Daddy, won’t you buy me a new Jeep Cherokee?
The Jeep Cherokee isn’t exactly the first car that springs to mind when we hear the term “young driver” or “new driver”. First of all, a brand-spanking new Jeep Cherokee is going to cost you (or your parents, or your spouse) R 724 362. That’s usually about two or three times the amount that new drivers or their parents have to spend on a starter car. Unless Dad is a ‘tenderpreneur’, we don’t see this happening too easily.
Related: New vs used Jeep Cherokee - What are the top 3 differences?
Let’s take a look of the current Jeep Cherokee lineup in SA:
| Jeep Cherokee 2.0T Limited 4x4 | R724 362 |
| Jeep Cherokee 2.0T Trailhawk 4x4 | R750 362 |
| Jeep Cherokee 3.2 Overland 4x4 | R776 592 |
The 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol models have 200kW and 400Nm, while the 3.2-litre naturally-aspirated Overland model’s V6 petrol-engine has 200kW and 315 Nm of torque.
Some bargains available if you’re buying used!
We did have a look on the AutoTrader website at used Jeep Cherokees, and we were amazed at how affordable they are. We found 2014/ 2015 / 2016 models with low mileage for under R300 000! But, before you get too excited, there is a reason for this. And, unfortunately, it seems that reliability is a bit of an issue. After some research, it transpired that Jeep Cherokees are known for having all kinds of niggles. These include transmission problems, in-car electronics, and substandard interior plastics, especially on the older, short-wheelbase Jeep Cherokee Ltd models. (I owned one from 2005-2010, and some of the air-vent louvres broke not too long after we had acquired it.)
It also guzzled fuel - it had a V6 engine - but during that time I lived in the Middle East where you can buy half a tank of fuel with the change in your pocket, so that was hardly an issue. If you want an older Jeep Cherokee Ltd, like the one I had, you can pick one up for well under R100 000 on AutoTrader. But remember, we did warn you.
But Dad, I really, REALLY need a 4x4!
We understand the appeal of having a 4x4 when you’re young and adventurous. But there are so many other, more reliable options. If you’re a new driver, why not get yourself a Suzuki Jimny? That way you will have a small and maneuverable car that is able to drive across mountains, and also cheap to service and maintain.
The other downside of Jeep Cherokee ownership is running- and maintenance costs. Unless you have an uncle/brother/father/best friend who owns a workshop, I probably wouldn’t recommend the Jeep Cherokee if you are buying your very first car.
However, if money is no object and you can pay handsomely for parts, repairs, and services, and you have some kind of roadside assistance service such as an AA membership, the Jeep Cherokee is a super cool SUV to own. I just wouldn’t buy one for myself, because I prefer spending my money on things I really need, not fixing mechanical problems, which is a bit of a grudge purchase, if you ask me.
If you must have a used (read: out of warranty) Jeep, then set aside some money for when things go wrong, and make sure you purchase a service/maintenance plan and additional (comprehensive) insurance. Remember, it’s not to say that things will definitely go pear-shaped. There are some Jeep Cherokee drivers who are quite happy with their cars and who report a relatively satisfying ownership experience.
As for the Jeep Cherokee’s safety credentials, newer models have all the safety bells and whistles such as 6 airbags, traction/stability control, rearview cameras and the like. Jeep Cherokees are comfortable and luxurious, and while it’s not the car I would buy for myself, it is a car that I have always found appealing. While the Cherokee’s squinty-eyed looks may not be for everyone, I must admit that I like its design a lot. Before you commit to buying a used Jeep Cherokee, we also suggest taking it for a thorough DEKRA technical inspection or having a mechanic look it over thoroughly before you sign your life away.
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Buying used? Read all of our 2015 Jeep Cherokee reviews here.
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