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From The Sunday Times
August 19, 2007
Jeep Cherokee
Used car
It is a little known fact that in 1993 Britain was invaded, not by a foreign power but by an American classic. That classic was the Jeep Cherokee and although fans of the American brand had been personally importing the left-hand-drive version for many years, the change to official importation heralded a sea change in British drivers’ relationships with off roaders. Suddenly the 4x4 was trendy and the Cherokee was leading the charge.
Sales remained strong through the 1990s, and in 2001, with the original Cherokee now starting to look rather slab sided, a new model was introduced. With a softly rounded body, new engines and a reduction in list price it looked set to become another big seller.
Six years on and our relationship with 4x4s is changing again. Blamed for everything from global warming to penguin infertility, the off roader is starting to look a little off message for many drivers. But if you still hanker for a 4x4 then the Cherokee should be on your list.
Used prices start from as little as £4,500 for a petrol engine 2001 example, and at that money it looks like a whole heap of car.
Buyers have a reasonable choice of power – the petrol lineup includes a 2.4 litre producing 145bhp and a 3.7 litre V6 with 201bhp. In a vehicle weighing more than 2,100kg the smaller petrol unit struggles and potential fuel savings are quickly lost due to its higher work effort. The V6 is smoother, quieter and comes with an auto box as standard, making its secondhand premium of about £500 look great value.
The Cherokee was also given diesel power – a 141bhp 2.5 litre and a 146bhp 2.8 litre. Because the two had almost identical performances the 2.5 litre was dropped in 2004 and the 2.8 litre received a power increase of 15bhp to 161bhp.
On tarmac the Jeep Cherokee provides few surprises; a relatively tall body and wide tyres mean that road noise is more than in a saloon car and body roll gets pronounced at higher cornering speeds, but it is certainly no worse than in most of its main rivals.
Rear seat passenger legroom and boot space was improved compared with its predecessor, thanks to the spare wheel being mounted on the tailgate.
Access to the boot is also helped by the split-folding tailgate that allows the glass screen to be opened separately.
Equipment levels are typically American – that is, generous. The entry level Sport model comes with twin airbags, air-conditioning, antilock brakes and electric windows all around.
The higher spec Limited is easily identified thanks to its colour-coded bumpers and alloy wheels, while inside its cruise control and electric seat adjustment add to the luxury.
While many buyers will confess that their intended 4x4 is unlikely to see much off roading there should be no concerns about the Cherokee if the going gets sticky.
With high and low-ratio four-wheel drive plus decent ground clearance the Cherokee is harder than its somewhat soft road looks may imply.
Keeping your used Cherokee in tiptop condition should be relatively straightforward with generally robust mechanicals and a 12,000 mile service interval, but as with any used car when buying secondhand, check the vehicle carefully.
Some owners report electrical gremlins, specifically with door mirror motors and cruise control systems. And it is important to adhere to the scheduled oil changes to keep engines sweet.
Premature corrosion on suspension and steering ball joints has also dogged some examples, so check them carefully.
The golden age of 4x4s may be behind us, but if you fancy a beefy off roader with a classically American look the Jeep Cherokee is worth a look.
Air-conditioning Standard on all models. Check operation by switching from hot to cold
Tailgate Split-opening tailgate makes access easy, but spare wheel adds weight when open fully
Tyres Check tread on inner tyre wall. Uneven wear indicates misaligned suspension geometry or damaged suspension
Servicing Due every 12 months or 12,000 miles
Gearbox Check auto gearbox for smooth changes and that it holds gears. Some owners have experienced problems, which can be costly to rectify
Dashboard Some minor switchgear is fiddly to use but dials are large and clear. Clock display is mounted into the stereo readout
Wheels Steel rims on base models, alloys on all other models
Boot Check for signs of wear and damage due to carrying of heavy loads
Vital statistics
Model Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD
Engine 2776cc, six cylinders
Power 161bhp
Transmission Five-speed auto
Fuel 28.5mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 12.2sec
Top speed 108mph
The one to buy Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD Limited auto 2005 55 with 20,000 miles. Pay £13,250 at a dealer or £12,000 privately
Values
Mileage 10,000 20,000 40,000
2004 54
Trade £10,300 £9,800 £8,825
Retail £12,750 £12,295 £11,295
2005 55
Trade £11,350 £10,850 £9,700
Retail £13,795 £13,250 £12,150
2006 06
Trade £12,050 £11,450 £10,450
Retail £14,495 £13,895 £12,895
Or for similar money
2004 04 Nissan Terrano 3.0 Di SVE 2004 54 Land Rover Freelander 2.0 TD4 2004 54 Toyota RAV4 2.0 D4D XT4 2005 55 Honda CR-V 2.2 CDTi 2006 06 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRTD CTX
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