Last Chance To Buy: Jeep Grand Cherokee

When is it going?

The new Grand Cherokee is on sale now, so the old one is on the way out.

What's good about it?

The Grand Cherokee is one of the most important 4x4s to arrive in the UK because it gave buyers a real alternative to the upmarket Range Rover. Whether you are looking at a new or used Grand Cherokee, the package is comprehensive. It is easy to drive and the power plants are more than adequate, too, although they are thirsty. When it comes to driving one, it is certainly big, but it does not feel it on the road. The engines are good and the later 3.1TD diesel has to be the best, if you don't want your fuel bills to bankrupt you.

What's bad about it?

On the road it is nowhere near as sophisticated as a BMW X5 or a Range Rover. Inside, too, it falls short, with a dashboard that looks decidedly low-rent. The V8 engines suit the character of the vehicle, but in 4.7-litre form you would struggle to get into double mpg figures in a built-up area.

How much?

The best place to find Grand Cherokees is at dealers that have registered the vehicles recently and are looking to sell. At Weybridge Automobiles 01932 867888 they had eight 2005 models with delivery mileage. So a 4.7 V8 Limited XS which was usually £33,715 was on offer at £26,995.

Any snags?

Most niggles on the Grand Cherokee have been with suspension, gearboxes and air conditioning failures, all of which are expensive to put right.

Fact file

Launched: 1999

Engine: 2.7CRD, 3.1TD, 4.7 V8

Performance: 3.1TD: top speed 108mph, 0 to 60mph in 13.6 seconds

Economy: 24.1mpg

NCAP: not tested