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MAGAZINE
The original Off-road and 4 Wheel Drive magazine August 2016 5.00
JEEP
SPECIAL
TRIBUTE
ISSUE
JEEP
75TH ANNIV
ERSARY
1941 - 2016
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OPENING TRACK
Whats in
a name?
After 75 years, Id certainly say
the name is now ofcially a legend
W
e take so much for granted these days, especially when mangling the English
language. Quite often, we use words generically, when actually they are brand, or
even company names, long forgotten. When wrapping a parcel youll be looking
for the sellotape, and youll write the address with any old biro you can find. Go
Mark Bolan for an off-road drive in the winter and youll be looking for a warm coat, but not the one with a
broken zipper, and youll make sure you have a full thermos of tea. To be correct, those
claimed sentences should be written to include, Sellotape, Biro, Zipper and Thermos, since they are all
brand or company names. Apparently, these are called proprietary eponyms (dont worry, I had
he was a to look that up) or its a form of metonymy (yep, looked that up as well). Why is that of interest?
Well, in this issue we have a tribute to a famous name, celebrating one manufacturers
importance, not just in the world of 4x4s, but in the global history of motor vehicles.
jeepster for Congratulations to Jeep on 75 years of continued existence. Over that time, the company
has brought us a superb range of 4x4s (well, mostly), and also giving the world the jeep. Now,
your love. A all readers of this magazine would know the difference between a real Jeep and a jeep-like
vehicle, but to the general public, its often a useful description of a rough, tough vehicle, thats
big motoring ready to cover any sort of terrain. Over the years, Ive even heard small children at off-road
shows point at an early Land Rover and squeal, Cor, what a great jeep! Now you have to
fan, he was laugh at that. Then, older readers will surely remember that there was the famous eln pop star
Mark Bolan who claimed he was a jeepster for your love. He was actually a big motoring fan,
also capable besides being capable of mangling the English language to a great beat. No one had ever heard
the word jeepster before, but all understood exactly what he meant, or could guess!
We have 40 plus pages this month dedicated to the Jeep, as a small tribute to an iconic
of mangling brands 75th Anniversary. Now we havent offered a dry, blow-by-blow account of the history
although we have dabbled with a feature on some weird and wonderful original oddball military
the English Jeeps! We have tried to cover the essence of what Jeep really means to us 4x4 enthusiasts;
and by that we mean Jeep with a capital J. We have looked at buying, owning, driving,
language to a modifying, keeping in top-tip technical condition, and just lusting after. We have dipped a little
into the history, thanks to some great photographs produced by the manufacturer to celebrate
great beat the anniversary. Indeed, one picture really struck a chord with me, and thats the one on page
31. Take a look yourself; it has the very latest Jeep, the impressive Renegade, juxtaposed with
an original military Jeep. There is 75 years between the two vehicles, little linking them in
production terms, yet the lineage is clear, distinct and obvious. And that doesnt happen by
chance. While the Jeep brand has been handled, and mishandled, by a variety of different
owners since 1941, that essential ingredient that makes a Jeep a Jeep remains. And thankfully
we all know what that means!
Heres hoping youll enjoy the issue.
Nigel Fryatt, Editor
Its not all about Jeeps this month. Regular Russ Ryan follows the story of St Brendan Its muddy in Croatia, and if its Trophy time,
overlanding enthusiasts Karin-Marijke Vis leaving Ireland and travelling to Iceland, in the then it will be raining. Robb Pritchard gets his
and Coen Wubbels have taken their Toyota process meeting the enigmatic Trondur boots on to stomp through the forest to get
Land Cruiser to Chile. Warm up on page 88 Pattursson. Follow this amazing story on page 96 his report back to us. Clean up on page 102
36
JEEP 1941-2016 27
Our Special 43 page section celebrating Jeeps 75th Anniversary.
All things Jeeps, new and old, standard and modified
BUYING GUIDE 30
What you need to look out for when buying a second-hand
Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee or Grand Cherokee
82
Signs of things to come? We can but hope
STORM WARNING
Exciting Wrangler conversions from Jeepey
58
88
HISTORICS 62
Nine very significant Jeep models collected together
MILITARY JEEPS 66
Take a history lesson the military way
JEEP DOCTOR 72
Comprehensive technical advice for Jeep owners
JEEP DIRECTORY 80
Where to contact the experts
BHP 292 > 332 BHP 171 > 201 BHP 128 > 157
TORQUE 442 > 487 TORQUE 253 > 291 TORQUE 236 > 274
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CONCEPT TO REALITY
NEW XLV EXTENDS THE SSANGYONG 4X4 RANGE
WE COMMENTED ON SsangYongs concept this is a serious model, sales in its rst year in SsangYong models do come very well
vehicle the XLV Air when it was shown at the Europe are expected to top 100,000. equipped, together with a ve year limitless
Frankfurt Motor Show last year, that it looked This model is built on the existing Tivoli mileage warranty. Made in South Korea,
close to a production vehicle to us. Well, that platform but has a signicant extension yet actually majority owned by the Indian
was certainly the case and the new Tivoli XLV beyond the C-pillar, which expands the load engineering concern Mahindra & Mahindra,
has now been revealed as a full production space considerably, to a claimed 720 cubic there are now some 60 SsangYong dealers
model, due to be available in the UK later litres. It is powered using the same 1.6-litre in the UK. If you are looking for a small
this summer. Now for many, the SsangYong e-XDi160 Euro 6 diesel engine, and has the competent SUV with a lot of luggage space,
brand is still something of an unknown quality. same intelligent four-wheel drive system. this latest XLV model could well be worth
We have said before that we are surprised SsangYong also claim that with, a 167mm a look. In the metal, the XLV looks a smart
that the Korando Sports pick-up doesnt sell ground clearance, approach angle of 20 offering and seemingly more rugged than the
in the numbers it deserves, and so it will be degrees, 20.8 degree departure angle, and 17 smaller Tivoli. Prices will be announced later
interesting to see what happens with the XLV; degree ramp angle, a highly competent off- this summer and we hope to bring you our
however, to give you some indication that road capability is assured. rst drive report in a forthcoming issue.
The Tivoli 4x4 (above and left) has been a success in Europe. The new XLV
model (top and right) increases the range and offers more interior space
JEEP MARKET
CONTINUES
TO GROW
GIVEN THAT THIS is our Special Tribute
Issue to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of
the Jeep brand, its appropriate to conrm
that the manufacturer has just announced its
best UK market share since 1997, reporting
a staggering 115 per cent increase in year-
on-year monthly registrations this April. It
seems that the Renegade is leading this sales PRINCE HARRY GOES OFF-ROAD!
increase with 1058 models sold obviously AS YOU READ this, the excellent 2016 Sports around a specially built obstacle
this is because we awarded the excellent Invictus Games will have nished. An course, and the Danish team for the Jaguar
small SUV our 4x4 Of The Year 2016! Have impressive event, to support injured driving course. JLR CEO, Dr Ralf Speth,
you been noticing the magazines logo at servicemen and women, you may not have was at the event and commented: We are
the end of all those ash TV advertisements been aware that there was actually a driving extremely proud to be the presenting partner.
lately? And the fact that we awarded the challenge event in the Games. Jaguar Land We are all grateful to HRH Prince Harry for
Wrangler our Hardcore 4x4 Of The Year 2016! Rover is a major supporter of the Games, founding and championing this visionary
Congratulations all round we think, and well and HRH Prince Harry is the very enthusiastic idea of the Games. We congratulate him and
worth our magazines celebrations. The latest founder and patron. The JLR Driving the organising committee on establishing
75th Anniversary Special Edition models Challenge was actually the opening event yet another inspiring Invictus Games. If you
are now available. The Cherokee version is of this years Games in Orlando Florida, and saw any of the coverage on the TV, youll
pictured here, and yours for 38,945. Only Prince Harry made sure he was fully involved, agree that it was indeed inspiring. The only
8000 75th Anniversary versions will be built, and not just sitting in the VIP area and downside? It seems that at the end of the
and thats across the entire range, for sale offering the occasional royal wave. The Prince Driving Challenge, HRH Prince Harry had to
throughout Europe; right-hand drive models joined the Estonia team on the Land Rover award the gold medal to the French team
will therefore be rare and very desirable. course where teams were driving Discovery Oh well, theres always the next Games!
TRUCKMANTOPSOUT
Subarus horizontally opposed piston designed excellent Four-by-Four Driving book has now
engine was named the Boxer due to the been published. Absolutely jam-packed with
fact that the engines pistons resemble the useful information for any SUV owner or 4x4
THE RECENT COMMERCIAL Vehicle Show at the punch-counterpunch notion of a boxers sts. enthusiast, the latest version is available for
NEC was a big success for the British pick-up hard It is claimed that this design reduces vibration 28.50, direct from publisher Desert Winds
top specialist Truckman. Great response to all the and is actually better balanced than a normal Publishing. Check out www.desertwinds.
latest products from the 20,000 trade attendees to the upright piston engine. The compact nature co.uk. Its not available via Amazon.
show where able to see tops for the brand new Toyota of the design has also meant that it can be
Hilux, the new Nissan NP300, revised Ford Ranger installed lower in the chassis, thereby reducing You know its summer when we get sent
and Isuzu D-Max and VW Amarok. It was indeed the centre of gravity, great for an off-roader. press releases that tell us the 10 oddest
impressive to get the new Hilux at the show, since that The rst engine was tted to the Subaru 1000 items ever found in British cars are:
was even before the international launch of the new (pictured), which was actually a two-wheel drive headstone (with the customers name on it),
model (full report of our rst drive is on page 18 of this passenger car unveiled on 14 May 1966. Today live python, prosthetic hand, sex toy, live
issue). Mike Wheeler, Managing Director of Auto Styling every vehicle in the Subaru range is tted with hamster (rescued from behind the glove
Truckman, said: The CV Show always provides an a Boxer engine, with total production over the box you will be pleased to know), 10,000
excellent opportunity to network and share the latest last 50 years now topping 16 million units. It engagement ring, live cockerel, birds nest
product developments in the automotive industry. This should also be noted that earlier this year, and (not in the same car as the cockerel), kitten
years show was particularly impressive and our team as previously reported in News, the Japanese and a pair of false teeth.
enjoyed sharing our innovations with a record crowd. company celebrated 15 million models tted
We invest a great deal of time and effort perfecting with the Symmetrical AWD system all of them Used car specialists HPL Motors recently
our British-built products and were delighted with the tted to a Boxer power unit, obviously. surveyed motorists on their opinions on the
reception they received. recent MPG scandal. They asked on a
scale of one to ve how important accurate
800 days in their trusty Toyota Surf. All that
two of us, stark naked and nobody around for miles. We treasure the and much more, so why not consider a
peace and quiet after two intense days of driving subscription? Full details of the best offers
SOURCE: From the latest part of Karin-Marijke Vis and Coen Wubbels remarkable life sto
ory, can be found on page 94 of this issue.
this month driving their Toyota Land Cruiser through Chile
Happy
Anniversaries
This month our columnist joins in the celebrations for the
Jeep, and looks forward to exciting models to come
W
e like a significant anniversary
here at 4x4 Magazine. For
2016, there have been two
notable landmarks. Weve had
the Isuzu 100th anniversary with the D-Max
being the only model here in the UK and a
particularly popular one at that celebrating
the fact with its 100th anniversary Venetian
Red Blade model. Only 100 were made and
were actually only different from the standard
Double Cab with that paint job and Blade
written in black on the front doors. I sort of
expected a bit more of a show than that for
such a significant anniversary, but perhaps
Isuzu has more development issues on its
mind at the moment?
This month in the magazine, we are
celebrating a very important 4x4 milestone,
which is the 75th anniversary of the iconic
Jeep. Time has own since the 70th
anniversary celebrations where I marked the Jeeps latest model, the Renegade, looks set to take the brand to even greater things
occasion at Goodwood Revival salivating over
lots of lovely vintage Jeeps on the ofcial stand
that featured an American Diner serving up all spy shots show the same body shape, more were also hearing of an eight-speed gearbox.
sorts of retro snacks, music and great or less, with exposed door hinges but wider Bring it on.
costumes. Jeep is making its mark this year arches. The body-on-frame construction In the meantime, we can relish all these
by hosting the biggest ever Camp Jeep in remains as does the solid front axle, but we prospects and celebrate another major
Basella, Spain where hundreds of Jeep know that weight will be reduced with some milestone for the great granddaddy of the
owners and enthusiasts from all over the world use of aluminium in the bodywork. Even the off-roader. We can also revel in the latest
gather together to celebrate their beloved Wrangler has to bow to the need for better production gures from SMMT that has
brand of 4x4. Much of the talk, no doubt, will fuel economy in this environmentally conscious European and UK sales of Jeeps at record
be of the new JL Wrangler due out next year world and we are thankful for that. highs in April it was the UKs leading
and the Wrangler pick-up that will follow. Its a We are more than thankful that our new manufacturer in terms of growth at an increase
pity we arent getting the new Wrangler this best in class rugged off-roader wont change of 115 per cent, with the Grand Cherokee still
year to coincide with the anniversary. too dramatically, and with the Defender out of selling well and the marvellous Renegade
Spy shots all over the internet show that the production lets hope some old diehard Land topping the charts at 1058 sales. Its all
general appearance of the manufacturers Rover fanatics will consider the new Wrangler looking good - the new Wrangler JL and
most capable and rugged 4x4 will not change JL as the best option. As you can read in my subsequent pick-up cannot come too soon.
dramatically. It wont turn into a leisure SUV feature on the latest Rubicon modication Talking of true off-roaders and another vehicle
like its peers; take the Suzuki Vitara a former carried out by the founder of the Jeep Owners that should benet from the lack of Defender
great off-roader that has lost its mojo, even Club here in the UK, the club is nding production is the all-new Toyota Hilux. I tested
though there is a 4x4 lock mode. Those Jeep previous Land Rover owners moving over to the 16 model in the Namibian desert recently;
the dark side once they have seen what the you can read about it on page 18. Sufce to
Wrangler can do rst hand and how much less say, it still lags behind rivals for performance
they have to pay for it and how much more with an engine that doesnt really produce
reliable it could prove to be. reworks on the road as even truck owners
The speculation about the JL engine come to expect these days; but off-road is
options is that the petrol V6 Pentaster engine where it excels. New features have turned an
is expected to stick around in 3.6-litre form already great off-roading truck into a brilliant
and the US, as well as Europe, should get a one, plus the styling has improved immensely. I
new turbodiesel unit. Rumour has it there am sad that Toyota hasnt up-rated its power
could be a 3.0-litre diesel option plus a mild plant to meet current standards in a highly
hybrid. A more powerful, cleaner and more competitive sector that is growing all the time as
efcient diesel power house than the outgoing newcomers arrive and old timers get updated.
2.8-litre will be a welcome move and we keep Good though the Hilux is, you have to wonder if
Will Toyota regret not upgrading the Hilux engine? our ngers crossed that it will materialise that could prove costly... Hils
Here at Milner Off Road, we specialise in the full kit, providing you the
key items to fit the part - keeping the job simple & saving you time.
