WK2
Well well well, I wasn't really expecting to buy a vehicle in 2025, but it happened! We had two vehicles, a 2009 Toyota Corola, which is a reliable little car, but it is beginning to show it's age. And a 2010 VW Routan, which I bought after my Journey was totaled by debris in the roadway. The Routan is also old, and showing it's age, but it is also fully loaded which was nice for going on adventures. The Routan had it's issues tho. I have always been fighting with the coolant system. It started with a bad water pump, which was a huge project to replace.
I was able to get that sorted out, and the Van was kind of back to normal. But then in January in one of the deep freezes we had, my radiator went. I am unsure if a rock hit it, or if it just cracked from super cold temps. In any case, I replaced the radiator, and indeed there were no more leaks. But now I have to get the damn air pocket out again. An air pocket in a minivan is often very tough to get out because of how the coolant lines run. While an air pocket exists, the coolant can't circulate effectively, and it could cause other issues, but most of all, in the cold winter, you don't get heat.
My mate wasn't super thrilled about this. She didn't trust the Van anymore, and I really don't blame her. I was used to kinda driving fix-er-uppers for most of my life in order to save money. But havine a reliable vehicle to transport the family is a high priority. And so I was very supportive of her buying a newer 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The Pacifica is a nice van, but something funny happened. See Tigga seems to enjoy when I drive. I also enjoy driving. But Tigga also seemed to get a little jealous when I was driving her Van, and she was in the passenger seat. She wanted to go out on adventures, and she wanted me to drive, but she didn't feel comfortable in my van. So...
We ended up with a small fleet of vehicles. I found a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee with only 71k on it. It also had no rust, which was sweet as it came from a state that doesn't use salt. On top of that it is a HEMI 5.7. Wow. So, now I have an adventure vehicle. While the Jeep doesn't quite have enough seating for all of the kids, it will be suitable for most adventures.
I have had a few other Jeeps in the past. From a 1996 Cherokee XJ, to a 1999 Grand Cherokee WK. And my old off roading Chevy Venture was pretty wild too. I know it isn't a Wrangler or Rubicon, but it is still capable. A WK2 (Grand Cherokee) is for sure able to navigate Jeep badge of honor trails, just like its cousins. Fording deep water might not work well, without a bit of reworking, but handling mud, mild rocks, and steep terrain, is indeed something that is very capable.
Sadly, unlike when I lived in Ontario, which had logging trails and 'crown land' everywhere to freely explore, New York has few trails. Most land is Private or prohibits vehicle use. Luckily I found a plot of land nearby which is legal to my knowledge, to four wheel on. I tested it out the other day, and boy did I have fun.
So yes, my new Jeep has been bathed in mud, and is now marked as a true off road vehicle. I wear the mud with honor, and expect upgrades to come soon! First, I plan to get a winch and front recovery hook system. A roof rack for lights and antennas will be installed soon, and I have a few spots for my usual radios and lighting controllers.
I for sure welcome anyone local who wants to do some trails, to contact me. I do love adventures and off roading is more fun in a convoy.