Jeep Cherokee (1993 - 2001) 4.0 Limited 5d Auto (1998/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Like the outdoors and exploring, stylish yet no nonsense and practical. When it's covered in mud it's clear that you like off roading. Also you maybe don't make the best financial decisions (fuel costs!).

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

Most people love it. I got it when I was 18 and it's my first car, so most people are surprised, but it gets lots of compliments, and everyone likes going for adventures in it. People sometimes tell me that it's nice to see a fairly uncommon car kept going, and that it's in great condition for its age.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely. It's so much fun to drive (let's say characterful), I've never known such a reliable car, and I love how it can turn it's hand to anything (off-roading, towing, load lugging, it's pretty quick on the street, it scrubs up well when you need to look smart, it can go anywhere etc.). The main thing that kills them is rust, so I just need to make sure I keep on top of any that appears. Other than that, the only thing that would stop me driving one (I'll always have one in my possession, even if I'm not driving it!) is the fuel cost as it does about 17-20mpg. If you're willing to have LPG (I'm not) that's less of an issue.

What are you likely to buy next?

If I have to get another car for whatever reason, I'd probably get another Jeep, maybe Grand Cherokee, although I'd also like some sort of Volvo estate or perhaps a Subaru Outback or Forester. One day I also plan to own a Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think so. It's a lot of car for the money, and people never believe how little it cost when they ask.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My dad had owned it since 2005, I'd grown up with it and adored it. It's also been completely reliable, and I'd always wanted a Jeep. Dad didn't treat it very well - not ever really washing it, and very rarely servicing it, so I wanted to bring it back to good condition.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Jeepy. It wallows about and goes in its own direction, but it's enormous fun, pretty quick (beats chavs away from traffic lights, and likes to spin rear tires in 2wd), and can actually go around corners quicker than it feels like it can. Auto gearbox is excellent, as is cruise control.

What's it like to park?

Dead easy. Great visibility, straight sides, large mirrors, auto gearbox and the fact it's not very wide all add up to one easy to park Jeep! Tow bar is also helpful for determining length.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Very few things over the past 8 years. The ignition once got stuck, due to wear on the ignition tumbler from hanging two sets of cars keys from it for several years. Fixed with new tumbler. Both front door speakers blew so had to be replaced, speaker wiring in the driver's door redone as was becoming intermittent. Pinhole leak in the top radiator hose. Not surprising as coolant had been flushed for first time in over 7 years, and hose was original. Worst was a windscreen leak. After removing, there were small patches of rust around the frame. Cost £350 to be professionally sandblasted and resprayed, plus cost of a new windscreen. A couple of very small rust spots appearing, but hopefully sorted soon. Only washed once a year until recently, so not surprising.

What's most practical about your car?

It will go seemingly anywhere, it will always get you home (even if you have to limp), and what with the large boot, tow hitch and roof rack, it can carry anything!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Decent factory Infinity sound system, great 4 wheel drive system (Full-time with centre diff, part-time with locked centre diff, and low range.).