I
t had sounded such a flippant, trite, in its range. What that means is that
question, that I can confess to when you chop the top off, the
wishing I hadnt said it the moment it original monocoque design structure
came out of my mouth. The answer cannot cope, since much of the
was, therefore, something of a surprise. structures torsional rigidity goes
The question was to Jaguar Land immediately. Bagnall did indeed admit
Rovers Vehicle Programme Director, that making the new monocoque rigid
Danella Bagnall, and I simply asked that enough was a serious engineering
when you wanted to make a convertible challenge. This could be said for any
Evoque, do you actually slice the top off manufacturer wanting a convertible
a regular model, just to see what version of an existing saloon model,
happens? Surprisingly, it seems that was but they do not have a model that will
indeed part of the initial programme, as be expected, indeed demanded, to
Bagnall explained: We obviously did a retain condent off-road ability. Driving
lot of computer work first, but we did a vehicle off-road adds increasing
some hands-on work removing a roof, stress to any 4x4 design, for one that
and what we found was then fed back no longer has a roof holding the
into the computer programmes. structure together, is stress indeed.
Oh, that it could be that simple! You dont have to be in Bagnalls
Given the phenomenal success of the company for long to realise that stress
Range Rover Evoque, it seems an is not part of her vocabulary, and after
obvious move. Since the launch in 29 years as an engineer with JLR, a
2011, over half a million models have problem is just a solution you havent
been bought, making it the fastest found yet. It seems annoying to have to
selling Land Rover ever. Add to that the comment on Bagnalls gender, but
fact that some 80 per cent of owners given she is the rst female Vehicle
have been completely new to the brand Programme Director at JLR it's
and the Evoque is the denition of a signicant and if she has her way, she
motoring success; one in the eye for wont be the last!
the traditional Land Rover detractors. The actual solution to the engineering
It is important to point out, however, problem looks quite simple when viewing
that the Evoque was not originally the cutaway engineering drawings.
designed to have a convertible model Additional high-strength steel has been
W
e couldnt see a damned thing. A paces in the desert and along the treacherous of the M4, was exhilarating. We ploughed on
thick veil of white obscured the tracks that cross southern Africa. As our through miles and miles and miles of stunning
road ahead like contrails coming convoy was rather large and there was no landscape that evolved from at sand as far as
from an airliners jet engines. wind, nestled in the middle of the convoy the the eye could see to glorious rocky mountain
Didnt quite expect this, we thought, rather dust created by dozens of sets of Bridgestone outcrops that soared into the brilliant blue sky.
nervously. We slowed even more, to under Dueller A/T rubber obliterated the road ahead. Our speed uctuated around from under
30kph, as the terrain ahead became invisible We didnt expect it to be so dusty, barked 35kph to about 80-ish kph, with the speedo
to the naked eye. out our guide and 4x4 expert Hein Truter over only topping out at 120kph on a few occasions
You could be forgiven for thinking we were the CB radio. The westerly breeze normally - but what a ride! It made us want to go back
driving through thick fog on the M25 in clears the road quickly, he said with a laugh. on our own, to speed along these roads with
autumn. But you couldnt be more wrong. We Great, we thought, as fellow guide Andrews no dust trail, the mountains looming above us.
were actually on a beautifully straight gravel/ voice responded from somewhere out of the The new Hilux European spec is built in
rocky/sandy track dissecting the Namib Desert gloom: See the zebras on the right ahead? Durban, South Africa, so delivering 25 trucks
in Namibia. We were tackling the tricky Erm... sadly, no! from the south east coast of the Republic to our
elements at the invitation of Toyota, putting the Despite the clouds of dust, the drive along start point in Swakopmund on Namibias south
brand new Hilux pick-up truck through its the brilliant C14 highway, Namibias equivalent west coast was far easier than transporting them
e li
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C
ruising the highway in the air mass-produced all-steel station wagon which, It took a while for the Jeep name to appear in
conditioned, leather-upholstered if you can excuse the fact that it was two- the UK as an ofcial import, and it had a hard
comfort of a Grand Cherokee with wheel drive, could truly claim to be the worlds time making headway against the more
its lane-departure warning, adaptive first Sports Utility Vehicle. established Land Rover, Toyota and Mitsubishi
cruise control, blind spot alert and traffic sign The original Jeep could never have survived rivals. Nevertheless, the modern Cherokee and
recognition keeping you safely on track is a as a mainstream model, but through Grand Cherokee are gradually gaining popularity
long, long way from the kind of vehicle the successive ownerships of the company, by as users recognise that they offer excellent
Jeeps originators had in mind. The brief had Kaiser, AMC, Chrysler and now Fiat, the value in the increasingly competitive mid-range
been to create a truck that weighed less than rough-and-ready truck developed through the and luxury SUV segment, with the added
600kg yet had a quarter-tonne payload. A Civilian Jeep CJ2 to CJ7 guises, turning advantage that, perhaps more than any rival
seemingly impossible task at the time, but eventually into the Wrangler, which retains all manufacturer, theyve retained excellent off-road
thanks to the inspired design of Karl K. Probst the off-road agility of the original in a smart, ability. This is particularly true of the Wrangler,
for the American Bantam Car Company, with modern and in some cases impressively which may occupy something of a niche in the
little more than a few styling tweaks, the luxurious estate body. Alongside it the station marketplace but stands out proudly as the only
General Purpose War Truck was built, mainly wagon concept developed into a range of vehicle to remain true to the off-road character
by Willys Overland and Ford, to the tune of more sophisticated four-wheel drive estates, of the original. Modern Jeeps are an attractive
over half a million from 1941 to 1945. It has leading to the modern Cherokee and Grand proposition new, but the increasing popularity
become a vehicle that is recognised and Cherokee, which have all the style and over the past two decades has delivered a
revered the world over for its blend of superb capability to rival the likes of the Land Rover good selection of models to the second-hand
off-road agility and iconic styling. Willys had the Freelander and Discovery. Its interesting to marketplace, where the value, particularly of
foresight to patent the Jeep name, but even note the comment from Chrysler boss Lee nearly new examples, is signicantly enhanced.
though they tried hard to sell the war- Iacocca in 1987 when explaining why his Whether you need a luxurious executive cruiser,
specification truck as an agricultural vehicle company had chosen to acquire AMC: First, a practical and convenient family estate or a
after hostilities had ceased, it was obvious that of course, we get Jeep, which just happens to terrain-conquering off-roader, theres a
theyd have to supplement it with something be the best automotive name in the world, and competent, comfortable, well-equipped,
more refined - the first of these being the first the leader in four-wheel drive technology. legendary Jeep for you.
Y J 1987 -19 96
T
his is one Jeep that can claim to be subframe, and while economies of scale suspension modications - Llama 4x4, for
the direct descendant of the original, demanded that the Wrangler should share instance, offer easy-t 2.5-inch or 4-inch lift
though in reality it has nothing in components with the Cherokee the only one kits for under 600, FTE 4x4 can supply
common with the wartime truck other worthy of a sneer was the use of rectangular Rubicon Express kits including a 4.5-inch
than having selectable four-wheel drive. The rather than the traditional round headlamps. extreme duty lift or a simpler arrangement
first-generation Wrangler from 1986 has taken Steering and brake components were shared, that sits the spring over the axle to increase
a lot of stick from enthusiasts who saw it as a as were the engines, the transmission and ground clearance by over ve inches without
posers car rather than a true off-roader, and Command Trac selectable 4WD system and the expense of new springs.
theres some justification to that view. When axles, all of which added to driving pleasure For all that the YJ Wrangler is relatively rare
AMC chose to discontinue the CJ7 it was on while retaining traditional off-road traction. Also in the UK, most examples weve seen are the
the basis of research that showed a clear worth bearing in mind is that all the Wranglers 2.5 four, though by the same token they all
change of interest on the part of owners. In body panels were galvanised or otherwise seem to have been well-cared for with no
1978 only 17 per cent of owners used CJ7 as protected against corrosion, so even older obvious signs of having been off-roaded. The
everyday transport; by 1986 this had risen to examples should still be in reasonable shape. standard vehicle came with full metal doors,
95 per cent, by which time only seven per cent The engine choice was the 120bhp 2.5-litre look out for examples with the cute half-metal
used their Jeep regularly off-road. The call, four or the 4.2-litre straight six which had no doors, a private seller may have bought them
therefore, was for a more modern, lighter more power but much more torque, therefore a aftermarket and could offer them as part of
replacement that had to be less truck-like to better - if thirstier - off-road engine. By 1991 the deal. Rarity value still counts, expect to
drive and more road-friendly with better this had changed, however, to the newer pay at least 1000 for an early example in
steering feel and roadholding. One 4.0-litre six with a lustier 175bhp, most versions reasonable condition, argue down the price if
consequence of this was a lower ride height to in the UK will have this power plant. it appears to have off-road damage, but also
improve cornering ability, even though this Transmission was either a five-sped manual or be prepared to pay more if it already has
naturally affected off-road agility. The car still three-speed automatic. well-performed modications and off-road
had to have the traditional Jeep appearance, Detracting from its ultimate off-road ability is tyres, for instance. Pay 3000 at least for one
however, so the Wrangler did have a strong the low-riding stance and the fact that the dating from around 1993 in good shape with
CJ7 look about it - mainly because the body leaf-spring suspension front and rear restricts a new MOT and the hard-top roof in place,
panels from the firewall back were pure CJ7. axle articulation. Nevertheless an older Fleet Sales of Cosby (01455 202293) were
Its also unfair to shrug the Wrangler off as a rst-generation Wrangler makes an ideal asking 5000 for a 1994 soft-top, looking in
compromise using a shortened Cherokee hard-core off-road recreational vehicle if youre pristine condition with new Fulda Trac 4x4
chassis. It has its own purpose-built steel prepared to spend a bit on the necessary tyres and a years breakdown cover.
C
hrysler took over AMC in 1987 and in difcult off-road conditions as well as taking new set of tyres.
within a few years decided the the edge off fuel consumption. Note that There were a string of special editions,
Wrangler had to be a more serious during 2005 the manual switched from a though the upgrades were usually cosmetic;
off-roader than the road-biased ve-speed to a six-speed, a better one worth looking out for is the 60th
model theyd inherited. Development started in transmission since its combined with lower Anniversary of 2001, we spotted a silver one
1990 on the replacement, which apart from axle ratios to give a lower rst gear crawling with 54,000 miles and a new MOT being
retaining the same engine and drivetrain is a speed, fourth is a smidgeon lower than third in offered privately for 7995. The Extreme
totally different design with an all-new the ve-speeder making it a better climbing Sport from 2004 on is a looker, Shirlton Car
purpose-built steel chassis frame and all-new ratio and sixth remains an overdrive for Sales of Cannock had a metallic Java one
body panels mounted on a coil-sprung economical highway cruising - its not as high with chrome bull bars and side steps and
suspension. As a nod to the concerns of as the fth-speeders top, but in consequence 17-inch twin-spoke tyres priced at 8995.
enthusiasts this generation saw a return to a holds speed better up long motorway inclines. Weve commented at length on the need to
more upright grille straddled by round Equipment in all Wranglers is somewhat give the basic Wrangler a bit of a lift to get the
headlamps. The AMC-origin 4.0-litre six basic. Interestingly some of the base Sport best out of it as an extreme off-road funster,
powered most models, with the 120bhp models will have had tinted glass and a and its as well to be aware that many owners
2.5-litre four cylinder available on entry level four-speaker stereo, some with CD player, will already have gone that route. In
versions; this was replaced during 2002 with while others made do with a simpler two- consequence it may make sense to seek out
the 2.4-litre four, as used in the Chrysler PT speaker radio. Hence its worth checking the one thats already been modied, such as the
Cruiser, upping output to a more useful specication of the ICE and also be prepared 4.0 Sport, a 2003 model with 3.5-inch
140bhp. The TJ is certainly more capable in to nd that previous owners have tted Rancho lift, one-inch body lift, 33-inch tyres
standard form than the YJ it replaced, even aftermarket systems, in which case make sure and a high-rock front bumper complete with
though concern about roadholding in the hands you have the security code or ague off the cost Tigershark 9500lb winch asking 6500 by a
of thoughtless drivers kept the ride height lower of a replacement system. All TJs have private seller in Chelmsford.
than it could have been. Axle articulation is
better while the coil springs also provide more
compliant off-road progress as well as
softening the highway ride quality. The TJ really
is the version to go for if you want a dedicated
hard-core off-roader, the short wheelbase gives
it excellent breakover performance and the fact
that rear passenger accommodation isnt good
matters little with the rear seats replaced by
camping and recovery gear. Naturally there is a
wide range of suspension and protection
upgrades available.
The 4.0-litre, in spite of its heavier
consumption, remains the engine of choice
since it has plenty of power and big torque
delivered in a delightfully laid-back manner.
Most 4.0-litre versions have automatic
transmission three speed on some early
models, so look out for one with the more
efcient four-speed - but a manual is a better
bet since this will ultimately give better control
JK 2007-PRESENT
O
ur first thoughts on seeing the higher-specication Overland becoming the If youre serious about off-roading youll need
latest-generation Wrangler was top model with the 2011 upgrade, featuring to be looking for a Rubicon, since this is the
that theyd gone too far, stretching leather upholstery and satnav as standard; it's dedicated hard-core version boasting heavy-
the high-fun, iconically styled, arguable that these are strictly street cruisers, duty axles with locking differentials, electronic
seriously competent compact recreational too smart and too expensive to be trashed sway bar disconnect, lower low range gearing,
off-roader into a bulky road car that looked the off-road. Theyre few and far between sill guards and off-road tyres. Unfortunately
part from a distance but couldnt possibly be second-hand, pay around 16,000 for a youll search long and hard to nd one, since
as much fun off-road as the TJ. Weve since well-used early two-door, 24,000 for a these werent high on the distributors import list
realised that the modern Wrangler is an lower-mileage 2014 Unlimited. and were available to special order - and most
exceptionally good off-roader, and even though The Sahara is the midrange alternative, still who bought these superbly stylish, iconic
we still think of it as a typically bloated Yank well-equipped with air conditioning, parking off-road playthings have kept them. Order a
tank the wisdom of enlarging the TJ concept aids, traction control, Kenwood stereo with new one and youre looking at over 31,000 for
to provide more interior passenger and DVD player, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a two-door, nearly 33,000 for an Unlimited.
luggage space, as well as providing a much accessory functions and cruise control, look Fortunately there is a full range of aftermarket
roomier four-door long wheelbase Unlimited out for models with the 1200 optional satnav. upgrades such as suspension lifts and locking
model, shows where it matters: it took 23 This was the most popular spec so there is a differentials to allow you to tailor the car to your
years for Land Rover to build a million good selection second-hand; pay 10,000 for own requirements, so even a base Sport could
Discoverys, Jeep sold more than a quarter of a a well-used early two-door, closer to 23,000 become a thoroughly enjoyable plaything. On
million Wranglers in 2015 alone. for a low-mileage 2014 model. There are some the other hand, if you have a sound bank
The new Wrangler gained in size, stature good deals around on nearly-new and balance and desire for an instant answer to your
and road presence, but clung steadfastly to ex-demo cars, one that caught our eye was hard core off-roading aspirations, check Nene
traditional Jeep cues, such as the exposed the red 2015 but unregistered four-door with Overland for availability of their Wild Extreme
door hinges, the fold-down windscreen, 150 miles on it, going for 26,000 at Platts of modication (see page 44) on delivery mileage
removable doors, removable hardtop and, of Stoke on Trent (01782 933678). Note that cars, close on 50,000 but you get a long-travel
course, the seven-slot grille and round two-door Wranglers are rated to tow only lifted suspension and bespoke 17-inch alloys
headlamps. Apart from the sheer size, the 1500kg, where the original and TJ were rated from American Expedition Vehicles, Cooper
most signicant development was the to haul 2000kg. The four-door Wrangler Discoverer tyres, heavy duty bumpers with
installation of more efcient engines, mainly the Sahara and Overland can tow 2200kg, the spare wheel carrier, radiator protection, spot
2.8-litre turbodiesel, developing a reasonable Rubicon 2000kg. lights and electrically operated soft top.
