In the process of buying an Aspen, wanted to understand the pros and cons of getting the 4.7 engine vs. the 5.7 hemi. I primarily drive close ranges w/very little or infrequent highway driving (lots of stop and go). Which engine would give me the best mpg? And, if I purchase the 4.7 are the 18" tires the only option, I like the 20" ones alittle better!
What should I expect to pay on either if they are both fully loaded? Thanks for your help. Debby

 

I have an 07 limited with a 5.7 and love it. They get about the same mileage, so why not go for the 5.7? If you're driving primarily city, you might want the extra mileage from the 4.7, since the 5.7's claim to fame is the cylinder displacement, which tells the engine to isolate 4 cylinders under constant speed (hwy speed generally).

Sure, it's a little tougher to do generic maintenance such as spark plugs, but for the extra power, it's definitely worth it, especially if you plan on towing.

For example, I bought mine in February. 40K, limited, all option except bluetooth and DVD. I paid $24.5K, and made them replace pads and rotors, plugs, wires, and service the transmission.

 

Here are the stats on both engines for the 2007:
So, you're giving up 100 hp and 70 ft. lb of torque with the smaller engine. If you really decide you want the 4.7, get a newer model: In 2008, the 4.7 jumped up to 303 hp and 330 ft. lb torque.

Both of these engines drink fuel like it's cheap, and they are within 1 mpg or so of each other. Fuel economy shouldn't even enter the equation if you're deciding between the 4.7 and 5.7 (Hemi).

If you're towing anything, get the Hemi w/4WD, which comes with a 3.92 gearing.

Pricing depends on the condition of the vehicle and the number of miles. There's no point in any of us making scientific guesses on that, but if you wander over to edmunds.com and click on the "TMV" link, you can configure the car you want and get a ballpark dollar amount others are paying. The Aspen is no longer in production and it will be a completely different vehicle if it does come back, so be prepared to make that argument towards lowering the price. There simply isn't a huge demand right now for 5,000 pound SUVs that get poor fuel economy, so you should be able to make a pretty aggressive offer.

Good luck!

 

Honestly, I wouldn't buy an Aspen for only short trips. They are a highway cruiser. I'm saying this, and I own one. I love it, but it's built for highway cruising. Our's makes 13.5 --> 14.5 MPG mixed-city driving, and it's 2wd. I do have some meaty AT tires -- which probably lost me 1 mpg. In 07, I wouldn't even consider the 4.7. The Hemi is worth $1K more in that year. Based on the electrical gremlins listed on here, I'd also stay clear of one with a moonroof, and make sure the rubber drain plug thingie isn't clogged from the cowl air vent.

 

My wifes 4.7 in her 2007 was underpowered. When going up a steep hill you almost had to hold it to the floor to maintain 40-50 mph. If you get the 4.7 get an 2008 or 2009 for the extra hp.

 

My 2007 4.7 is a dog and drinks gas! Get the 08 or 09 stay away from the 07 for sure! The 08 4.7 pulls strong! I have driven them both!