Description
A practical and durable 'go anywhere' Jeep Cherokee XJ, in astonishingly good condition, with low mileage and comprehensive service history - ready to be enjoyed.
At a glance:
- Jeep Cherokee XJ 2. 5 TD Sport
- 2. 5 litre four cylinder turbo diesel, manual gearbox, two & four wheel drive.
- Original unmodified specification
- Moss green pearl metallic paint with grey interior
- Only 70, 107 miles
- Comprehensive service history, just had a fresh 12, 000 mile annual service
- MOT to 9th February 2019
- HPI Clear
The Model:
The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was manufactured and marketed by Jeep from 1983 to 2001. The models were originally marketed as 'Sportwagons' and became the precursor to the modern sport utility vehicle (SUV) as that term was not yet in use. The XJ spawned competitors as other manufacturers noticed that this Jeep design began replacing regular cars. It also began to supplant the role of the American estate cars or 'station wagons' and 'transformed from truck to limousine in the eyes of countless suburban owners.' The XJ was a significant link in the evolution of the 4x4, whilst journalist Robert Cumberford, writing for Automobile, called the Jeep XJ one of the 20 greatest cars of all time for its design, and "possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired". The XJ was also selected in 2011 as one of "10 cars that refuse to die" by Kiplinger.
The XJ Cherokee introduced for the 1984 model year was the first Jeep with a ladder-boxed chassis integrated into a single monocoque unit rather than the traditional separate body-on-frame construction. The design was rigid and sturdy with approximately 3200 welds in a completed body, yet lightweight, this uniframe construction allowed outstanding performance compared to previous models.
American Motors's compact XJ Cherokee was to be replaced by a new and larger model known as the ZJ (later named the Jeep Grand Cherokee when introduced in 1993). However, The XJ's continuing popularity caused Chrysler executives to rethink this decision, and while the ZJ models were introduced in 1993, these XJ models were retained until 2001. The Jeep XJ has remained a popular choice by off-roading enthusiasts due to its potent off-roading capability in stock form. Its popularity has resulted in strong ongoing aftermarket support in the form of a wide variety of products.
After 13 years of production, February 1997 saw the Cherokee receive updated exterior and interior styling, receiving a steel tailgate (replacing the fibreglass one used previously), restyled rear lights, additional plastic mouldings along the doors, as well as a new front header panel that featured more aerodynamic styling. The spare tyre was moved from a rear exterior bumper mount to an interior location to de-content the rear bumper. The interior was similarly updated with an all-new design and instrument panel. A stiffer unibody frame brought improvements to noise, vibration, and harshness and new door seals that reduced wind noise at higher speeds. The facelifted '97 onwards models are far nicer to drive, own and run, and are considered 'the ones to have'. The Cherokee XJ remains a popular vehicle among off-roading enthusiasts, whilst Popular Mechanics listed the XJ as one of "the 25 greatest boxy cars of all time".
The history of this car:
The car was first registered new in the UK on the 10th February 1998, and has had only 5 owners over the last 20 years. The first owner was a Mr Crabtree of Bolton who purchased the Jeep from Richard Cort Jeep dealership of Rossendale Lancashire. There have been a total of 5 owners over the following 20 years, and looking at the superb condition, it is clear that this car has been cherished and well cared for throughout its life.
The specification:
This is the 2. 5 litre turbo diesel sport version, with an interesting colour combination; moss green pearl metallic with gold wheels (perhaps a Lotus colour scheme?) and grey cloth interior, The 2. 5 litre turbocharged diesel engine is the best choice for fuel economy, as opposed to the thirsty 4. 0 litre, or underwhelming 2. 5 petrol. According to Parkers, 27-31 mpg is achievable for this diesel, as opposed to the fairly shocking 14 - 19 mpg for the 4. 0 petrol. I owned one of the 4. 0 litre versions myself some years ago, and it was a wallet buster at the pumps. Not so with this diesel - so much easier and economical to live with. It comes equipped with manual transmission and switchable 2/ 4 wheel drive with high and low ratios. The car is in its original factory specification with no alterations or modifications, other than the repainted alloy wheels. The car also has a fitted (removable) dog guard and does not have a tow bar. I would personally always rather buy a car without a tow bar, as you know it hasn't spent its life tugging heavy loads around. If you do require a tow bar, these are easy to source and available for minimal cost here on eBay.
Availability:
According to online sources, at the end of 2017 there were only 412 of these Jeep Cherokee 2. 5 TD Sport models still taxed on UK roads, making this car increasingly rare and desirable and likely to become a sure-fire future classic. The prices seem to be rising rapidly for these XJ Cherokees, and finding one like this in such great condition is increasingly difficult.