174bhp and a hefty 295lb ft of torque at a
usefully low 2000rpm. The alternative, available
in the Rubicon, is the 3.8 V6 petrol engine, a
lively performer with 196bhp and a still useful
232lb ft of torque, though it does need to be
revved to 4000rpm to produce it. The current
range includes the newer 280bhp 3.6-litre V6,
desirable but therell be few around other than
high-cost low-mileage nearly new, but check
for high value ex-demo cars that may have
been packed with extras.
Equipment at Sport level is sparse, but does
include a stereo and electric windows. Expect
to pay at least 9000 for an early Sport up to
18,000 for a nearly new example with 20,000
miles. Demand for the Sport was low enough
for the model to be dropped, with the
XJ 1993-2001
T
he Cherokee came to Europe as part 2.5-litre turbodiesel was added to the range engaged for instance during winter when roads
of a deal between AMC and Renault, later, ready for the introduction of the heavily may have unexpected wet or icy patches.
whereby Renault would market the facelifted second-generation model for the 1997 Manuals use the Command-trac system where
Cherokee, with a Renault turbodiesel model year. While the Cherokee retains some of four-wheel drive is purely for off-road use.
engine, in Europe while AMC would sell the Jeeps primitive heritage in the beam axles, the There are still many perfectly roadworthy
Renault 9 in the States; France is still awash rear one mounted on leaf springs, there was early Cherokees around, even late examples
with Cherokees dating back to the 80s, also signicant innovation in the construction shouldnt cost more than 500, but wed
including the cute two-door version. That deal which, instead of having a bodyshell mounted suggest paying the little extra for one of the
eventually fell through, but with Chrysler at the on a separate chassis, saves weight by using a facelifted models from 1997, the drivetrain is
helm the Cherokee went from strength to oorpan reinforced by a pair of longitudinal box the same but the body is more softly styled and
strength. It may seem a dated truck by modern sections, a method since adopted by other the interior signicantly improved - check GPW
standards, but at the time it was described by mainstream manufacturers. What it means is Car Sales of Shefeld (01143 272828) in case
critics as having the best SUV shape of all that although the Cherokee doesnt have the the 2000 4.0-litre leather-upholstered special
time and was also selected in 2011 as one of ride renement and keen fuel consumption of edition Classic is still there, full service history,
the 10 cars that refused to die. Being more modern SUVs, it remains a perfectly good condition inside and out, MOT to
traditionalists ourselves, were inclined to agree civilised vehicle, well up to the demands of October, priced at 895.
that theres an almost classic appeal to its everyday use as a comfortable family estate, The later models are also tidier handlers and
simplistic, clean-cut but totally practical estate particularly in the popular Limited and Limited more rened to drive; however, if what youre
car styling that allows it to cruise the highways SE guise which includes air conditioning, after is an off-road plaything with high levels of
with more than adequate road presence. electric seat adjustment, cruise control and a on-road comfort, an early example is an
Almost classic, because the Cherokee hasnt good stereo system, most also with leather excellent choice; off-road enhancements such
and may never become one of the upholstery. These were offered with the as suspension lift kits are available and if you
ever-growing yet still very elite group of cars six-cylinder engine, the Sport was a lower-cost dont mind cutting away some of the wheelarch
that are iconically collectable; thats not to say entry-level model with the 2.5-litre engine, still the Cherokee will run 33-inch mud-terrain tyres.
that it isnt desirable as a good-value second- with an excellent equipment specication but During 1999, with an all-new Cherokee on the
hand purchase. with cloth upholstery and losing some items way, Classic and Orvis versions were offered as
The Cherokees strong point is that although such as the electric rear windows. Four-wheel run-out enticements. Both are luxuriously
its a very practical estate thats smart enough drive is selectable, though automatics use the equipped, the Orvis including a CD
to hold its own in city trafc, its also a more Selec-trac system which include a setting multichanger recognise the Orvis by the
than capable off-roader, as evidenced by the equating to permanent four-wheel drive, an ideal stylish louvres on the bonnet. Our own
increasing number of old Cherokees turning up arrangement allowing four-wheel drive to be recommendation is to go with the straight six
at pay and play outings around the country. 4.0-litre automatic, since although this is the
The Cherokee was a necessary departure least economical in terms of fuel it also tends to
from Jeeps traditionally truck-like range of be the most reliable in the long run. However,
purely functional working vehicles, a leaner, since fuel economy is more than ever a
lighter car to compete with the inux of rened consideration, its hardly surprising that 4.0-litre
competitors from the Far East. By the time it versions tend to cost less second-hand than
was ready for sale in Britain the main motive the 2.5-litre petrol (which in any case uses as
power was from the nails-hard 184bhp 4.0-litre much fuel as the 4.0-litre because it works so
straight six mated to a four-speed auto box, hard) or VM-engined turbodiesel types; if
with the 2.5-litre four being uprated to a buying one of these do ensure the car has an
reasonable but still hard-working 132bhp. A excellent service history.
W
e were, frankly, gobsmacked Trac, giving it an off-road edge over Freelander, no more than 1000 for an early one of
when we saw this new CR-V and X-Trail contemporaries, but lack of these, perhaps as much as 3500 for a
Cherokee. Apart from having ground clearance means it is nowhere as good low-mileage, well-kept run-out model. The
four-wheel drive, it had nothing in the rough as a Cherokee ought to be. 2.5 CRD is more common, but if you really
in common with the previous model, so much Forget the lack of heritage - there was an want diesel wed suggest a 2.8 CRD, as
so that in its home market the manufacturer attempt to reect Jeep tradition in the long as it has a good service history, pay
didnt even call it a Cherokee, they called it seven-slot grille anked by round headlamps 2000 for an early high-miler, perhaps
Liberty, presumably because theyd taken such and at-fender look to the front wheelarches, 6500 for a low-mileage run-out Limited.
a liberty with the styling. The argument was but thats about it - and there is still a lot to Our own preference, balancing higher fuel
that it was better suited to European tastes, please about this Cherokee as a well- costs against long-term reliability and lower
pandering to adventurers in the concrete equipped, distinctively-styled family estate maintenance costs, not to mention lower
jungle, with publicity majoring on features such thats going to be used mainly on tarmac purchase price, would be the 3.7 V6, a
as the single-handed seat-fold mechanism and with occasional forays into more adventurous choice example being the blue 2006 Limited
flip-up rear window access to the boot rather territory. Its a roomy ve-seater, good to with 72,000 miles priced at 3250 at New
than its off-road ability. Sure, the Cherokee has drive since its the rst Jeep to have rack and London Motors of Luton (01582 936730), it
low range gearing, automatics using the pinion steering and although only the front has full leather trim, satnav, full service history
Selec-Trac system, manuals the Command- suspension is independent, the springing is and MOT to January.
T
his, many of us thought, was the true late scenarios. For a start we can only assume that Eight years on and one of these at around 6000
successor to the original Cherokee. The Jeep didnt think the new Cherokee would appeal sounds like pretty good value as a distinctive and
new model was a complete reversal of to British drivers, so it was only imported in Limited very practical family estate.
concept, dropping the soft city styling of form with the 2.8 CRD engine; they may have been Thats for an early high-miler, but a well-
the previous model and reverting to the proper right, because the new model wasnt an instant hit maintained lower-mileage car is well worth the
squared-up estate styling that put true utility back and basically disappeared from showrooms during extra, like the 71,000-mile 2009 automatic with
into the frame. It should have been a hit, but 2010. Wed like to say thats a pity, but the truth is optional satnav priced at 9000 at Oldham Motors
maybe it was another one of those too much too that the chunky-looking Yank, in spite of recalling (01619 332338).
T
he rethink took a while, but with Fiats
help the new Cherokee hits the spot.
With the Wrangler effectively filling the
gap left by the original Cherokee in the
eyes of off-road enthusiasts, it was clear that
the new Cherokee had to do a better job of
appealing to road-only users. Hence the new
model is all urban on-road style with little
off-road substance. It wont appeal to traditional
enthusiasts, but it doesnt have to - what it
needs is to compete with the heady rash of
other high-style premium SUVs dominating the
fashion end of the automotive marketplace. It
seems to be doing that extremely well, at least
in the States, where its too practical
predecessor struggled to sell 70,000 a year the
new Cherokee notched up more than a quarter KL 2014-PRESENT
of a million sales in 2015 alone.
Key to its better ride quality and drivability is six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic, and all-season tyres. Bearing in mind that the
the switch to a pure monocoque design with wed tend to look at a manual if youre buying Cherokee is very much an urban off-roader, its
all-independent suspension, while most users an older car because weve yet to hear that hardly surprising that Trailhawks are rare
- horror of horrors - will opt for the front-drive early problems with the auto have been sorted. second-hand, so for the extra off-road
versions. Those who want four-wheel drive will The entry level specication is Longitude, its capability youll be looking for a new one at
nd that the standard system also follows the a high-value one with DAB radio with Bluetooth 39,000. If urban cruising is more your style
modern norm in being an auto-engaging type and voice command, six-speaker audio, dual youll nd some good nearly-new and ex-demo
dubbed Active Drive I; if youre planning to do zone climate control, cruise control, parking offers, for instance Unity of Oxford (01865
any off-roading with your new Cherokee, make sensors, stop-start, auto headlamps and screen 680515) had a summer sale event that included
sure you have the Active Drive II, available on wipers, power tailgate and 17-inch alloys; the a crystal black 2.2 Multijet (200) Limited
the Limited as a 1200 option, which does at Longitude + adds satnav and a nine-speaker automatic with just 500 miles with the added
least have low range; this system, including a Alpine audio system. technology pack and full panoramic roof (a
lock function, is standard on the Trailhawk, The Limited has leather upholstery, 18-inch 1200 extra) for 33,000, at least 4000 off the
which also has more ground clearance and alloys, auto levelling for the bi-xenon new list price, while Chris Variava of Nottingham
some underbody protection. headlamps, keyless entry, rear view camera and (01158 553040) had a Night Eagle special
First models had the 2.0-litre petrol engine, a a wireless phone-charging pad. edition, list price 37,495, on offer at 34,995 if
2.2-litre turbodiesel came later, the Trailhawk The Trailhawks off-road enhancements taken on their PCP deal including a 2500
has a 3.2-litre petrol V6. Transmission is a include hill descent control, selec-speed control deposit contribution.
WJ 1998-2004 WK 2005-2010
T F
he second generation Grand Cherokee installation of a new four-speed automatic or 2005 the Grand presented
was a significant improvement over its transmission, plus an enhanced transfer gearbox a bold new frontal
predecessor. The styling was similar and the availability on higher-specication versions appearance, with the
but smoother and more aerodynamic, of the clever Quadra Drive system, which not-quite-rectangular
the leather-upholstered interior was just as automatically locks individual axle differentials to headlamps of the earlier model replaced
opulently equipped but mechanical refinement ensure that the car retains traction even if only a by pairs of halogen lamps butting up
and road behaviour were markedly better, a single wheel has grip. The result is a car that has into the bonnet line, straddling a bold
consequence of much attention to suspension plenty of urban style and presence, yet is also an seven-slot grill and underlined by a
bushings and settings. The most notable extremely competent off-road action machine, heavy, almost aggressively-thrusting
improvement, however, was the introduction of which must make an early second-generation bumper. Otherwise the body lines
an all-new, powerful and efficient engine that at a Grand Cherokee, with its leather upholstery, air seemed unchanged, although closer
stroke made the big Jeep a more effective rival to conditioning, superb stereo systems and all the inspection revealed that the windscreen
the all-conquering Range Rover. The engine was other luxuries youd expect to nd in a high-end has a more aerodynamic rake, the
the 4.7-litre V8, matching the power of the highway cruiser, a superb-value all-rounder that doors are bigger and squarer, theres a
Range Rovers 4.6-litre V8 but delivering quicker shouldnt cost more than a grand. higher belt line and the rear has bigger
acceleration and higher top speed, not to Most older models will have done well over lamp clusters and a heavier rear
mention better fuel consumption, because of 100,000 miles, a low-miler in top condition might bumper and tailgate design. The interior
being some 250kg lighter than its British rival. be worth more, one interesting example being the was also restyled, not necessarily for
A superb engine, but returning around 18mpg it 2002 4.7 V8 Limited with a gas conversion, 89,000 the better where the dashboard is
isnt the most obvious choice on a car thats going miles with one lady owner, a long MOT and priced concerned, since it has a particularly
to do a high mileage as an everyday family estate. at 1890 at Hendon Motors (020 8902 2554). chunky look, a rather startling exception
The venerable old 4.0-litre straight-six was the For 2004 entry-level Sport and upgraded to the smoother and more organic
mainstream petrol engine, upgraded for the new Overland versions were introduced; the Sport has shapes favoured by most European and
generation to develop 195bhp, but being an older cloth upholstery and a simpler air conditioning Asian manufacturers. Worthy features in
and inherently less efcient design it burns more system, but it retains the electric seats, electric the new model include a 60-40 split for
fuel than the V8. That doesnt make it one to avoid windows and remote locking. The Overland was a the rear seat fold and a reversible
- though the oldest and longest-established engine range-topper, the enhanced specication including boot-floor storage tray, not to mention
in the range it trades mild performance and thirst a CD autochanger and an electric sunroof. the concert-quality sound system in top
against the kind of steadfast reliability that gets it a One key special to look out for would be the models linked via a colour display to the
bulletproof accolade from enthusiasts. When the 60th Anniversary edition, introduced in July 2001 sat nav.
turbodiesel alternative arrived it wasnt an exciting for a limited period, which was based on the 4.7 The key mechanical development for
one, the 3.1-litre VM, which works hard in this V8 Limited but adding the electric sunroof, a CD this generation was the adoption of
heavy car and in consequence isnt particularly autochanger and metallic paint. independent front suspension, and for
economical, and its also woefully outdated in terms With the end of the run approaching, September Europe the other signicant
of renement. However, with Mercedes at that time 2004 saw three new top-specication variants on improvement was the introduction of
in control of the Chrysler and Jeep business it the scene, the Limited XS with 4.7 V8 or 2.7 CRD the 3.0-litre V6 CRD turbodiesel, as
wasnt long before the far smoother, more efcient engine, the Platinum with the 2.7 CRD and the HO used in the Mercedes M-Class,
and more powerful Mercedes 2.7 CRD as had Platinum with the 4.7 V8. These all have satnav, as replacing the 2.7-litre unit in the
already been installed in the Mercedes M-Class well as the electric sunroof, plus heated door previous generation. The engine is a
found its way under the Grand Cherokees eager mirrors and parking sensors, we only spotted one modern all-alloy quad-cam design with
bonnet, and this is naturally the engine of choice as Limited XS 2.7 CRD for sale, a one-owner car with common rail injection, producing
it has almost as much top-end power as the new MOT, at Lymedale Motors of Newcastle under 218bhp, perhaps more importantly for
4.0-litre petrol but much more torque over a good Lyme (01782 618333), at 3290, a bit expensive heavy towing or off-road duties the
range, making for easy on-road cruising and strong for a car with 175,000 miles but is in excellent peak torque is developed at a lowly
off-road versatility. condition and, if nothing else, the high mileage is a 1600rpm. From the start the new model
Along with the adoption of new engines was the worthy reection on the reliability of the engine. could also be specied with the
A
stunning 325bhp 5.7-litre the off-road aids of hill descent ll change, and whos sunroof and satnav. Pay from
Hemi V8 engine, absolutely control and hill start assist. to say its for the 13,000 for an early Limited
the right choice for anyone No matter if you cant nd one, better? Certainly the with over 100,000 miles, as
wanting to enjoy the the Limited is arguably a much all-new Grand for much as 20,000 for a
all-American side of the cars better value purchase, since it 2011 was more competitive in low-mileage Overland.
