The 6.4L HEMI V8-powered SRT (originally SRT-8) was the highest-performance Grand Cherokee available until the Trackhawk arrived in 2018.

Based on the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), the SRT is far more than simply a powerful V8 installed within a WK2 platform.

The SRT features a strengthened body, high performance Brembo brakes, performance-tuned suspension, amongst a host of SRT-specific enhancements.

While the SRT’s performance credentials are without question, it is still fundamentally a Jeep Grand Cherokee and that brings with it the Grand Cherokee’s undesirable reputation for build quality and potential poor reliability.

The SRT (along with the entire Grand Cherokee range) received various updates during its lifecycle, most notably in 2017 receiving a facelift that featured a new alloy wheel design, reshaped headlights and a reshaped grill as well as updates to tech and equipment.

While the SRT offers excellent value for money when compared to similar spec’d European performance SUVs, committing to ownership requires quite the commitment to everything the SRT requires and delivers, both good and bad.

What goes wrong with a used Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8?

• Fuel evac issues
• Wheels and Brembo brake caliper clear coat can peel off
• Rust can be a major issue in colder or coastal areas
• Carbon fibre interior trim comes off
• Panel gaps can vary dramatically from the factory
• Various electronic, ECU and computer issues
• Metallic trim on the steering wheel can peel, resulting in injury or cutting to hands
• The price of tyres and brakes can become very expensive
• Door hinges can begin to creak

• Reports of the U-Connect infotainment screen failing
• Many reports of water pumps failing. (However, Jeep should have addressed this during servicing)
• Blower motor in air conditioning unit are known to fail or become extremely noisy
• Fuel door can break off
• Seal around the windscreen can wear and leak
• Dashboard leather can separate, lift or shrink in warm climates
• A comprehensive and thorough service history is critical

It also needs to be noted that the SRT, (excluding engine, transmission, certain running gear and suspension components) can suffer from the same issues and faults of the Grand Cherokee range.

Should you buy a used Jeep Cherokee SRT8?

Very few vehicles offer what the SRT can provide.

If you absolutely need this ownership experience in your life, and you can easily afford not only the purchase but the running and maintenance costs (which will be extensive), find a fully serviced, low kilometre and completely cared for SRT, then yes, buy it.

However, we’d recommend making this a short term commitment. While the SRT is unique and provides quite the experience, the depreciation, cost of fuel and upkeep and potential for typical Jeep quality and longevity issues may result in a broken heart and depleted wallet.