Jeep Cherokee Limited A (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 374 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 Petrol

Check Carefully

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

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Petrol3960cc29 years old374 tests122k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 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. It falls below the Jeep brand average of 78%.

72% of MOT tests on Jeep Cherokee Limited As from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 374 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 122,170 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models196th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Jeep models225th of 333(bottom half)

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

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

vs Jeep average-6%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

122,170

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A had 122,170 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 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Jeep Cherokee Limited A by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	79%	159	109,242 mi
1998	76%	443	122,054 mi
1997	72%	374	122,170 mi
1996	87%	108	116,716 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+9%

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+13%

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+7%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+5%

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About the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A

The 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3960cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 374 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 122,170 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jeep Cherokee Limited A owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A Fuel Costs

The 3960cc petrol 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).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A?

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.

Jeep Cherokee Limited A Reliability Trend

The Jeep Cherokee Limited A has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A

At 29 years old, the Jeep Cherokee Limited A 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 122k 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 Jeep Cherokee Limited A 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
Jeep Cherokee Limited A(1997)	72%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Porsche 911(1998)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same

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 Jeep Cherokee Limited A

Is the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited As ended in a pass, from 374 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 Jeep Cherokee Limited A 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 Jeep Cherokee Limited A?

72% of 374 MOT tests on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 196th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

Which year Jeep Cherokee Limited A has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Jeep Cherokee Limited A has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 1997 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Limited A is 122,170 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.