character. All those smokin has a higher equipment spec the modern luxury SUV sector Its almost worth ignoring
cubic inches ought to including leather upholstery and for seemingly giving up its these earlier examples,
translate into heady fuel climate control. Satnav was a serious off-road intent in favour because the facelift for 2013
consumption, but in fact the 1550 option. There is also a of soft lines, soft ride and not only gives a less brash
engine is relatively economical huge range of second-hand enhanced electronic gadgetry. frontal appearance but includes
since it switches out four of its examples available, pay from The most significant change a switch to an eight-speed
cylinders to use less fuel when 3000 for a high-mileage early was a switch to all-independent automatic, along with bi-xenon
its not being hammered to example, more like 6000 for suspension, bolstered by an headlamps and improved
outpace a hot hatch, and anything decent with less than uprated version of the 3.0 CRD interior trim, plus a 19-speaker
uses little more fuel than the 100,000 miles, though Town turbodiesel developing a 825Watt Harman Kardon
old faithful 4.0-litre six - Autos of Bedford (10234 671993) smooth 237bhp driving through surround sound audio system
expect 18mpg if you have a were asking a very reasonable a five-speed automatic and in the range-topping Summit.
sensibly light right foot. 3495 for a 97,000-mile 2005 capable of returning over Limited means a high
The 4.7-litre V8 made a 4.7 Limited in pristine condition 30mpg. The catch-up to match specication but the Limited
brief appearance, but with and with a years MOT. other modern SUVs wasnt only Plus is better value, Direct Cars
signicantly heavier If youre prepared to think big, reflected in the much more of Shefeld (01142 994676)
consumption than the we can conrm that the 5.7 comfortable and softly styled were asking a cool 25,000 for
turbodiesel it did not prove Hemi is a delight to drive. Hows interior and safe-driving a 27,000-mile 2014 example
popular, and were dropped this for a stonking luxurious technology like adaptive cruise with satnav, Uconnect and DAB
after a year - we have to say, tarmac smoker for little more controls, but revealed that the radio. Demand was always high
though, that its a beautiful than pocket money - Hoxton sleek urban styling hasnt totally for the top-specication
engine to drive so if you dont Autos of Aylesbury (01844 shrugged off off-road ability. versions, so the current range
do a lot of mileage its not a 340392) had a silver 2006 Hemi Electronic aids include a is restricted to the Overland
bad alternative to a Hemi, with a full service history and five-mode Selec-Terrain system and the Summit. Look out for
thats if you cant nd or afford long MOT, only 89,000 miles that emulates that of the Land excellent discounts on nearly
one. All versions have priced at just 7500. Rover Discovery 4, while the new cars; for instance Horsham
ve-speed automatic Common sense dictates a 3.0 enhanced Quadra-Trac II Car Centre (01403 272747)
transmissions and low range. CRD, expect to pay around four-wheel drive system has were asking a mere 35,995 for
For 2005 the Grand also 9000 for a low-mileage run-out traction and hill descent a new Overland with 100 miles
switched from the Quadra Limited in top condition, 13,000 controls and hill start assist, showing, including sunroof and
Drive 4WD system to Quadra for a similar age pristine with the air suspension option air suspension, a signicant
Drive II, the main difference Overland; a top-spec Overland adding 105mm to the ground drop from the new list price of
being that the limited slip Tech caught our eye at Steel City clearance when its needed. 48,000. Motorvogue of
differentials on the front and of Shefeld (01142 724046), Entry-level Laredo spec is Bedford (01234 584615 ) put a
rear axles are electronically equipment including reversing impressive, including climate 41,995 price tag on their
operated rather than by the oil camera, privacy glass, sunroof, control, cruise control and ex-demo 2016 Summit with
pressure used to lock the Boston premium audio media Bluetooth integration, the just 4500 clocked, some
gerotor-type diffs on the connect with satnav and hard Limited adds leather 10,000 under the new list
previous model. The drive music system, full service upholstery, electric windows price, and that includes a
advantage being that the history and a new MOT, priced at and mirrors and parking rear-seat DVD and Blue-ray
electronics can keep the diffs just 11,485. sensor, the Overland adds entertainment system.
I
hadnt planned on buying a almost because with its leaf-sprung chassis rails under the smoother and the interior much
Cherokee, it happened by rear suspension the ride renement transmission, to hold the gearbox more appealing, and the centre
accident. When the gleaming wasnt perfect, particularly after Id in place; that had taken the knock console actually includes a couple
black 1995 4.0-litre Limited given it a two-inch suspension lift and the transmission had shifted of cupholders. So, when one made
SE appeared on the floor at the with rmer sports dampers. an inch or so upwards, but apart an unexpected appearance on the
auction house and bidding started There was a reason why I from a little vibration everything just auction oor, I couldnt resist it. I
at a paltry 100, I just couldnt decided to give it the little lift. carried on working. Back home, I paid a stupidly high 1200 for it,
resist, and the hammer went down Although the truck had stopped at bought a replacement but I had to have it; I sold the older
in my favour at 300. Just a couple nothing else throughout the event, crossmember from a scrap yard, Cherokee for 150, which made it
of months later I drove the there was one massive slab of rock replaced the bent one and not only the most enjoyable
Cherokee, bog standard apart from crossing the track near the top of everything went quiet again. off-roader Id driven but also the
some mud terrain tyres, to one steep climb. Suffering a Ferrying family and friends around most cost-effective.
southern France and tackled the momentary a lapse of town continued to draw The 1998 Cherokee was almost
legendary rock-crawling, river- concentration, I simply comments like, this is as good; we did the Mille Rivieres
raiding event called Mille Rivieres, followed the a very rened car, again in it, as well as several other
thinking that if I wrecked it, then it Wrangler in front which I put down demanding French events, but I
wouldnt be a great financial loss. as it drove up to the lazy, couldnt help wondering if the
Far from wrecking it, the and over the smooth added renement hadnt detracted
Cherokee performed so well that it rock; there was performance from its off-road spirit. Id have
earned me the nickname Sideshow an almighty from the been happy to replace it with
Bob on account of the way it just bang and the 4.0-litre straight another 95 model, but the car that
went wherever I pointed it and Cherokee six. Yes, of suddenly appeared on the auction
managed to clear obstacles that had stopped dead, course it was oor was a 4.7-litre Grand
seen highly modied Land Rovers rocking thirsty, I reckoned Cherokee with Quadra Drive, tow
and Wranglers resorting to winch precariously on the on 20mpg if I drove bar and BFG All Terrains. Need I
assistance. Of course I like to think rock with a steep drop it very carefully, but I say more? Cost me 1200, but I
my own skill had something to do to the right down into the was well prepared to put up got 300 back for the Cherokee so
with it, but having driven just about valley hundreds of metres below. with that in return for the strong I didnt mind. The Grand Cherokee
every kind of off-road car over the The Wranglers had been running and easy low-rev torque courtesy is great, I love it for the sound and
previous 40 years I just couldnt 33-inch tyres, those on the of the long-stroke design. power of the engine, its no thirstier
believe how well this truck was Cherokee measured a tad over 27 The only reason I eventually than the 4.0-litre Cherokee, just as
coping in truly difcult conditions inches; had I been concentrating decided to sell the Cherokee was practical with its massive load
- considering that, with its leather Id have taken the rock at a more because every time I took it out I space and its even better off-road.
upholstery, air conditioning, suitable angle. remembered how much Id enjoyed The only trouble is, its just too
electrically adjustable seats and The Cherokee had to be driving the updated model for 1997 good to wreck - so every time I go
excellent stereo system it also winched off the rock, but it carried for the road test that appeared in off-roading I nd myself missing the
served perfectly well as an almost on as if nothing had happened; the July issue of that year. The raw and primitive spirit of my rst,
luxurious suburban estate. I say theres a crossmember linking the bodyshell is lighter, tauter and and favourite, Cherokee. BC
Defender 110 underbody and chassis shotblasted and repainted ready for Rustproofing
WHERE
a Jeep franchise showroom, they were
far too interested in trying to sell
Cherokees and other variants. But
thats all changed. Today there is a
much stronger emphasis on the
Wrangler and its baby brother, the
Renegade. As a result, they are ying
THE
off the forecourts.
So, youre in the market for a capable
off-roader, it must double up as an
every day runabout, you want
something new and you want it at a
reasonable cost. Oh and you want to
be able to ddle with it and add a few
REALLY
nifty mods to make it truly yours and
not just a clone. If thats what you are
after, theres actually not that much to
choose from! The Land Rover Defender
is no longer available, so now even tatty
three and four-year old trucks are
attracting hefty premiums. Double cab
pick-ups are available from most major
manufacturers but nding aftermarket
kit is nigh on impossible.
The JK is the latest incarnation of the
Wrangler lineage. Still built the other
side of the Atlantic but with more than a
ourish or two from the new Italian
owners, not least the 2.8CRD engine
supplied by VM Motori (another Italian
rm) that can easily propel you along
nicely with manual or auto boxes while
supping fuel at around 30mpg a
Defender-shaming statistic! Or if you
really must have unleaded in your tank
ARE
supplying a V-shaped engine, then the
3.6-litre V6 will put a real smile on your
face. But you probably know all this
anyway, any 4x4 enthusiast should be
up to speed on the latest Jeep models.
So youve decided to buy, what next?
No self respecting Wrangler owner
ever leaves their vehicle unmolested.
One of the greatest features of this
Jeep is that it is just so modiable.
There is no shortage of aftermarket
With a deserved reputation for parts, accessories and modications
available. Almost every component
Land Rover conversions, we took a could be replaced with an improved or
trip to the wilds of Peterborough modied equivalent from any number of
specialist Jeep retailers. But although
to see what Nene Overland has to thats all available in the States
the independent support in
offer Jeep Wrangler owners the UK has been a bit thin on
the ground and fairly sporadic
GO WILD!
CONTACT
DETAILS
NENE OVERLAND
Web: www.neneoverland.co.uk
Email: info@neneoverland.co.uk
Prices correct at time of sending advert to print. All prices include VAT @ 20% E&OE some variation in prices may occur due to exchange rate fluctuations
2,686 264 1,470
AEV JK DualSport RS
4.5" 4-door suspension kit AEV JK Dana 44 Differenttiall Cover AEV JK Premium Front Bumper
WRANGLER
POA 434 1,280
AEV JK DualSport XT
The Ultimate 6.4L V8 HEMI upgrade! AEV Rear Tyyre Carrier Fuel Caddyy 2.5" 4-door suspension kit
AEV Hi-Lift Jack & Pull-Pal Mount AEV JK Snorkel AEV JK Corner Guards 4-Door
We have Jeeps on display at both PETERBOROUGH and MAIDENHEAD branches
FUTURE
R
egular readers will know that we Kaiser M715. Based on the Wrangler Unlimited chopped by some 12 inches, yet still has room
particularly enjoy Jeeps annual it uses big 20 inch beadlock wheels, fitted with for the 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine and
unveiling of the companys concept 40inch NDT military tyres. Many of the parts ve-speed gearbox. Cute, eh?
vehicles and 2016 didnt disappoint. come from Jeep Performance Parts, including And to nish off, we had to look forward and
These concepts are fully working offerings, Dana 60 front and rear axles and four inch lift show a concept for Jeeps latest Renegade.
looking close to production possibilities in many kit. Its painted Tactical Green - just had to be! The Jeep Comanche (right) has Beige Against
cases, and designed and built where possible Any styling cues for the forthcoming Wrangler The Machine paintwork, which besides being a
using Mopar spares and accessories. Given that pick-up, we wonder? humorous nod towards a California rock band,
2016 is the 75th Anniversary you would expect Proving small Jeeps can be as good as the takes styling clues from the past, while looking
something special and we just love the Jeep bigger options, we also have the Jeep Shortcut to the future. Long may the company continue
Crew Chief 715 (main image). Its a salute to (far right). The shortened body is said to invoke with these exciting concepts: heres looking to
Jeeps military service vehicles, in particular the the spirit of 1950s Americana. Its been production possibilities NF
I
have owned a couple of of XUH 4. Decked in a deep Express suspension lift, AEV failed on hillclimbs that my rear
Jeeps, both Grand burgundy red it had a 2in lift and snorkel and winch bumper with diff locker and traction control just
Cherokees. The first one was knarly tyres. When our 2008 Warn 9.5ti Theromometric winch, allowed me to saunter up...
a 51-plate WJ Limited and Sport arrived it had its original that did, ahem, actually have to It was also great to drive on the
after eight years of ownership, I plate, but once all the mods had be used on one occasion on a road. Yes, with that lift and those
upgraded that three years ago to been done, and wed had plenty monstrously steep and traction- M/Ts it was quite a quirky ride that
a 2009 WK Overland. I have loved of fun in it, Jeep re-registered it as less slope. I just ran out of revs needed reigning in on occasions,
them both, but neither takes the the new XUH 4 and there it after failing to render enough but that didnt bother me. Other
prize as my favourite Jeep. No, found fame and good throttle gusto a third of correspondents were not so
that accolade has to go to our fortune. The the way up the hill. delighted with its on-road ride,
long-term Jeep Wrangler Sport, magazine took it Even my 265/70 but I loved being so high up and
an 08-plate short-wheelbase JK on some great R17 Cooper attracting plenty of nods and
that when it arrived from the Jeep off-roading Discoverer smiles, although there were
press fleet office in 2008 the trips, but once STTs couldnt inevitably the odd glances of
year of launch was pretty stock, I became get enough disgust and ridicule in between.
apart from the rear locking diff Editor of the grip on the Pure jealousy I always reckoned.
and electronic disconnects for the magazine in loose earth. Jeep took it back for an event
front sway bar (factory fit options) 2009, my rst But throughout and I didnt drive it ever again,
with its 174bhp 2.8-litre CRD job was to take the rest of the much to my dismay. The mods
engine and six-speed gearbox. possession of the trip, which were eventually removed and
But over the course of several mighty JK myself. included severe Jeep sold it on. Id love to know
months, Steve Fagioli took it Perks of the job. off-roading over rocks where it is. Any info on KU08 YLS
under his wing and gradually I had many adventures in it, but and through rivers and over some will be gratefully received. It was
modded it to a spec that turned the best was a drive to France to quicksand-type ground, me and a magnicent long-termer and
the already highly capable take part in the famous Milles XUH had a ball (I was glad of the looked great. Our XUH as it
Wrangler into an off-roading giant Rivieres off-roading extravaganza Rugged Ridge diff cover, Rugged became known, was a great Jeep
of a machine. in 2010. We also took along a Ridge tough rear bumper and anyway, but with Steve waving
In previous years, the magazine stock Defender 90 on that trip, skid plates) with gorgeous his magic mod wand over it we
had run a long-term previous but my XUH made mincemeat of low-down torque and engine- had a sublime off-road steed. The
generation TJ Wrangler from the Solihull offering with my front braking to die for; not at all best Jeep, in my eyes, no
Jeep, which had the number plate and rear diff lockers, 2in Rubicon smirking with glee when the 90 competition. HE
to suit a variety of to give amazing line and using them for questions you may and click on courses &
special applications. speeds. nearly 30 years. have. for more information.
