2001 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee

Jeep’s Cherokee has always played second fiddle to the Wrangler in South Africa, and the numbers don’t lie. In a market dominated by the Fortuner, Everest and Pajero Sport, the Cherokee’s local presence is barely a whisper. You’re looking at just two used listings, both petrols – a 3.7-litre Sport and a 3.2-litre Limited – hovering between R69,950 and R148,800. Those engines aren’t exactly frugal, and with nearly 185,000 km on average, you’re signing up for a well-worn experience. There’s no new stock, no signs of a comeback, and no options if you want anything fresher than a 2018. It’s what the Cherokee should have been from the start: an occasional oddball buy for the badge loyalist, not a mainstream choice. That spread between R69k and R148k is eyebrow-raising, especially since both examples are essentially survivors from a bygone era. You’re buying a slice of early-2000s Americana with all the quirks and compromises that come with it. Yes, you get loads of space and the Jeep badge, and if you pack smart, you can undercut used Fortuner prices. But let’s be honest: parts are scarce, and the nearest Jeep service centre might be a half-day’s drive from your dorpie. Mechanical gremlins on a high-mileage auto won’t care how much you saved on the sticker. If you’re tempted, set aside a proper chunk for maintenance, because in this case, brand appeal won’t get you home if something big lets go.