Jeep Cherokee Sport (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2460cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2460cc29 years old44 tests124k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2460cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

75% of MOT tests on Jeep Cherokee Sports from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,840 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models160th of 306(bottom half)

Rank among Jeep models194th of 333(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs Jeep average-3%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,840

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport had 123,840 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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Jeep Cherokee Sport by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	73%	104	86,882 mi
2002	68%	65	116,993 mi
1998	68%	37	94,103 mi
1997	75%	44	123,840 mi
1996	78%	36	131,929 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+3%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+4%

Ford Focus

1999 · 1989cc Petrol

£2,761/year

65%

-10%

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About the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport

The 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport is a large car. Our records list a 2460cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 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 matches that benchmark.

With an average of 123,840 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Jeep Cherokee Sport owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport Fuel Costs

The 2460cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 Sport?

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 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport

At 29 years old, the Jeep Cherokee Sport 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. Note: with only 44 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.

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 124k 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 Sport 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 Sport(1997)	75%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Ford Focus(1999)	65%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761-£127

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 Sport

Is the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sports ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport 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 Sport?

75% of 44 MOT tests on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 160th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport is 123,840 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.