M
any offspring end up the drive, but a couple of older family TJ came into Andys
with one of the second-hand Land Rovers where possession and he started
familys hand-me- bought so that some mud-plugging modifying it, going to events and
down cars, and a few fun could be had. Andys initial getting involved with other
enthusiastic sons and daughters off-road driving lessons where, enthusiasts. This led to the launch
might look at modifying the therefore, behind the wheel of a in 1999 of the website Jeepey.com
vehicle, or certainly personalising it; 1980 Range Rover V8 and an even and the establishment of a club
few, however, follow this particular older Series III. Its interesting to that grew quickly and became the
route and end up with a successful note that this baptism did not lead site to visit if you owned a Jeep.
company, building bespoke down the traditional route to Now the early 2000s, was not
Wranglers for customers. become a Solihull devotee and we the greatest time for Jeep as a
Surprising perhaps, but thats had to ask why Land Rover was company, and when the global
exactly what happened with the dropped, with interest returning to recession hit, the very existence of
Bonner family, when after visiting a the Jeep brand. the Jeep brand looked doubtful.
Jeep show back in 1997, father I think it was the TJs open top, Ironically, it was probably these
Mike bought a new Jeep Wrangler and the 4-litre engine. It was problems that actually helped
TJ, 'just for fun. Understandably, different, it indicated a lifestyle and Jeepey.com grow. After being
since it was a brand new Jeep, it was certainly more fun and less approached by one major
Mike was less enthusiastic about agricultural, says Andy. But it aftermarket supplier at a
letting son Andy take the thing wasnt enough, and eventually, Jeep event, Andy and
off-road, but the bug had bitten. when the warranty had run out Mike started retailing
The smart new TJ remained on says father Mike laughing, the specialist parts, under the
CREATE A STORM
If you are looking to modify your Jeep, or
need a difcult to source part, then check
out the Jeepey.com website and delve
into Jeepey Mart. If you want to consider a
The important personal Wrangler Storm, then you can go
ingredient with the to the dedicated website, or give Andy or
Storm concept is Mike a call: 01482 666491
that these vehicles
are bespoke, so you Web: www.jeepey.com
are not likely to ever Email: sales@jeepey.com
see an identical one, Web: www.stormjeeps.com
either on or off the Email: sales@stormjeeps.com
road!
T
o celebrate the anniversary, Jeep what an inspired move that was! Then in 1946, that linked an automatic transmission to the
collected together nine of the key along came the Willys Wagon, the first all steel four-wheel drive system. It also had
vehicles in its history for this bodied wagon, seating seven, and claimed as independent front suspension, another first for a
photograph. It all starts with the the worlds first SUV. The years that followed 4x4. Things went even more premium with the
Willys-Overland MA/MB, which after the saw major improvements in engines, axles and Grand Wagoneer in 1984, but its probably fair
Second World War developed into the Jeep transmissions and Jeep unveiled the Wagoneer to say that one of the most important changes
CJ-2A (with the CJ denoting Civilian Jeep). You in 1963 claimed as the first premium large happened in 1974 with the Cherokee model SJ,
have to wonder if the company realised quite SUV, and the first vehicle from the company even more significant when the Cherokee XJ hit
the market in 1984. This was the first allowing the SUV to run as a front drive
monocoque SUV. However, this didnt only. This is a photograph of a great
mean Jeep was ignoring the premium collection, but to us the new Renegade
sector, and the first Grand Cherokee should have been included. Perhaps
arrived in 1992. As a nod to the fact that Jeep really looks at this latest 4x4 (75th
fuel economy was becoming so Special Anniversary edition pictured,
important, 2013 saw the version of the right) as the beginning of a new era, not
Cherokee with its rear axle disconnect, to be a celebration of the past! NF
75
Years Of Jeep
T
wo names we must always Willys, Ford and Bantam. And believe it
remember in the history of or not, only two companies put in
Jeep are Karl Probst and proposals. The rst spec sheets had to
Bantam. Why? Let me be delivered to the Army by 17th July,
explain. Way back in early 1940, the US so Bantam brought in Karl Probst (an
Army were looking for a lightweight 4x4 experienced engineer, who had his own
vehicle for use as a recognisance rm in Detroit) to design their rst
vehicle. The Army, of course, gave a prototype. And by the due date they
specification list that had to be met; it had delivered their rst bid, but only to
had to have a lightweight chassis, four nd that the Army had changed its
cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, high mind and were now asking for a more
wheel clearance, open sides, carry four powerful engine (the Bantam only had
men, grade-climbing capability, have a 20bhp) and the Army now wanted
carrying payload of 600lb and weigh no 40bhp. So it was back to the drawing
more than 1300lb. board, but Karls rst problem was not
On June 27th 1940, the Ordnance the horsepower, but getting axles
Technical Committee in Washington strong enough and light enough to take Top: The rst Bantum pilot model, the grandad of all Jeeps, delivered to
gave out bid options to 135 the extra power that was required. So the US Army in 23rd September 1940
manufacturers, which included, GM, he came up with the answer, a Spicier Above: Around 2600 of the Bantam BRC-40s were made
W
hile I havent actually There were a few coughs and Jeep, it certainly took a healthy behind the wheel of the very latest
owned a Jeep splutters before the 2.2-litre unit boot-sized stomp to force the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, with its
model, I have decided it would run, and the long brake shoes to have any affect on powerful headlights bouncing off
certainly been stroke engine only delivered the vehicles speed! My smile was the riverbeds rocky sides, creating
behind the wheel of quite a few; around 60bhp but it was even wider as we ew down the stark shadows that appeared to
some more memorable than the remarkable how competent this slope, tempered perhaps by the dance in front of us as we crawled
others. It is, however, a time for a unit felt, as I bounded off across thought this was something of a over boulders and squirmed
confession here. During my the sandy terrain at Slindon. Taking retired lm star and didnt deserve through the soft silty sand. The
previous time as editor of this my time, the gearchange was too much rough treatment. Its also Cherokees Selec-Terrain
publication, back in the 1980s, remarkably slick for a machine of sobering when behind the wheel four-wheel drive system was rmly
one wheel I had not sat behind this age, and the smile was of something that in the 21st in Rock mode, which linked to the
was of a proper Willys Jeep. That beaming across my wind Century is such fun to drive, smooth and controllable V6
omission was corrected five years blasted face as I to remember that fun Pentastar petrol engine and the
ago, when we were celebrating the crawled, bounced was not the reason Firestone Destination All Terrain
manufacturers 70th Anniversary. It and bounded it was built. tyres made for effortless progress.
seemed sensible to me that we across the But is it my Now for some, proper off-roading
should get an original and match sand. Much of favourite Jeep? seems to involve grit and dirt
it up against the then latest Elusive Elaines Actually, if Im nding its way into every crevice of
Wrangler, and with a little help from life these days honest, that both the vehicles and the drivers
the guys at Jeep UK, we managed is as a display honour has to body. If its not a struggle, its not a
to get the famous Elusive Elaine vehicle, but it go to one of the drive. Well, Im too old for all that
Willys to be delivered to the has made more up-to-date these days. Having a vehicle that
excellent Slindon off-road site for numerous TV and models. Since can be enticed to traverse difcult,
the photoshoot. lm appearances. returning to the but admittedly not impossible,
You can often tell what a vehicle Taking that into Editors chair, I have terrain suits me just ne. Add to
is going to be like just from that account I was trying to be enjoyed driving the very that the fact that back on the
rst impression. Land Rover relatively restrained, and I latest models from the company, tarmac, the Selec-Terrain can be
Defenders look right, ready to be remember making sure everything models designed and built with the switched to Auto, the excellent
off-roaded, as do Jeep Wranglers, was OK, that low range was new company owners, Fiat. And it stereo system can be switched on,
and up close, so did Elusive Elaine. engaged, before I attempted one is to a much newer model that my and the drive home can be quick
The magazine had driven this particular decline; not that steep, favourite Jeep accolade is to be and comfortable. Elusive Elaine
famous Willys Jeep before, but it but quite long. It all started OK as presented. certainly impresses like a great
was certainly my rst time, and we crawled down, but the length Off-road driving memories are Hollywood actress of the 1940s
Bob Cooke had to point out to me of the descent did mean that with many, but I will always remember should, but Im more a modern
that it had a oor starter button, speed increasing, a touch on the my experience of driving a dried Trailhawk man. And if that means
necessary to coax the wonderfully brakes was needed. Well, touch out river bed in the Agafay Desert, Ive gone soft then, frankly my
named Go-Devil engine to life. is not what was designed for this in Morocco, at night. This was dear, I dont give a damn. NF
COSTS 50
3
FROM
OVER D8600
SOL IS N
30 Y R
T
he Jeep brand has always had a of proven mechanical components, areas servicing suspension and brakes, and
strong off-road reputation such as the brakes and suspension are dealing with modified vehicles. The majority
throughout the 75 years it has been straightforward to maintain and there is also of our advice concerns the popular Jeeps,
in existence, matched with an a strong aftermarket of specialists and such as the Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand
equally positive reputation for having sound tuners. So the following pages provide an Cherokee, but weve also consulted the
mechanical components and a no nonsense assortment of Jeep related hints and tips, experts concerning the more recent Patriot,
approach to maintenance. Thanks to the use ranging from common engine problems to Compass and Commander.
SPANNER SIZES
You may need a mixture of AF and metric spanners and sockets to work on a Jeep.
Anything manufactured in the USA is often constructed with AF sized nuts and bolts
(fractions of inches, such as 9/16in), whereas European components, such as the Italian
VM engines and German VW and Mercedes diesel engines use metric ttings (measured
in millimetres). In some cases, metric spanners and sockets are suitable for AF nuts and
bolts, such as a half-inch bolt head, which can usually be undone with a 13mm spanner.
The tops of the pistons are shaped to help VM 2.5 diesel has not one cylinder No timing belts or chains. Just a series of 18 head bolts need re-torquing at 12,000 miles.
with emissions and combustion head but four one for each cylinder timing gears for the crankshaft, camshaft, VMDS believe this may cause head gasket
oil pump and diesel injection pump failure if neglected
VW, MERCEDES
AND VM DIESELS
Jeep has used a variety of engines from different
manufacturers in many of the model range for reasons
that are far too complicated to go into here! The 2.8-diesel
found in the Wrangler for instance, is a VM manufactured
engine (not to be confused with the 2.7-litre V6 diesel thats
manufactured by Mercedes), which is completely different
to the successful VM 2.5 tted to the Cherokee. Instead,
this engine has a twin overhead camshaft conguration
with a single cylinder head and a more
conventional set of main bearing
caps to retain the crankshaft.
Theres also a 3.0-litre V6 diesel
manufactured by VM, which can
be found in the Jeep Commander.
The 2.0-litre CRD found in the
Patriot and Compass is
manufactured by Volkswagen.
HEMI V8
Jeep has a reputation for being powered by big petrol
vee-engines, such as the 200bhp 3.8-litre V6 in the
Wrangler, but the ultimate has always been the 5.7-litre
Hemi V8 that was introduced in the Grand Cherokee in
2005. Its also a popular transplant engine and in the
April 2016 issue, we featured Chris Guilloteaus Hemi
powered Rubicon Wrangler. This isnt a conversion for
the faint hearted, requiring several parts from
specialists such as Jeep Speed Shop in California,
who sell a conversion kit, but the results are impressive
with power output of around 350bhp or more.
ENGINE SERVICING:
COOLANT
A front mounted radiator is tted to all Jeeps, which often includes a
pressure cap on the top of the radiator and a separate expansion
bottle. There are level indicators on the side of the expansion bottle,
but its also worthwhile unscrewing the pressure cap when the
engine is cold to look inside and check the level here. If you are
unsure of the age of the pressure cap, renew it to ensure it can
maintain pressure. The same goes for the coolant, which should be
tested for its quantity of anti-freeze and to check its ability to cool the
engine (summer coolant). Coolant should be renewed every 2-5
years, depending on the type of coolant used. Its also a good idea
to remove the expansion bottle and clean it out because it can
become blocked with dirt, resulting in a full amount of coolant inside
it, but a low level of coolant in the radiator and the engine.
DISC BRAKES:
STICKING SLIDERS
The majority of disc brakes use single piston calipers with slider bolts
that operate the outer brake pad. The sliders can seize, so make
sure they are free to move. If they are difcult to move or seized,
extract and clean them, then apply a smear of multi-purpose grease
before retting them.
STICKING WHEELS
Alloy road wheels can become seemingly welded to the hub if
corrosion settles in. If such a disaster arises, position a long,
large block of wood against the back of the wheel rim and hit the
wood with a hammer to release the wheel (make sure the vehicle
is adequately raised and supported). Once the road wheel has
been removed, clean the mating surfaces and apply a smear of
copper grease (do not apply the grease to the brake disc).
DRUM
BRAKES:
GREASE
MOVING
PARTS
The brake shoe adjuster on drum
brakes can seize, so its worthwhile
making sure its adequately
lubricated with copper grease. If it
has seized, apply penetrating uid.
Apply some spray grease or
copper grease to other moving
parts, such as the handbrake
mechanism to help reduce the risk
of them seizing.
DRUM
BRAKES:
LOOK FOR
LEAKS
When servicing the drum brakes
and having removed a brake
drum, carefully peel back the
dust covers on the ends of the
wheel cylinder to see if brake uid
is leaking past the seals. If it is,
new seals can usually be tted,
or a new wheel cylinder tted.
SUSPENSION:
BROKEN SPRINGS
AND LEAKY DAMPERS
The majority of Jeeps are equipped especially if you regularly abuse your
with coil springs and dampers (shock Jeep. In most cases, you wont need
absorbers) at all four corners. These to remove the road wheels to inspect
can take a hammering off-road, so a the springs and dampers. Do not
quick visual check to make sure the touch the coil springs to inspect them;
coils havent fractured and the this can be dangerous, especially if a
dampers are not leaking is essential, coil has fractured.
GREASE POINTS
Grease nipples can be found on the propshaft universal joints, the case of the suspension, pump the grease through until all of the old
suspension and steering linkage on many Jeeps. Multi-purpose grease grease has oozed out. Steering linkage and propshaft UJs only require
needs to be pumped into these areas using a suitable grease gun. In a little grease to be pumped through to avoid damaging any seals.
SPONSORED BY
www.pedders.co.uk
FEATURE VEHICLE
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
I
f you're a motorsport fan, for the first half off-road race of them all. exist any more, and then west through Mali
of January each year your attention has The year was 1983 and although the cars and Mauritania to the fabled Lac Rose, the
probably been full of Dakar reports. This bore nothing of the supercar manufacturer Red Lake, the traditional nish line for so many
year Peugeot, with its incredible DKR took prototypes later to come from Porsche and years. The course wasn't meticulously plotted
all the headlines ahead of a host of Minis and then Peugeot, the event certainly wasn't any out with reccie crews with Terra Trips and GPS
Toyotas, yet somewhere down the leader easier. In fact, compared to the present day's systems accurate to a metre, waypoints were
board, you perhaps might have noticed a odyssey in South America, it was much, much spotted by people in a light aircraft and it was
Mercedes-Benz in the hands of the privateer harder. The fth edition of the Paris-Dakar, as it left up to the crews to nd their own way to
Chilean team. Some 30 years ago, it was a was known then, saw the event take on a them This was years before GPS, when a
different story. Among the list of amazing staggering 12,000 competitive kilometres over compass and a map was all the crews had to
motorsport achievements, such as Formula 1, an incredible 21 days, right through the heart navigate with; which is why when a huge
Le Mans, Mille Miglia, and the WRC, Mercedes of the Sahara, the dreaded Tenere, through the sandstorm blew for three days most of the
has also claimed victory in the toughest country of Upper Volga, which doesn't even competitors got helplessly lost.
