2001 Jeep Cherokee 2.5 CRD Limited 2.5L Diesel · RK51 MTY

The vehicle presents in a concerning state of roadworthiness with a trend of worsening structural and mechanical integrity. While it passed its most recent test on March 30, 2026, this result followed just six days after a significant failure that revealed critical safety defects. The latest report specifically flags a very smokey engine and a persistent brake warning light, indicating serious internal combustion or hydraulic issues that remain unaddressed. The presence of a brake warning light despite a pass suggests that the repairs performed after the March 24 failure were superficial or incomplete. At 134,598 miles, the Jeep reflects a low average annual usage of approximately 5,384 miles per year. However, the data shows a recent burst of activity between March 2025 and March 2026, where the vehicle covered nearly 3,000 miles in a short window. This sudden increase, combined with the vehicle's twenty-five years, suggests it may have sat for long periods, which often contributes to the advanced levels of corrosion and perished state of rubber components noted throughout the history. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity of the lower body. The February 2025 failure identified corrosion that significantly reduced the rigidity of the lower integral body structure, a terminal issue for many vehicles of this age. Rust has progressed to the rear spring mounts and front suspension in the most recent tests. The suspension also shows a history of neglect, with worn arm pin bushes, track rod ends, and ball joints flagged across multiple years, suggesting the entire underassembly is nearing the end of its functional life. The engine requires immediate professional attention due to the very smokey exhaust recorded in March 2026, which often points to injector failure or turbocharger wear. Furthermore, the reported play in the offside rear hub and the active brake warning light indicate that the braking system and wheel bearings are unreliable. Given the history of structural rust and the recurring failure of mechanical components, this vehicle represents a high risk of frequent unforeseen repair costs and safety failures.