine. Here’s some more reading. Changing a thermostat on the Pentastar engine doesn’t seem to be a particularly difficult or expensive venture.

Opting for an SRT model? Be sure you’ll benefit from its added performance, as you’ll be paying for it at each fill-up. Though the SRT variants of Chrysler’s products tend to be fairly solid in terms of reliability, and built to take a beating, owners are advised to confirm that the seller isn’t trying to pass off badly worn tires and brakes, and that the vehicle’s fluid-change schedule has been adhered to.

Considering an EcoDiesel? Spend some time reading this thread, to familiarize yourself with potential issues to be on the lookout for.

Have a mechanic inspect the cooling system, especially on earlier V6-powered models. Some owners have reported leaky radiators, which can be tricky and pricey to replace out of warranty.

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