1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition review from UK and Ireland

Have just recently got the Jeep fully serviced at my local Hi Q Garage. They have noticed a few issues:

Diff noisy

Diff Seal L/Rear (Wheel Bearings Rear)

Sleight oil leak but not from engine.

This is my first 4x4 and automatic transmission vehicle one of the biggest reasons, I brought this Grand Cherokee was because it has an LPG conversion fitted to it. This helps keeps some of the cost down.

Performance – The performance of this 4x4 is very good indeed for such a big vehicle. The engine note sounds fantastic when overtaking and will give some Boy/Girl racers a run for their money off the traffic lights. But be warned, if you're looking for good MPG, look else where, as this beast will only return about 19 miles to the gallon. I personally think if you do go for the petrol version invest in a LPG conversion too.

Handling – The handling is fine for me, but if pushed too much you will feel a lot of body roll through the corners. The steering is light and is very much like driving a smaller car. Being 4 wheel drive will no doubt help in the coming winter months too when traction is needed in snow etc.

Cabin – This is special equipment version of the Jeep, so it comes with leather heated seats, electrical programmable seats AC, trip computer, electric windows & mirrors Stereo Radio Cassette with CD auto changer in the boot (excellent sounding too, with 6 speaker set up) etc. It's well laid out and I don’t really have any problems reaching for buttons etc. Really big and airy cabin with good boot space and ample leg room in the back (have had no complaints with passengers just yet). I can also hear a continuous rumble from the rear when the stereo is on low volume (rear wheel bearings)

Body work – Beautiful metallic paint work with no visible signs of rust, all colour coded bumpers with 16inch alloy wheels (Standard Jeep alloys). Looks superb when polished up.

I brought this vehicle to get me just to work and back (15 minute drive), a bit over kill yes, but it was going a bit cheap and it did come with stamped service history etc. Although I have not kept it long, I will be planning on keeping this 4x4 at least year. But I have been reading some bad reviews on here from owners about the build quality etc from the Jeep, so not sure about getting a newer reg etc in the future. I won’t be taking it to main dealers to get repairs or services etc; my local garage know what they're doing with 4x4’s, so still sticking with them.

Overall I’m very happy with my purchase.