Buying a used car can be a great way to save money since new vehicles depreciate quickly and many used cars are reliable and long-lived. However, savvy car shoppers know that it's important to thoroughly research any used car before buying.

You should review the accident history and service records of the specific car you're considering. It's also a good idea to do some general research on the make and model to check for any glaring issues you might have to deal with.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an example of a used car that buyers should be somewhat wary of. Jerry examines the top complaints about this model that can help you decide whether you should buy one.

CarComplaints.com highlighted many issues that drivers had with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The report also notes that the 2010 and 2012 Grand Cherokees received far fewer complaints.

The most common complaints about the 2011 Grand Cherokee are around electrical issues. Specifically, a defective Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) caused many problems—so many that replacement TIPM parts became scarce.

According to KnowYourParts, the TIPM is the distribution center for the car's electrical system. It relays commands from buttons and switches and routes electricity to the relevant function. When a TIPM is faulty, it can cause a laundry list of electrical issues, ranging from annoying problems with the radio to dangerous car stalls.

Some drivers have described a malfunctioning TIPM as a car that feels "possessed."

Looking at Grand Cherokee models by year, the 2011 model stands out in terms of complaints.

According to CarComplaints.com, reported issues increased 10-fold from the 2010 model and went down by around 60% for the 2012 model. Compared to other Jeep models from the same year, the volume of complaints about the 2011 Grand Cherokee is much higher.

CarComplaints.com is pretty harsh on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which ranks fourth on their list of "Worst Vehicles." They've given the model an "Avoid Like the Plague" rating and advises buyers to "just keep walking" if they see one on a used car lot. But what if you don't want to buy a new Grand Cherokee, and you've got your heart set on this particular used model?

Our advice would be to proceed with caution. Carefully check the car's records and find out if the TIPM has already been replaced. If it hasn't, your vehicle could be covered by the recall issued by Chrysler for these Grand Cherokees. You should have the vehicle checked thoroughly by a trusted mechanic before you buy it.

Whether you decide to take the plunge on a used Grand Cherokee or go for a brand-new car, you'll need to protect your ride with the right car insurance. Let Jerry help you find the best car insurance for your needs at the right price. The free app compares rates from 50 top insurance companies so you don’t have to overpay for coverage.