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ADVENTURE
Atacama Desert, Chile
I
'm boiling even though the wind is
howling and temperatures are
freezing. I need to cool off so I hoist
myself up out of the thermal bath
and sit down on the edge, my feet
playing with the water. Through the slits
in the walls assembled from stone,
Main: Pushing three adobe and corrugated tin, I spot two
tons into bends like snow-capped peaks: the 20,000ft
these is a joy with Tacora volcano and its 19,000ft twin,
our 30-year old Land Chupiquia. They stand out against a
Cruiser pitch-black sky, made brilliant with stars.
The volcanoes are said to be extinct
Left: Alpacas with in but below the surface there is constant
the background, the activity. Hot water ows underground
Pomerape Volcano on until it emerges from the pores of the
the left, 20,472ft, and earth in the ghost town of Agua
Parinacota Volcano on Calientes. At night the slithering, green
the right, 20,807ft waterway is steaming, adding to the
Right: Llamas
crossing the train
tracks around the
ghost town of Villa
Industrial. The
green tufts denote
ownership
Left: Sunrise at
Termas de Poloquere
at Salar de Surire.
Above right:
Probably the remains
of a llama, at the foot
of the Tacora volcano
conclude we've driven our share for the we want. We are part of a world which
day even though it is only lunchtime. is still largely unspoiled and Right: Waking up with
This time our bath is not enclosed by uncontaminated and home to an frost inside the Land
walls, but sits in an open space in the abundance of wildlife. It offers all the Cruiser
middle of a snow-white salt at. This is space in the world to drive, to hike, to
by far the most extraordinary bath we safely rough camp, to sit and admire Below: A moonless
have ever taken in our lives. That night the blackest of nights because there is night with clear skies
we sleep well even though it is the no light pollution. How can that not be a at 14,800ft is perfect
coldest night on this trip with, in the very rare privilege? for shooting star trails
morning, thick frost on the inside of the
Land Cruiser.
When we wake up, the natural pool
was steaming amid an ocean of pure
and pearly white salt, against a clear
blue sky. Landscapes don't get more
magical than this. We undress once
more and sink into the water. Just the
two of us submerged in nature's most
precious gift in freezing surroundings
such as these: a hot bath. Simply by
being here I nd a state of inner peace.
It doesn't take an effort, as the
landscape gives it to me.
It is in places like this that we feel
richer and more privileged than ever
with the lives we live. Driving here can
be tough, dusty, tedious, tiring and we
challenge the extremes we are capable
of dealing with. In regions like this we
have to watch our food supply and
drinking water and Coen has to be
creative in xing car trouble along the
way. Many will wonder what the
pleasure is of such hardship, of traveling
without the ordinary comforts of the
western world. Yet, we have all we
need: each other, a home on wheels,
and freedom to go and stop wherever
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ADVENTURE
St Brendan the Navigator
A MONKS TALE
Our journey took us to the birthplace of St Brendan the Navigator and to
where he set sail from Larne in Co. Antrim, to Scotland, then the Faroe
Islands and on to his final destination in Iceland. We all have mythical figures
and old yarns etched into our culture and so it seemed a good idea to follow
his route, only this time by modern 4x4
Words: Russ Ryan Photography: Russ Ryan, Mark OToole and Visit Faroes
M
ythical tales of adventure conquest, adventure and travel that are Above: Iceland has archaeological findings, which now
travel and exploration do etched into our culture and Ireland and some of the best 4WD throws more fact on the myth
not always reflect on the UK are no different. In the UK, King tracks in the world surrounding his 6-7th Century
actual events and over the Arthur was a legendary British leader pioneering adventures and this story
centuries these stories can often evolve who according to medieval history, led would form the basis of our latest
into something very different than was the defence of Britain against Saxon four-wheel drive adventure.
originally intended. Often the evidence invaders in the late Fifth and early Sixth Having read British explorer Tim
in these mythical stories is based on centuries. Across the water in Ireland Severins book about retracing St
writings or drawings that have been around the same period, is the legend Brendans Voyage, both myself and my
reinterpreted over the centuries. Some of St Brendan the Navigator, a medieval fellow Land Rover Defender travelling
good examples of this come from overlanding monk who many believe companion Mark OToole were
Greek mythology that has documented successfully sailed across the Atlantic fascinated by the story and it was not
stories about the origin of the world, the ocean to Newfoundland a couple of long before we started to plan our
causes of natural phenomenons, travel hundred years before Columbus. In overlanding trip in our four-wheel drives.
etc. Like most countries we all have our recent years St Brendans name is We would map a journey by land and
mythical figures and yarns about starting to re-emerge following recent sea and follow in the footsteps of part
of St Brendan the Navigator's journey that was written in Latin about his widely acknowledged that this book
from Ireland to Iceland. We would be travels, called the Navigatio Santi was one of the most famous travel and
doing this trip the easy way in our Land Brendani Abatis or translated (Voyage adventure stories in Western Europe. It
Rover Defenders and camping in our of Saint Brendan the Abbot). The book was an important part of folklore in
Below left: Pages
comfortable waterproof tents, unlike the outlines a detailed account of St medieval Europe and many believe it
from the 9th century
monks and Tim Severins team whose Brendan's travels in the Atlantic Ocean inuenced Columbus and his travels. In
book Navigatio
conditions were cramped and often between the 6th and 7th Century over a fact, a map that Columbus used when
Sanct Brendani
very wet as these brave adventurers seven-year period. sailing from Spain in 1492 for the
had to negotiate big Atlantic swells. Several copies of the text in this Bottom: Book written Americas featured a large land mass in
Saint Brendan the Navigators ancient book documenting this amazing by Tim Severin the middle of the Atlantic Ocean called
popularity in Europe was mainly the ancient travel have survived in about his travels in 'Saint Brendan's Island' and Columbus
result of a famous 9th Century book monasteries throughout Europe and it is the replica boat is said to have used its marking on the
map to guide him.
Examples of passages in the 9th
Century book focused on what the
adventurous monks saw and
experienced on their travels and
examples of text included being
raised up on the back of sea
monsters (presumably whales),
passing by crystals that rose up to
the sky (sounds like Icebergs), being
pelted with aming, foul-smelling
rocks, burning hills, and mountains
spouting re (which experts believe
refer to volcanoes in Iceland). He also
writes of encountering monsters and
large sea mammals (walruses,
whales) and meeting little ferry men
The Croatia Trophy has an attraction for competitors who want to experience one
of the toughest off-road events on the calendar. The forest is thick and difficult,
made all the more so from the fact it rains. Seemingly all the time
Words and photography: Robb Pritchard
T
here are a couple of reasons fell the night before so the whole event
teams load race cars onto has more of the feel of a large club
trailers and drive for days to event than a huge international
the EU's southernmost border competition. This is a really good thing,
for a week of hardcore off-roading. The as it means the camp has a wonderfully
first is that organiser Igor Bozikovic is friendly atmosphere; off-roaders from
one of the nicest guys you could ever all over the far corners of the continent
hope to meet and the other is that this come together to blag tools and spares
really is one of the last places in Europe and compare stories about what parts
you could run an event like this. Imagine had broken in the last stage, and that
a pay and play site the size of Anglesey, despite the constant rain making the
with the terrain of the Cotswolds and camping eld look like a rst world war
the population of a particularly remote battleeld. Teams from no less than 17
part of Siberia. It's a perfect countries entered, racing 64 cars in
combination. But there is one other two classes - the top Trophy class and
element that makes this eight day the (supposedly) less extreme
marathon so special. Adventure class.
With not too strict starting times, the As is tradition here, the action
course can be redesigned in the opened with a short blast of the
mornings depending on how much rain Prologue to set the running order for
Becker school of off-roading doesn't Audi, a BMW gearbox, G-Wagon transfer forests was interrupted by Trophy Day
often result in seeing too many box, Mitsubishi differentials and Land where teams have to work together to
chequered ags. Cruiser brake disks. And something overcome obstacles and the afternoon
Fastest, albeit almost by accident, inside the steering knuckle from a Fiat of insanity known as the Circuit Race,
was Peter Whitman in his big D & G Ducato... It was with some incredulity which was three laps of a 5km track
buggy, despite the pleas of his co-driver that I saw he had entered the Trophy around an abandoned overgrown
Jim Marsden to slow down. Last year's Class and not Adventure. Under normal military base. If you let the teams go off
winner has a new build in progress but circumstances I wouldn't have given it one by one at two minute intervals and
still needed to indulge in his yearly mud much attention (apart from some everything is controlled, but set them
fetish, but on his rst time of reading the mocking scorn for bringing such a shed) off the line 10 at a time and it's chaos.
roadbook, he didn't really want to go to the Croatia Trophy, apart from one Mud, more mud The lower half of the Adventure class
out rst the next day. There are no GPS small detail. After two stages, which and a lot of water went rst, a couple of slackers holding
trails or uorescent arrows to follow in included the huge 80km monster, they makes the Croatia the rest up, but then it was the big
the forest and the book is often open were in second place. And somehow Trophy event one of boys. Karl Frost led coming down to
to interpretation so it's not kind to they stayed there for the rest of the the most difcult on the rst bottleneck but got bogged
beginners. But they had a secret event, beating Szilard in his beautiful the calendar... but down. Co-driver David Needham
weapon - an A4 laminator. The beast, fair and square. Impressive. most competitors getting out in the middle of the track to
roadbook tulip diagrams are much The daily extended brutality in the just love it hook the winch up was like trying to
easier to read if it's not splattered with
mud. Jim is not often thought of as an
expert in ofce technology but I think a
few more people will copy this clever
idea next year.
In any event, there are always a couple
of cars that stand out for different
reasons and this time it was two
Hungarians that caught the eye, with two
diametrically opposed ways of making a
4x4. Szilard Magyar has the most
stunning and technologically advanced
car I think I have ever seen. Fully
independent suspension, four wheel
steering and portal axles, and it still has
the walnut trim on the dashboard from
the BMW he used for the body. Norbert
Kalmar on the other hand has a true
scrapyard challenge creation. The base
vehicle is a battered old Soviet army
UAZ, kind of the equivalent of a Series 3
Land Rover, but with a 1.9 TDi Mk4 Golf
engine, a turbocharger from a 3-litre
Spec: Barbarian
Mileage: 5219
MPG: 20.3
Recent costs: None
Arrived: December 2015
Spec: 2.0-litre
Mileage: 68,279
MPG: 34
Recent costs: Service and MOT
Arrived: June 2012
FUEL CRISIS
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
Louise Limb
Spec: 3dr 2.0 TD
Mileage: 94,410
MPG: 40 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Recent costs: Just on-going Bob Cooke
fuel and tyre repairs
B
Arrived: October 2008
loke eyed my Grand turns only, but its unoccupied. I
Cherokee and asked: creep up gently, feathering the
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
What dyou get to the throttle, and just as I get to the
Hils Everitt, Editor at Large
gallon, then? line the lights change. Oh, the
I told him about 15 around snarl of raw power as I oored the
Spec: Overland WK 3.0-litre
town, 20 on a long run, average a accelerator, the surge of
Mileage: 58,500 bit over 18. acceleration that slammed me
MPG: 30ish He smirked and said: I get 60 back into the backrest, the grin
Recent costs: MOT, dent repair, out of mine. He indicated his VW that spread over my face as the
new rear light: total around 400 Passat with a 1.9-litre turbodiesel Grand stormed away leaving all
Arrived: February 2014 engine. I said: Wow, I bet you else behind as I went for the
get a real kick out of driving that. straight-ahead exit.
He gave me the blank look of She said: That was immature.
NISSAN PATHFINDER SE 2.5 someone who doesnt She doesnt understand either.
Paul Walton understand. Truth is I dont give a damn
So Ive been shopping with her about the fuel consumption of the
Spec: SE 2.5
indoors, on the way home Im 4.7 V8, to the extent that Ive
Mileage: 81,104 approaching a roundabout gradually lost the original gently,
MPG: 30 controlled by trafc lights, the gently approach I adopted during
Recent costs: 418.44 lights are red and though Im the rst weeks of ownership and
going straight ahead I cant resist lean more towards enjoying the
Arrived: April 2015 aiming the Jeep into the right lusty performance thats available
hand lane, which is really for right with a heavier right foot. And oddly
TAKE
A SEAT
SEAT Leon X-Perience SE Technology
Phil Weeden
W
hether its our of reassurance in treacherous The diesel engine is rened and
constantly evolving conditions, be they wet roads or a potent enough to deliver a
climate, or our slightly boggy eld when taking sub-eight second 0-60mph time,
supposedly leisure the kids to play football. while still claiming an average
laden spare time, crossovers are It looks stylish too, appearing mpg of 57.6. The steering is well
becoming the default choice for to be sleek despite the raised ride weighted and offers reasonable
many car buyers. The SUV height. Its practical in estate feedback. The brakes perform
market continues to grow, and guise with 587-litres of load space well, while ride and handling are
thats led to an increasing number with the seats up that increases delightfully neutral. It corners with
of car makers offering crossover dramatically when you knock the a pleasing sense of agility, while
estate cars; these are effectively rear bench down. The roof bars trading nothing in terms of ride
standard estate cars with create further possibilities for even comfort, which is decent.
all-wheel drive, a raised ride bigger loads. All in all, one couldnt wish for
height and some plastic exterior The interior is equally stylish, more. It wont climb mountains, but
trim to give it that go anywhere, well-appointed and ergonomically it appears to be kitted out to handle with no extras (ours was over 30k
do anything appearance, even if sound. As seems to be the trend of most of the daily rigours of family as an auto version with Lux and
this is largely an illusion. late, the interior eschews as much life. The only thing that makes you Park Assist options), it seems quite
I recently spent some time in switchgear as possible to provide a question such a choice is the price. expensive. A top spec Nissan
one such example, the SEAT cleaner, less cluttered fascia. At 28,870 for the manual version Qashqai is about the same money;
Leon X-Perience, which was while its nowhere near as powerful,
introduced into the UK about a nor does it have as big a boot, it
year ago. Based on Volkswagens claims better fuel economy and
MQB platform, its similar in lower CO2 and arguably better
concept to other vehicles in the off-road ability and an even higher
VW family, namely the Skoda driving position. The recently
Octavia Scout, the VW Passat introduced MINI Clubman Cooper
Alltrack and the Audi A4 Allroad. SD All4 is about 1000 cheaper
The ride height is raised by 15mm and matches the spec of the Leon,
and theres drive to the front losing out only on boot space. So it
wheels with intelligent all-wheel really requires a serious study of the
drive; the Haldex system throws spec sheets for you to decide what
up to 50 per cent of the 180bhp you want. Whatever your priorities
available to the back axle when from such a vehicle, though, the
the system detects loss of SEAT Leon X-Perience is a great
traction. So just the right amount all-rounder. PW
W
hile I have been for a couple of weeks could easily was a scuff on the rear bumper Dammit. So it was ring up the
buzzing around in lead to a drop in psi on a tyre. It that the dealer knocked some nearest Jeep dealer and order one.
