Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 57 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3960cc LPG

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 10 points below average.

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LPG3960cc29 years old57 tests133k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (LPG, 3960cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

72% of MOT tests on Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokees from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 57 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 133,247 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models208th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Chrysler-Jeep models65th of 100(bottom half)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Chrysler-Jeep average-2%(74% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,247

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee had 133,247 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1997 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	88%	101	99,455 mi
2011	80%	92	98,683 mi
2010	78%	303	106,863 mi
2009	81%	225	117,791 mi
2008	76%	300	124,156 mi
2007	81%	544	118,961 mi
2006	77%	626	124,408 mi
2005	75%	287	131,679 mi
2004	71%	210	119,774 mi
2003	75%	193	125,020 mi
2002	77%	98	118,619 mi
2001	74%	122	104,835 mi
2000	77%	91	122,194 mi
1999	70%	171	122,241 mi
1998	65%	104	123,197 mi
1997	72%	57	133,247 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1998 · 3528cc LPG

£2,888/year

76%

+4%

Jeep Cherokee Limited A

1998 · 3960cc LPG

£2,888/year

76%

+4%

Chevrolet Astro

1995 · 4290cc LPG

£3,088/year

60%

-12%

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About the 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3960cc lpg engine, though engines vary between versions. 57 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 133,247 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Costs

The 3960cc lpg engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). This is a petrol-price estimate; running on lpg will change the cost.

What does it cost to own a 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Trend

Newer Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokees pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

At 29 years old, the Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 57 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 133k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee(1997)	72%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Land Rover Defender(1998)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Jeep Cherokee Limited A(1998)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Chevrolet Astro(1995)	60%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£3,088+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

Is the 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokees ended in a pass, from 57 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?

72% of 57 MOT tests on the 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 208th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee is 133,247 miles, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.