Jeep Cherokee (1993 - 2001) 2.5 TD Sport 5d (1999/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Is this for the school run or overly macho hiding very poor build? Thankfully, the poor build quality does not extend to a superb TD engine but ancilliaries - that water pump and those belts are overworked and waiting to fail.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Different from the usual 4X4 and comfortable. That comfortable ride though comes at a harsh penalty: terrible handling.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Although is is comfortable enough, the body is built like a baked bean can and the handling is alarming. Bearing in mind that this was often aimed at the suburban - even school run - market, the marketeers misfired. It is instead a brutally capable offroader unsuited to mums and toddlers in supermarket car parks.In summary: Offroad, not much can touch it, onroad no one should touch it either. The water pump failed and ruined the engine. This is simply down to poor design and rough quality (it uses a Rover based water pump so no surprises).

What are you likely to buy next?

Not a Jeep. Go for a Mitsubishi (the L200 is a very civilised workhorse) or Nissan.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,500

When did you buy the car?

November 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

This was a private seller.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

This Jeep was very well-priced with a comprehensive service history and average mileage. It was bought as a winter tool for which it was most suited. It's just a pity about the other times of the year, and the leaks, and the failed water pumps common to these vehicles.

What was the dealer like?

n/a

What's it like to drive?

This is a game of two halves. The TD engine has huge torque and the high gearing makes for excellent economy out of town. It drinks far less than Shoguns or Discoverys BUT: Handling and roadholding are dreadful (even for a 4X4). The Cherokee is sensitive to the smallest changes: tyre pressures, tyre types, wet or dry weather. With old leafspring supension on the back it is about as good as a 1970s Land Rover. If you want a cheap incredibly tough hack buy one, otherwise go elsewhere.

What's it like to park?

The power steering is super-light and the turning circle astonishingly compact. Squared off angles also mean that you know exactly where your extremities are. And, the Jeep is no more bigger than many estates; and a lot smaller than would be rival Shoguns and Discoverys.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It looks bombproof but it is far from it. Infamous for letting water into the cabin due to poor welds, mine leaks buckets. These are two decades behind their German or Japanese rivals but comparable to Land Rovers of the same age. The waterpump failed (ANOTHER known weakness - due to running too much off one drive belt) but DIY is easy and cheap. There's no fine engineering here. If you can fix Meccano, you can fix a Jeep: and you'll have to.

What's most practical about your car?

The boxy shape makes for good headroom, and easy parking. For a 4X4 it is surprisingly easy to manouevre but make no mistake, it does not handle like a car. Roof bars and a good load height in the boot means you can easily haul just about anything.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Cherokee is well-specified for its age but has no real groundbreaking gizzmos. But, it does have a digital compass, telling you which way you are driving; useful if you're lost in the Amazon basin, which is unlikely. The 'Sport' badge is a mystery - there's nothing sporty about the Jeep. There are so many warning buzzers that you fail to understand why they're even sounding.