2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee 2.8L Diesel · CF53 KNP

A pattern of chronic corrosion and recurring oil leaks dominates the mechanical history of this 22-year-old Cherokee, with coil spring and suspension component deterioration flagged across virtually every test in the record. The 2022-10-28 pass included advisories for oil leakage and corrosion on both front coil springs, the nearside rear coil spring, and general suspension components, indicating the rust problem has progressed rather than resolved. The single recorded failure in the available history occurred on 2022-10-18, when a cracked exhaust hanger permitted gas leakage alongside the suspension wear items. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the accumulating advisories on underbody components suggest that a buyer should expect corrosion-related repair work in the near term, particularly around the front suspension and spring platforms. The recorded mileage of 112,187 miles over 22 years equates to roughly 5,100 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and platform. However, the MOT records only cover the period from March 2018 through October 2022, with gaps before 2018 unrepresented in the data. The mileage between the earliest recorded test in March 2018 and the latest in October 2022 shows the vehicle was driven sufficiently to generate wear-related advisories on brakes, springs, and exhaust components, confirming active use during that window. Lower annual mileage of this nature typically means the vehicle has been used for shorter journeys rather than long motorway runs, which can accelerate corrosion on underbody components due to insufficient drying time after wet road exposure, and may also lead to oil seals drying out and weeping. The oil leak advisories span every single test in the MOT history, from March 2018 through October 2022, suggesting a persistent seep that has never been resolved. On inspection, the buyer should look for fresh oil residue on the engine block, sump, and any components below the rocker cover, and check the underside for damp patches or drips on the driveway. The recurring advisories on front brake disc wear and thinning front brake pads across 2019, 2020, and 2021 indicate the friction materials and discs have been on a slow decline throughout this period, so a test drive should include firm pedal applications to detect any judder or vibration through the steering wheel, and the buyer should budget for imminent disc and pad replacement at the front axle. The coil spring corrosion advisories, first appearing on a single spring in 2019 and progressing to all four springs by 2022, represent the most significant structural concern in this record. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to any harshness or bottoming-out sensation that could indicate a fractured spring. The 2022 advisories on both front upper suspension arm pins or bushes warrant close attention to steering precision; any excess play, vagueness through the steering wheel, or knocking when turning at low speed would suggest these components have worn beyond their advisory tolerance. Given the pattern of progressive underbody deterioration visible in the records, a thorough inspection on a ramp or over a pit is strongly advisable before purchase to assess the full extent of corrosion on the springs, suspension arms, and associated mounting points.