Used Jeep Cherokee 4x4 2001 - 2008 reliability

Owners have criticised mechanical reliability, but generally the Cherokee is a robust piece of kit.

The suspension and axles are the weakest area, and that can hit your wallet hard. If you come across an automatic gearbox on a diesel model that jumps out of gear, walk away unless you want to risk a big repair bill. There're plenty of others that work just fine.

The cabin trim on a small number of Cherokees can be a bit rattly when it's very young, but Jeep dealers are pretty hot at sorting this out under the three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

There was also a suspension-related recall in June 2004 - on some vehicles, water could enter the front suspension ball joints, posibly causing them to corrode and separate. There have been a few precautionary brake-related recalls, too, so ensure any Cherokee that catches your eye is up to date on its recalls.