In 1984 Jeep launched the Cherokee XJ, a unique vehicle for its type featuring unibody construction and advanced suspension and AWD systems that maintained Jeep’s reputation for being kings of the rough stuff, while also offering surprisingly good road manners for such a large vehicle.
The JZ replacement was launched in 1993 and began to be imported into the UK in 1996 as the Grand Cherokee. Jeep marketed it as a luxury off-road vehicle, and it offered stiff competition for rivals from Land Rover, Nissan and Mitsubishi. It’s easy to see why. Jeep threw everything at it, full electrics, leather interiors, a bomb-proof 4x4 system and metallic paints were either standard or cheap factory options.
This particular vehicle was first registered in June 1998. It was then purchased by the current owner’s uncle, who acquired it in January 2002. It stayed with him in Southend until May 2018, when the current owner inherited the vehicle.
As the vehicle has only had 3 owners, and has covered so few miles, there is relatively little paperwork. What there is confirms the low mileage and the number of owners. The V5 is present and correct, as is the fully stamped service history. The last service was completed at 75,575 miles.
The vehicle has a valid MOT which runs until March 2022. It also comes with 2x sets of keys, a complete set of handbooks in their original case and a Haynes Owners Manual.
One of the key selling points of the Grand Cherokee Limited was its luxury. The interior certainly doubles-down on this, featuring superbly comfortable leather seats, here trimmed in a fetching tan, thick carpets and many mod-cons. The seats and carpets are all in lovely condition, with no more than expected wear to the front seats, and a rear bench that looks as if it’s never been sat in.
The boot area is also in superb condition, the cargo blind, cargo nets and full-size spare with cover all present and in perfect condition.
Everything we tested in the cabin worked well. The dash and switchgear all showing little signs of wear and operating with the solid feel you would expect from this type of vehicle. Some of the features of the cabin are:
- The original RDS radio/cassette unit
- Electric windows front and back
- Electric door mirrors
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
The owner assures us that all of these features work consistently and well.
Finished in gorgeous Dark Rosewood Pearl Coat paint, with body-coloured bumpers, gold badging and pinstriping, this vehicle is a striking machine. The colour really suits the shape, looking very elegant, especially in combination with the tan leather interior. All of the paintwork is in good condition, with only a handful of minor, age-related blemishes.
Other exterior features are: side steps, towing hitch and roof bars. All are in fine condition. The 16” alloy wheels have a couple of minor scuffs, but are generally in good condition. They’re all shod in recently fitted Good Year tyres.
Underneath the vehicle looks incredibly solid, we couldn’t see any issues, rot or dents. It certainly looks like the vehicle has been very well cared for and hasn’t been used for any real off-roading.ncoOViqmfSQbObRtMrjQaBxCrL95kLoCnC1wxJYV.jpeg544.73 KB
THE MECHANICS
Jeep have always been famous for bullet-proof drivetrains, and this model of Grand Cherokee is no different. This model features the 4-litre straight-six petrol, very much the preferred specification as the V8 is less reliable and much thirstier. Here it benefits from a full specialist service history, giving you the peace of mind that this is a solid and reliable purchase.
The straight-six drives all four wheels through a 3-speed automatic gearbox with high-range/low-range (known as the Jeep Quadra-Trac system).
The Jeep brand has always held enormous appeal, both for fans of hardcore off-road vehicles and for those that want a comfortable, spacious and luxurious vehicle with go-anywhere ability. If that’s what you want, then the 4-litre Grand Cherokee Limited is the perfect vehicle or you.
Rugged, reliable mechanicals, proven off-road ability, a smooth-as-butter straight-six and excellent equipment levels make it something of a canny choice, particularly if you want to stand out from all those Land Rovers and Range Rovers at the local Farm Shop.
Personally, we think this car is lovely - the spec of Dark Rosewood Pearl over tan leather looks brilliant, and is quite a rare colour choice. We can’t remember the last time we saw one in this colour, so it certainly stands out from the usual suspects. The fact that this car has had just 2 owners (in the same family) since 2002 and comes with a full service history and such low mileage is very unusual. It’s clearly been cherished and cared for in a way this type of vehicle rarely is.
Reliable, well-specified and well cared for, this really is something of a bargain. It’s the perfect do-everything vehicle, and if you care for it as well as the previous owners have, will probably outlive the moon.
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