the long-term Suzuki lost about four psi compared to cash off for. To do this work I I cant bring myself to tell you how
Vitara, that has the others. It got checked and found a brilliant chap from Dial a much the light was but I needed it
sadly now left the 4x4 Magazine pumped up before the MOT and Dent who is a mobile service and and it took a few days to arrive. I
long term fleet, my Jeep Grand no fault was found. I now keep the makes good all manner of dents also had to drive a round trip of 30
Cherokee has taken rather a back dash display on the tyre pressure and scrapes. miles to pick it up. Big hurrumphs
seat. It hasnt had so much indicator to keep an eye out. One phone call and sending a all round. Still, my clever Dial a
mileage time, but during its little The more annoying problem with picture resulted in him tting me Dent man did a ne job on the
holiday there were a few things the Grand was the need for a bit of in the following week to sort the mess and tted the light for me. If
that needed attention; some cosmetic surgery. My daft other dent and scraping out no problem you have a dent on your 4x4 or
essential, others a right pain. half managed to reverse into a for a couple of hundred pounds. If scratch and live in the South East
The essential was the MOT. It street light late at night totally I went to a dealer or bodyshop Google him up and save yourself a
is ridiculous how quickly it comes sober I might add, although he that would have been lot of time, money and the possible
around every year, and, thankfully, may have been a little tired. It was substantially more and take ages. dent on your insurance. HE
my mate who runs a garage and very dark and, as I have mentioned He also said he would t the light
takes care of all my automotive before, compared to modern 4x4s while hes there if I got one sorted
needs, sends a text reminder to lovely clear and sharp rear parking before then.
make sure I dont miss the date. camera screens, the Grands is a That was the tricky bit. I went
My Grand is now seven years little fuzzy even in broad daylight. onto eBay to see if I could pick
old and I didnt expect anything When its dark, the screen does not one up a bit cheaper. I knew that
major to be wrong with it under a display a particularly clear or helpful an OE part would cost the earth
full inspection. My previous Grand image. I honestly believe he didnt and need to be shipped from the
got to nine-years old with around see the post; if he did he wouldnt USA. Sadly, eBay was not my
75,000 on the clock before things have hit it, would he? Sufce to salvation; there was only one
started to go a bit wrong, say, I was not pleased when offering for a WK model at a mere
although it never actually failed an inspecting the damage and found 85, but it wasnt the offside light.
MOT; there were just interim a smashed nearside rear light and There was a WK Overland
gearbox problems and injectors dented and scraped rear bumper. nearside on offer, but it was a
that needed replacing. The prospect of a new rear different lighting conguration that
The latest MOT went without a light annoyed me more than the I didnt know about. It seems there
hitch, although I was having a bit bumper. Regular readers will are different light clusters for the
of an issue with one tyre losing know that I needed a bit of WK Overland model. I Googled
pressure. The guys at the garage touching up on my old Grand Overland pictures and found that
suggested that due to the cold when I wanted to sell it. Then also different Grands did indeed have
weather and the Jeep sitting idle when I bought the new one there slightly different lights.
A PICK-UPS LIFE
A
s regular readers will know, we are new L200. For us, the idea of having a pick-up David Grant owner of a Ford Ranger. We will let
big fans on the magazine for the as your 4x4 vehicle, for work, rest and play David take up the story:
versatility of the pick-up. The Editor makes a lot of sense. It is, however, great when All through the 1990s I drove a variety of
has owned a Toyota Hilux and is we have confirmation from a reader who feels Jeeps using them for work and play, with
now enjoying a Long Term test with Mitsubishis the same, and thats certainly the case with several off-road adventures in France and the
UK. By 2004 I was still off-roading but this
time with a Land Rover 110 pick-up Tomb
Raider. It was a great truck but, after 25,000
miles in six months, I really needed something
a little more comfortable for long distances.
Ive always been a Ford man at heart, so a
Mk2 Ranger was the obvious choice. I emailed
half a dozen Ford dealers and BT05 ETE was
purchased in June 2005, ironically from
Solihull, and so began a long and on-going
adventure between man and truck. Its a 2.5
diesel 4WD Thunder in black and silver and is
without a doubt the most useful and versatile
vehicle I have ever owned. Its worked hard
and played hard almost every day for the last
11 years, delivering everything and anything
for business, family and friends; from
When it comes to towing duties, the Ranger has never disappointed Christmas trees to a ton of gravel and 30
Back from the wood yard. You cant do this with an SUV...
with the fth now due. The windscreen has France. Early in 2016 with my rst grandchild
been replaced and also the steering box, prop on the way, Chris and Charlie decided
UJs, one rear spring, the gearbox at 200,000 something a little smaller was needed. I sold
(when it kept jumping out of fth) and at my Wildtrak and instead of paying through
250,000 the rear axle and diff. depreciation I was once again running BT05
In 2014, I actually decided to retire BT05 and funding the on-going maintenance of the
and gave it to my son Chris. I then bought a family truck hopefully for many years to come.
new bright orange Ranger Wildtrak automatic; To be continued!
another wonderful and amazing truck. When it What a great yarn, and an obviously much
was only six weeks old we had a fantastic worked and loved truck. If you have a similar
Above: Off-road driving in North Yorkshire
adventure off-road 8000 feet up in the story to David, do let us know. Just send
suddenly stopped a little quicker than I did, Pyrenees with the guys from Yorkshire 4x4. some suitable photographs and words to 4x4.
2009 was a car park shunt and 2010 it was a Throughout 2014/15, BT05 had a much ed@kelsey.co.uk. And if you are now
choice of either run over the cat or hit a tree easier life covering about 12,000 miles in the considering a pick-up as your next 4x4,
while reversing, the tree and the cat were ne stewardship of Chris, which included many remember we had a full UK market review in
but the rear wing looked a little sorry for itself. greenlane adventures and a trip with his the July issue back copies are available from
She is currently on her fourth cam belt girlfriend Charlie, camping to the South of shop.kelsey.co.uk/4x4. NF
FEVER
At what should be a quiet time for sales, as
Bob Cooke explains, demand for the SUV Autobiography awaits a
wealthy private buyer
remains strong right across Europe
S
ummer is traditionally a slow time for car cars still dont make their sellers reserve. BCA the hammer at 19,000 looked like the
dealers, with people spending on reckons fewer than 10 per cent of cars entered bargain of the month.
holidays rather than upgrading their for sale are genuinely as pristine as the seller With Jeeps the focus in this issue, it would
family transport, but that doesnt seem to be indicates, yet still have a reserve at the CAP be logical to suggest that a car auction would
happening this year because motorists across black books upper valuation. be a good source of a three-year old ex-eet
Europe are on a spending spree that doesnt car, but Jeeps dont feature prominently in
seem to be easing, and more than ever of RARE PLEASURES eets so examples that do appear are usually
them are buying into SUVs. Across Europe car It can be worth keeping an eye on auction older models. We have seen Cherokees going
sales have reached 1.32 million a month, house catalogues because cars that dont for very little money, but the Jeep name is
nearly seven per cent more than for the same meet their reserve may turn up at several obviously becoming more established,
period last year and, surprise, surprise, SUVs subsequent sales, and in all probability will because bargains are becoming rare; back in
continue to be the most popular, taking up a eventually sell for a more reasonable gure. 2008 we bought a 12-year old Cherokee
whopping 24 per cent of all new car One car that didnt reach its reserve at a Limited for 300; last month someone paid
registrations. Interestingly, the demand for recent Brightwells auction is a 2011 Range 1000 for a 15-year old one, a 2.5 CRD Sport
SUVs is showing a significant north-south Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography, a with 112,000 miles.
divide - most registrations were for either large one-owner 32,000 miler with a long MOT and A later model Cherokee, an 80,000-mile
or small vehicles, suggesting increased good service record. Naturally this wasnt 2006 2.8 CRD Limited, sold for 3500, well
demand for high-fashion luxury transport for going to go cheap, it may just be that on the over book value, it did at least have a current
the wealthy on one hand and wannabe day none of the bidders had enough spare MOT. Best buy was the 2003 Grand Cherokee
aspiration from the less well-heeled on the cash, more likely they werent condent of 2.7 CRD Overland with 132,000 miles and a
other, while mainstream demand for midrange being able to sell such a thirsty OTT luxury car long MOT that went for 1350, 92 per cent of
family 4x4 estates may be falling off - could it from a back-street outlet. For a private buyer top trade value but not bad for a car that could
be that, with so many jelly-mould SUVs genuinely interested in owning such a car, a sell for 3000 retail. Weve paid top auction
crowding the marketplace, the SUV concept is coming auction from Brightwells could be money for our own cars; we bid 1200 for our
beginning to lose its fashionable appeal? worth a visit long-term X-reg Grand Cherokee 4.7 V8
Strong demand for new cars in Europe is Other Land Rovers had no difculty in Limited, a car that with its thirsty petrol isnt in
good news for the British economy as UK selling at that sale, a 2011 Range Rover Sport great demand, but we wanted it. Similarly we
manufacturers increase production - over half a 3.0 TDV6 HSE with 68,000 miles and a long paid 1500 for a 2004 Cherokee 2.8 CRD
million cars built in Britain in the rst four MOT went for 20,100, right on retail money, Limited; these might sound expensive in
months of this year, more than 10 per cent up but the 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 GS with auction terms, but pocket money outlay for a
on the same period last year and three quarters 87,000 miles and still under warranty that took couple of high-fun off-roaders.
of them made for export. None of this is leading
to lower used car prices, however. British Car A Jeep, but not cheap
Auctions reports that the average value of a at 3500
good used car rose across the board in the rst
part of this year by a heady 317, equivalent to
a record four per cent, an increase that will
naturally be passed on by retailers. Good
quality ex-eet cars usually attract most
interest, but prices paid for part-exchange cars
and nearly new cars also rose.
An interesting insight explains why, even
A bargain at 19,000
though bids have reached record heights, many
I
t can only be the heavy, bluff-fronted wheels, they also have hill start assist. The are available by calling 0845 241
styling that kept the Patriot on the Sport+ adds cruise control, sunscreen 5159 or online at: www.4x4i.com
sidelines, because with pricing pitched controls, steering wheel audio controls Audi Q7
something like 20 per cent below that of and Bluetooth with voice recognition. The Issue August 2015
the equivalent Toyota RAV4 or Honda Limited has six-way electric adjustment for
Daihatsu Terios 1997-2005
CR-V, with excellent equipment thrown in, the front seats, the range-topping Issue May 2011
it was a very good value SUV, and a Overland has premium leather upholstery,
particularly practical one because not only rear parking sensors and tyre pressure Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004
does it have excellent five-seated monitor. 3000 should secure a Issue July 2013
accommodation and a huge cargo area reasonable-condition early model, perhaps Jeep Grand Cherokee 2005-2010
thanks to its traditional estate shape, but it 4000 for a low-mileage 2.0 CRD, but Issue September 2015
also has much better off-road capability wed advise thinking in the region of Jeep Wrangler TJ
than any of its rivals. Looking like a 7000 to secure a low-mileage 2.2 CRD; Issue October 2014
scaled-down Commander, it perhaps Seven Hills of Shefeld (01142 618314)
made a more convincing alternative to the were asking 6995 for a silver one-owner Land Rover Discovery 3
Issue September 2014
late lamented original Cherokee, the Limited with heated quilted leather sports
low-set seating giving more headroom seats, privacy glass, six-disc audio Land Rover Freelander
than youd expect and the long load upgrade and new towbar, just serviced Issue February 2013
platform enhanced when necessary by the and with a new MOT. For the extra luxury Land Rover Freelander 2
fold-flat front passenger seat. The tailgate of an Overland you could pay up to 9000 Issue April 2014
is a lift-up type, one minor niggle being for a run-out model, for instance the
Nissan Pathnder
that the heavy rear bumper can make it 8989 being asked for a metallic silver 2.2
Issue October 2015
awkward to load large items, though its CRD Overland with 18-inch alloys and
essentially part of the comprehensive list satnav at Car Star of Stanningley (01132 Nissan Qashqai
of safety-related features, including 559000). Issue March 2016
side-curtain airbags and electronic stability Porsche Cayenne 2003-2010
programme with roll mitigation. Issue February 2016
Hardly had the Patriot appeared than a
Range Rover 1970-1995
facelift for 2009 saw better quality interior Issue January 2013
materials, with more padding for armrests,
chrome trim for the a softer-styled Range Rover Evoque
instrument panel and a centre console
Issue July 2015
with a split lid to boost storage space. Range Rover Sport 2005-2012
Standard on Sport models is a single-disc Issue June 2013
CD radio with MP3 capability, the Limited Skoda Yeti
has a six-disc CD autochanger and an Issue March 2015
optional Sound and Navigation Group
involving the Uconnect infotainment Suzuki Grand Vitara
Issue May 2015
system and the premium Boston
Acoustics sound system. Suzuki Jimny
Four-wheel drive is by the Freedom Issue January 2014
Drive I full-time, active four-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruiser 2003-2009
system, which automatically switches from Issue December 2014
front to four-wheel drive when necessary,
Toyota Land Cruiser 2010-2015
backed by the Brake Lock Differential Issue June 2015
traction control; it doesnt have low range,
but good ground clearance and breakover Toyota RAV4
angles give it enough off-road capability to Issue August 2014
match a Land Rover Freelander in rough Volkswagen Touareg
terrain. All-independent suspension means Issue April 2015
its also a comfortable ride on tarmac.
