Used car buying guide: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Independent front suspension meant there was less wheel articulation off road than before, but Jeep balanced that out in part with the fitment of the excellent Quadra-Drive II system that locks the front and rear differentials in extremis.

The interior is filled with hard, scratchy plastics and topped by a craggy dashboard that looks like Mount Rushmore. Back-seat space is limited. Most are five-seaters but there was the seven-seat Commander. That’s rare, but we found a 2006 3.0 CRD with 80,000 miles for £5995.

Most Grand Cherokees were bought in Limited trim with powered seats and dual-zone climate control. Overland added an uprated sound system and sat-nav. The model was facelifted in 2008 (interior tweaks, fully adjustable steering wheel).

The WK may have its flaws, but its engines are strong, its body resists rust and it’s good value for money.

How to get one in your garage

An expert's view

Nick Peace, Ring Road Jeep: “I’ve owned a few Grand Cherokees, including a 5.7 Hemi, but for the past 12 months I’ve been at the wheel of a seven-seat Commander 3.0 CRDi. Based on the Grand Cherokee, it’s practical, spacious and reliable. It’s well-equipped, too: there’s air-con in the rear, for example. It does 35mpg on a cruise and 20mpg around town. The build quality is good. Even though it’s done over 100,000 miles and is 13 years old, it still feels reasonably tight. And there’s not a speck of rust, either.”

Buyer beware...

â–  Engine: Petrol engines thrive on 5W-20 or even 0W-20 oil, so check this has been a V8’s regular diet. On post-2009 CRD engines, look for oil cooler leaks caused by worn seals. Repair requires removal of the inlet manifold and turbo, costing around £1200. Oil can also leak from the sump and from the oil temperature sender. Listen and smell for V8s leaking gases from the exhaust manifold.

â–  Running gear: Listen for the back axle whining. It needs fresh oil and a filter every 35,000 miles but this can be overlooked; it’s around £800 to fix. A transmission warning light may indicate a sticky transfer box. It’s caused by the electric motor jamming through lack of use. It can be reset and regular low-range engagement should keep it free. Check the case itself for oil leaks. Scroll through all the gearbox changes, checking they’re smooth and engage without jolting.

â–  Suspension and steering: Ball joints in the front upper and lower wishbones wear, so listen for clonks on bad roads. Lower front wishbone replacement costs £200 per side. Shock absorbers last around 120,000 miles. Noises as the steering turns could be the power steering pump.

â–  Body: Check the underside for off-roading damage and rear crossmembers for towing strain (metal deformation or cracks). Inspect the door handles for cracks and be sure the struts still support the bonnet and tailgate.