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There are fewer things more rewarding for gearheads than trawling through used vehicle listings, desperately combing through to find a hidden treasure you could snap up for a bargain. These come in all shapes and sizes, from forgotten 1990s sports cars to sports sedans that haven’t quite reached classic status yet, such as the Mazdaspeed 6.

For those needing an SUV, but want it to have a bit of spice, there are fewer that fit the bill better than the first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. With a whacking great V8 and sport-tuned suspension, early models can be had for peanuts these days. CarBuzz decided to explore whether buying one was a smart investment, or one that risks bankrupting an unsuspecting gearhead.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 Was Designed To Bring Some Flair To The SUV Market

During the 1990s and early 2000s, SUVs started to really become big business. The Grand Cherokee had been around for a while, first making its debut in 1993 as a mid-size SUV that could not only be used on the road, but was at home when scrambling over dodgy ground. Due to their imposing size and driving position, as well as improved practicality for families when compared to sedans or hatchbacks, their popularity went through the roof.

Whether they were geared for off-road driving like the Jeep, designed to be classy like the Range Rover, or to provide a fun driving experience like the BMW X5, there was a tonne of options to choose from. One type that wasn’t available was a muscle SUV, so Jeep decided to break new ground upon releasing the third-gen Grand Cherokee in 2005. A new variant called the SRT8 was made available in 2006, and it was unlike anything the brand had ever made.

Sold with a huge 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and performance-tuned suspension, as well as an aggressive new body kit, this was the SUV for the family-orientated muscle car enthusiast.

Discussion

Is the higher price of the Jeep Wagoneer worth it compared to the Grand Cherokee?

The Wagoneer is over $20,000 more expensive than the three-row Grand Cherokee L. While that’s a lot, the Wagoneer is a much more luxurious SUV with superior third-row passenger space. And, while the Cherokee L has the much older Pentastar V6, the Wagoneer gets the new twin-turbo Hurricane six-cylinder. The Wagoneer feels and performs like the more expensive vehicle it is, but do you agree?

Early Grand Cherokee SRT8s Are A Steal In 2025

Considering the level of performance they’re capable of, first-gen SRT8s are interestingly cheap on the used market these days. According to Kelley Blue Book, higher-mileage examples in good condition can be had for a shade under $11,000. As far as lower mileage Grand Cherokees go, you’ll have to expect to pay around $30,000. While some cheaper cars do look tidy, it’s well worth going into depth into their history.

A good example of this is a black 2007 example that sold through Cars and Bids in May 2024 for $13,500, which was unmodified and had covered 89,000 miles. The SRT8 was in solid condition for its age, with its bodywork and interior having been visibly well-looked after. It was also a one-owner vehicle that had been well-maintained, though it had been involved in a rear-end crash back in 2009. The airbags were never deployed, and the car was professionally repaired and was run by the owner for a further 15 years without issue, but this could be enough to turn some drivers away.

Another black example sold through the site was even cheaper, as it sold for just $10,100. Unlike the first example, it had never been involved in any kind of collision, but its mileage was significantly higher at 204,000. It needed a bit of work to be pristine with some areas of underside corrosion and some slightly tired bodywork, but it was pretty solid for the low expenditure.

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Why You Should Consider A Used Grand Cherokee SRT8

It’s A Full-Blooded SRT8

There are several good reasons why you should consider a Grand Cherokee SRT8 as your next used purchase, and the first of these is the commanding Hemi V8 out front, an engine that is currently being phased out from Jeep’s modern range. The 6.1-liter unit brings 420 hp to the party, which is enough to force the heavy SUV to 60 mph in under five seconds. Alongside this, it gets performance-tuned Bilstein shocks and SRT8-tuned settings, as well as a five-speed automatic transmission.

A Dana heavy-duty rear axle helps deal with the Hemi’s grunt, as does a road-geared all-wheel-drive system. It even comes with a dual-pipe SRT exhaust system, which affords the practical SUV a muscle car-like rumble. To ensure it can stop efficiently, it is also graced with a beefy Brembo braking system.

You Get A Lot Of Kit For The Money

Aside from the performance benefits of the SRT8, you also get plenty of standard equipment. Supportive and comfortable bucket seats are a nice addition, as are power adjustable pedals and a premium Boston Sounds audio setup. All SRT8s also come with a six-CD autochanger with MP3 capability, though if you shop around you may be able to find an example with the optional screen-based navigation system.

Other tempting options include dual-zone climate control and a power sunroof, so make sure to shop around to find an example with as many options as possible.

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The SRT8 Has Enough Space To Fit In The Family

Considering the SRT8 is simply a Grand Cherokee with a much more powerful heart, it also retains the same level of space as standard variants. This means you get 35 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, which rises to 57 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. There is also easily space for five, while 39 inches of headroom front and rear put it well clear of standard sedans like the similarly aged BMW 3-Series, which has 38 inches in the front and 37 inches in the rear.

Why Buying A Used Grand Cherokee SRT8 May Not Be For You

The Interior Isn’t Of The Best Quality

While you do get a fair amount of kit for money, the interior illustrates where some of Jeep’s development money was saved. Unlike some of its SUV rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML500, the cabin is awash with cheap plastics, which can break and deteriorate over time. The likelihood of the interior suffering from squeaks and rattles is higher as a result, and it’s an annoying trend CarBuzz wishes would be banished once and for all.

Unmaintained Examples Can Be Costly To Keep On The Road

While the Hemi V8 is pretty bulletproof when looked after, many owners, especially ones that bought used, tend to run them on a budget. This can mean they haven’t been serviced properly, which means bad news and extensive repair bills if the vehicle has been treated like an SRT8 should. Make sure to look for extensive servicing bills and paperwork when looking at a used example, otherwise, you could be facing some nasty repair bills down the road.

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Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Years For Reliability

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The Hemi V8 Isn’t Exactly Economical

Due to having a huge 6.1-liter V8 powerplant out front, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 does a pretty poor job of conserving fuel. With a combined MPG of 12, you’ll be spending a huge amount of time at the gas station. Given its 21-gallon fuel tank, this means you can expect to only cover around 252 miles per full fuel load. Over a year of use, when bearing in mind the current average US fuel cost of $3.103 and the average US driver mileage according to the Federal Highway Administration and US Energy Information Administration, the SRT8 will cost you around $3,500 just in gas.

As a result, even though it can be picked up for a bargain on the used market, you’ll need deep pockets to keep the V8 alive. For gearheads interested in potentially taking the plunge, keep in mind that the Grand Cherokee SRT8 should be treated as a bit of fun. Its high running costs could get tiresome after a while if you use it as a family wagon, even if the mighty Hemi plasters a huge smile on your face.

Given the risk of securing one that’s been well maintained during its life, and the sub-par interior quality, only those with a decent amount of disposable income or mechanical knowledge should take the risk.

Sources: Jeep, Federal Highway Administration, US Energy Information Administration, Kelley Blue Book