Power in early versions is provided by a COMPARISON BUYERS GUIDES
VW-sourced 138bhp 2.0-litre six-speed BMW X5 v Volvo XC90
Issue May 2013
manual diesel engine, capable of returning
better than 42mpg, or a 168bhp 2.4-litre Honda CR-V v Nissan X-Trail
petrol engine with a ve-speed manual or a Issue April 2012
CVT automatic gearbox. From 2010 the LR Defender v Jeep Wrangler
turbodiesel was replaced by a 2.2-litre Issue August 2012
Mercedes-Benz unit, with a broader torque
Mitsubishi Shogun v Grand Cherokee
band and an extra 25bhp, at the same
Issue May 2012
time offering better fuel economy and
lower emissions. One additional advantage Porsche Cayenne v VW Touareg
is that the towing limit increases from Issue April 2013
1500kg to 2000kg, another that this Range Rover v Mercedes-Benz ML
engine has a chain-driven camshaft so Issue November 2012
doesnt need the regular cam belt changes
Seven-seater SUVS
of the earlier VW unit. Issue March 2014
All Patriots have the essential luxuries of
air conditioning, electric windows and alloy Suzuki Jimny v Mitsubishi Pinin
Issue September 2012
JEEPSINTHESNOW
ORGANISER BOB SEABORN, a Barnsley- choosing the comfort of Dales bed and 2007 JKU and camped, an off-road trailer
based member of the Jeep Owners Club breakfast establishments over canvas as snow being built back home for a more luxurious stay
knew exactly where to take the eager group of and hail began to fall. This was not going to be next time. Under the snow covered Three
12 Jeeps and their owners, plus families, when an ordinary May Bank Holiday. The Green Peaks of Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and
the club decided to take a trip north for the Dragon at Hardraw provided the setting for Whernside, small groups of four Jeeps
early May Bank Holiday. Using Hardraw, near evening banter and greenlane debriengs, encountered blizzards and hail, making the
Hawes in Wensleydale as a base and exploring while Jeep drivers thawed by open res. byways a good deal more challenging and
lanes in the Yorkshire Dales and the southern Sunday evening saw some of the party camp exciting, drivers and children indulging in a spot
reaches of the Lake District, club members in the wilds, emboldened by a weekend of snowball throwing between showers.
enjoyed both dramatic landscapes and rather negotiating the rocks of The Fox, a famous A meeting after the ferry crossing from
unexpectedly, somewhat unusual weather too. lane in the Lake Districts Grizedale Forest. Hawkshead to Windermere on Bank Holiday
Jeeps new and some a little longer in the Among the participants, Chris Coyle took his Monday rounded off a fantastic family weekend
tooth, modied and standard, travelled from green JKU, Jim Olexa in Oobicon, the wifes for the JOC, with the next one already in the in
London, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire to long wheelbase JK, while Rolf Chaning-Pearce planning. Photos: Darren Hopwood and
join those from more northern climes, most and family came in the freshly fettled custom Stewart Harding
BURES PIT
UK EVENTS DIARY
Large sand pit quarry in North Essex. The prices are 30 per vehicle, but
that can include up to four passengers. Theres a catering van on site. To
learn more contact Terry and Karl at events@bures-pit.co.uk or to learn
more, go to: www.bures-pit.co.uk
JULY AUGUST
DEVILS PIT 3 7
Devils Pit is 60 acres of different courses (novice, experienced and expert)
at Barton-Le-Clay, Nr Luton, MK45 4LG (A6) Bedfordshire (OS Grid ref: PAY AND PLAY DAYS PAY AND PLAY DAYS
TL078297). 26 per vehicle. Children (under 16) are free. Toilets and BEDFORDSHIRE Devils Pit GWYNEDD Bala Off Road
catering, rst aid and recovery facilities. Tel: 01582 883349 WEST SUSSEX Piccadilly Wood SOUTH YORKSHIRE Frickley
Email: devils.pit@virgin.net www.devilspit.co.uk HAMPSHIRE Muddy Bottom Off Road HAMPSHIRE Muddy Bottom Off Road
GWYNEDD Bala Off Road WEST SUSSEX Piccadilly Wood
ESSEX, ROCHFORD & DISTRICT 4X4
Essex, Rochford & District 4x4 Club have a 4x4 site located on
10 14
Creeksea Ferry Road, Canewdon, Essex, open on the second Sunday PAY AND PLAY DAYS PAY AND PLAY DAYS
of every month for both members and non-members, check out: SOUTH YORKSHIRE Frickley BEDFORDSHIRE Devils Pit
www.4x4er.co.uk BERKSHIRE Harbour Hill ESSEX Essex, Rochford & District
WEST SUSSEX Slindon Safari BERKSHIRE Harbour Hill
FRICKLEY OFF-ROAD CENTRE ESSEX Essex, Rochford & District WEST SUSSEX Slindon Safari
Frickley Off-Road Centre is near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, DN5
7BU and includes climbs, hollows, woodland and rock climbs suitable
20/21 20/21
for the novice to the experienced off-roader. 25 per vehicle, all
road-legal 4x4s welcome. Call Charlie: 07836 544335 ORGANISED DRIVES ORGANISED DRIVES
Email: offroad@frickley4x4.co.uk www.frickley4x4.co.uk YORKSHIRE 4x4 are planning a mid-week YORKSHIRE 4x4 have their regular
driving adventure in the Lake District. Check mid-week adventure in the Lake District.
HARBOUR HILL out: www.yorkshire4x4treks.co.uk Check out: www.yorkshire4x4treks.co.uk
Harbour Hill, near Aldermaston A340. Non-members 30 (10
membership, 20 for the day). Wheel washing, catering and toilets 24 21
available. Call: 07887 533168 Email: withoutaclub@yahoo.co.uk PAY AND PLAY DAYS PAY AND PLAY DAYS
www.4x4-withoutaclub.co.uk
WEST SUSSEX Slindon Safari SOUTH YORKSHIRE Frickley
SOUTH YORKSHIRE Frickley HAMPSHIRE Muddy Bottom Off Road
22 11
SEPTEMBER PAY AND PLAY DAYS
BEDFORDSHIRE Devils Pit
KIRTON OFF ROAD CENTRE
Kirton Off Road Centre is a massive 600 acre site near Kirton
ISSUE OF 4X4 ESSEX Essex, Rochford & District Lyndsey, Lincolnshire, DN21 4JH. Standard days are 40, and there
MAGAZINE BERKSHIRE
WEST SUSSEX
Harbour Hill
Slindon Safari
are often camping weekends at 75 inclusive. Check their website
or call for more details. Call Paul: 07907 450974
ON SALE 18
Email: paul@korc.co.uk www.kirtonoffroadcentre.co.uk
When was the last time you considered
your tyres? Fancy trying some bigger PAY AND PLAY DAYS LANDCRAFT
wheels on your 4x4? This month we look SOUTH YORKSHIRE Frickley
Offering the chance to get to some superb parts of Snowdonia, David
at whats on offer in the market and offer Mitchells experienced outt offer some great Adventure drives, and for
HAMPSHIRE Muddy Bottom Off Road
tips and advice about sizes and tting. We those more adventurous, theres always Adventure Plus. Paying on
have also been to this years Camp Jeep, 24/25 the day is 60 (inc VAT), pre-book and save 10. Call 07831 258864
check out the specialist production of long Email: info@landcraft.co.uk www.landcraft4x4.co.uk
ADVENTURE OVERLAND SHOW
wheelbase Toyota Land Cruisers to go on
(Check panel top left for full details)
safari and we have the maddest Lada Niva MUDDY BOTTOM 4X4
that you will ever see! All this in the The Muddy Bottom 4x4 site is located in the heart of the New Forest
September issue. Now must be the time 25
(postcode SO43 7FL). All pay and play days have an entry fee of 25,
to consider a subscription; save money PAY AND PLAY DAYS and you need to be a member (day membership is only 1, or annual
and have the mag delivered to your door. BEDFORDSHIRE Devils Pit membership 10). The site has a jet wash, burger van, picnic area and
Check out page 94 for the latest offers. WEST SUSSEX Slindon Safari free recovery. Please note that no kinetic ropes are permitted on site,
and that you will have to jet wash your vehicle before you leave to
28
PAY AND PLAY DAYS OCTOBER avoid leaving any mud on the roads. To nd out more contact Carla on
07754 940783 or 07801 088203. Email: muddybottom4x4@aol.com
WEST SUSSEX Slindon Safari 2 www.muddybottom4x4.com
OCTOBER SPANISH LAND ROVER PARTY A23). Open between 10am 4 pm, the cost is 30 per vehicle.
There is free tractor recovery, toilets and the all important tea van!
This year is the 10th anniversary of registration is possible through the You can contact them on 01444 461690/07984 543886, or to nd
the successful Spanish event called website: www.landroverparty.com. out more, email: jperver@btinternet.com or go to:
the Land Rover Party. It takes place This year there will be a special www.piccadillywood4x4.co.uk
at the ofcial Land Rover Experience display of Camel Trophy vehicles.
centre at Les Comes, in Surla, just Plus, as it is an LRE event, all the SILVERDALE
outside Barcelona. The event very latest models will be there, Explore this site at Haying Wood, Silverdale, Stoke-on-Trent, ST5
includes some 60km of off-road including the brand new Range 6QQ which has 53 acres of steep wooded tracks, water holes and
tracks to drive plus attractions that Rover Evoque Convertible. The mud! 25 per vehicle. Open from 10am until 4pm, road taxed
will delight all lovers of 4x4 and previous nine parties have seen vehicles. Tel: 07970 286881. Email: exploreoffroad@hotmail.com
outdoor life. Sounds good to us, and attendees from all over Europe, so www.exploreoffroad.com
even taking place on 1st/2nd could well be worth making
October should be accompanied something of a long weekend holiday. SLINDON SAFARI
with good weather. You have to If you want more information you can Slindon Safari, near Arundel, West Sussex, 10am until 4pm; 30 per
register to take part in the event, email: info@landroverparty.com
vehicle, Quads welcome, 15, all riders 16+ and theres a 10mph
speed limit. Routes for beginners and more advanced. Call: 01903
812195 or 07802 582826
Email: johnmorgan@4x4driving.co.uk www.4x4driving.co.uk
SHUANGHUAN CEO
In prole, this Chinese-built SUV looks rather like the original BMW
X5, a fact that didnt go unnoticed in Germany. Paul Guinness
explains more about the vehicle and the court cases
I
f imitation really is the sincerest form of buyers seeking a home-built bargain? companys possession had to be destroyed.
flattery, then some of Chinas lesser-known The problem was that the Shuanghuan CEO December 2008 saw a similar case being
(in Europe) car manufacturers are among (sometimes referred to as the SCEO for brought in Italy, but there the court found in
the most complimentary. Whenever simplicity) looked very much like the original favour of Martin Motors, the local importer; it
European motoring journalists have reported BMW X5 side-on, with the same uplift to the was decided that the CEO was not a BMW
from Chinas biggest motor shows, theyve rearmost side windows and a very similar clone and that Italian sales could continue. As
remarked on the plethora of lookalike models, looking rump. As for the front end, that had for Germany, a second court tribunal was held
as Chinese designers blatantly plagiarise some obvious overtones of the Toyota Land Cruiser. in May 2009 only for the original judgment to
of our own continents biggest successes. Heck, even the Shuanghuans badge was be upheld, with China Automobile forced to pay
Its in the SUV sector though, where this trend scarcely original looking, as any SsangYong fan penalties and to destroy all CEOs still in stock.
is at its most blatant, with no shortage of Chinese will tell you. As for those Shuanghuan CEO models that
4x4s looking rather like Jeeps, Range Rovers None of this went unnoticed, particularly had already been sold in Germany, their
and others of that ilk. And then, of course, theres when the Shuanghuan CEO made its European reputation soon suffered thanks to poor
the Shuanghuan CEO, the ve-door SUV that so debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. A reliability and worryingly premature rusting. So
resembled the rst-generation BMW in prole German import company had been set up going appalled was one owner of a ve-year old CEO
that the German rm pursued the matter through by the name of China Automobile Deutschland (which had covered just 60,000 miles from new),
the courts with mixed results. GmbH, with sales of the CEO soon getting that he asked motoring magazine Autobild to
Launched in 2006 by Shijiazhuang Shuanghuan under way, despite protests from BMW. The end destroy it with explosives which they willingly
Automobile Co Ltd, the CEO was aimed at result was legal action, with the case nally did. As for the other few hundred CEOs that
Chinas ever-expanding SUV market, a sector in reaching a Munich court in June 2008 with managed to nd German buyers when new, it
which both European and American marques BMW emerging victorious. The court ruled that seems their tendency to corrode will ensure that
have a certain prestige. Surely a more affordable the importer could no longer sell the CEO in the vast majority disappear sooner rather than
version from a Chinese manufacturer would attract Germany, and that all vehicles still in the later no doubt much to the relief of BMW.
shearwater-insurance.co.uk
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
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Contents subject to alteration Kelsey Media 2016 all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of
Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except
with permission in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: articles
submitted for consideration by the editor must be the original work of the
All this in the September issue of 4x4 Magazine author and not previously published. Where photographs are included,
which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce
them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor
On sale Friday 22nd July cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received.
The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor
or the Publisher. Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products and
services offered by third parties.
Fire Breather
Deep underground we encountered a monster
that roared fearsomely when provoked. It wasnt
a dragon, but it did have a legendary drag racers
favourite Chrysler Hemi under its bulging bonnet
W
e had to go underground for this Ten things you never needed to know 2012 issue. With a 475bhp 6.4-litre Hemi
one. Not that we were in any way about the famous Chrysler Hemi: driving through an eight-speed automatic its
ashamed to be seen out in the 1. The rst Hemi engine was an inverted 16-cylinder 2500hp even quicker to the quarter mile and tops out
open with a Jeep Grand unit designed to power the Republic P-47 ghter aircraft. at 160mph. Jeep claims it also has 13 per
Cherokee that didnt have low range gearing, 2. The hemispherical combustion chamber means it can cent better fuel consumption than the earlier
its just that we needed to find somewhere to never have more than two valves per cylinder. Big valves, model; the 95-litre fuel tank should be good
prove that it really is an off-roader at heart. Well, though. for 500 miles, but it isnt.
thats not strictly true, since the heart of this 3. The rst automotive Hemi in 1950 was a 5.4-litre V8 The original SRT-8 retailed at a surprisingly
seemingly school-run friendly family estate is producing 180bhp, and was called FirePower. affordable 44,000, buy one with under
perhaps even more legendary than the Jeep 4. For 1956 the optional 355bhp version was the rst 80,000 miles on it today for a mere 16,000.
itself - the stunningly powerful Chrysler Hemi V8 American V8 to be rated at one horsepower per cubic Pay 55,000-65,000 for a new one,
in 420bhp 6.1-litre form, and thats an engine inch. depending on the options its had tted or, if
strictly for burning tarmac. The Grand Cherokee 5. The 6.5-litre Hemi of 1957 was a drag racers favourite you really want to savour the ultimate in Jeep
SRT-8 has permanent four-wheel drive - it well into the 70s. high performance, pay Nene Overland
needs it so as not to strip the tread from the 6. The famous 426 (7-litre) of 1964 was the second 80,000 for their 700bhp supercharged Wild
rear tyres in a smokin getaway from the lights. generation Hemi originally designed purely for NASCAR modication on a new or low-mileage nearly
It takes some modern big SUVs 11 seconds to race cars, but was later tted to Dodge Dart and Plymouth new SRT. With its handcrafted aerodynamic
reach 60mph. The SRT-8 hits 100 in that time, Fury when race regulations allowed only production body kit and 22-inch 10-spoke forged alloy
passing 60 just 4.4 seconds after flooring the engines to be used. wheels you certainly wouldnt want to hide
accelerator. Sheer aerodynamic drag from the 7. The street version of the Hemi was fed through two that one underground. Bob
big body limits top speed to 155mpg. Carter carburettors and produced 420bhp in Dodge
Lets put that engines specics into Charger, Plymouth Barracuda and Plymouth Superbird.
perspective. Its a 16-valve pushrod design, 8. The third-generation Hemi from 2003 is not a true hemi
normally aspirated, and it develops 420bhp at since the heads have been modied to take a
6200rpm. The 5-litre V8 in the Range Rover two-plug-per cylinder coil-on-plug distributor-less ignition
Sport of that era is a modern twin overhead system.
cam 32-valver and its supercharged to give 9. The Hemi nally made it into the Jeep Grand Cherokee in
500bhp at 6000 rpm. Its a fair comparison 340bhp 5.7-litre form, in 2005.
because in each case the power-to-weight 10. The all-new 6.4-litre Hemi code-named Apache bears
ratio works out at about 5kg per horse. The its 392 cu. in. rocker cover badging (in the US) in
Jeeps more than half a second quicker to commemoration of the rst hemi of that size from 1957.
60mph and beats the Range Rover by the
same amount in a quarter mile dash - as the Back in 2007, when we rst had a chance
Americans love to say, theres no substitute for to drive the SRT-8, we felt the need to at least
cubic capacity. pretend it had some off-road credibility, which
This 500 piece limited edition is a tribute to one of the nest cars and greatest
achievements in British motorsport history.
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