Service History:
The Jeep has up to date, comprehensive service history carried out at the following intervals:
Richard Cort Jeep - 627 miles
Richard Cort Jeep - 2, 875 miles
Richard Cort Jeep - 11, 414 miles
Richard Cort Jeep - 25, 380 miles
Hatfields Bury Jeep - 40, 986 miles
Independent Garage - 50, 628 miles
Independent Garage - 56, 533 miles
Independent Garage - 60, 658 miles
Independent Garage - 65, 000 miles
The next service due was due at 72, 000 so the car is now having a 12, 000 mile annual service carried out by my garage earlier than scheduled at 70k miles, keeping the service history up to date and also making it ready for immediate enjoyment by the next owner.
Mileage:
This car has covered a very low 70, 107 miles - an average of roughly 3, 500 miles per year over its 20 year life.
On the Road:
I absolutely love these Jeeps. The car starts quickly and pulls strongly through all the gears. The engine has bags of torque and grunt. In fairness, it won't win any land speed records - that's not what it's about - but it will get you anywhere you want to go, on or off road. The steering is precise, the speedometer appears accurate and the brakes work smoothly and efficiently. It has a sense of purpose and poise on the road, and enjoys a high driving position with excellent visibility with its uncluttered design. It's a delight to drive and puts a smile on my face everywhere I have been in it. This Jeep is rugged, capable and enjoyable - retro in an uncomplicated way and easy to maintain and enjoy.
This car could easily be used for everyday commuting, for safe family and/ or pet transportation, as a working thoroughbred 4x4, full on mud-plugger, or just for pleasure as a weekend treat - by being capable of so many different uses these Jeeps represent brilliant all-rounders.
Engine:
This Jeep is fitted with the 2. 5 litre (2499cc) VM R425 four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine used in production models from 1997 to 2001, at the time when Daimler Chrysler owned VM Motori. Interestingly, the same VM R425 engine was fitted to the London Taxi International TX4 'black cab' models produced between 2007 and 2017, and as they regularly cover 300, 000 - 500, 000 miles, this engine has gained a reputation for durability and longevity if well looked after.
Transmission:
The car has a 5 speed manual gearbox which operates perfectly. The clutch is also as it should be, and the gear changes are smooth and easy. There is also the selector for 2 and 4 wheel drive with high and low ratios, should you require some off piste activity.
MOT:
Sold with long MOT until 9th February 2019 with only one advisory; slight corrosion to brake pipes. Pretty good for a 20 year old car.
Condition:
As you can probably see from the pictures, this Jeep is in really lovely condition with no damage or significant wear. Maybe one or two little marks as you would expect, but it's extremely presentable. The wheels have been refurbished at some point and are in lovely condition. The only thing which I think might improve it, would be to apply some bumper restoring dye or stain for the black/ grey plastic wheel arch mouldings, other than that, the car is hard to fault.
It’s always difficult to express in words the condition of any car, and most people have differing opinions about condition, so the best way to get a true impression will be to view this lovely car in person. I’m confident that anybody with realistic expectations will be delighted to own and enjoy this really handsome four wheel drive.
Pricing:
The general value range (which seems to be increasing rapidly) for these Jeeps in good, road worthy and presentable condition with long MOT is normally £2000 - £4, 000 with immaculate examples (if you can find them) priced considerably higher. This car is offered to sell swiftly at a very tempting £2950, and I'm confident it will be the best one you will find at this price point.
Conclusion:
This is a hugely entertaining 'proper' 4x4, in wonderful condition, coupled with serious 'go anywhere' credentials, it’s sure to put a smile on your face with every mile. Every now and then I come across a car which I'm sorely tempted to keep for myself, and this is one of those. However, the objective is to sell cars, not just to covet them. However, you may have to pry the keys out of my hands... Just saying.
Finding one which hasn't had a hard life is tricky, the majority of those available are normally worn out examples, as they tend to be used for a purposeful outdoorsy lifestyle, as intended. This is a rare car in this condition, hence my desire to retain it for my own use..!
Contact:
Please feel free to call or email me for further information. I’m more than happy to have a chat about this wonderful Jeep and you are welcome and positively encouraged to come to view. I hope you will appreciate that this is an honest car, honestly priced and honestly sold.
Please call me on the details below
Viewings by arrangement, at a time convenient to you.
The car is located in Lymington on the southern edge of the New Forest approximately 30 minutes by road from Bournemouth and Southampton.
If you wish I am happy to collect you from Brockenhurst station which is only 90 minutes from London Waterloo on the mainline from London to Weymouth and Poole, with direct trains also calling at Brockenhurst from Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford, Reading etc.
