Dealer visit checklist

2025 Jeep Cherokee checklist

Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.

Inspect the car

Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)

9-speed automatic transmission can exhibit hesitation, rough shifts, and occasional software-related glitches — a persistent complaint across multiple Cherokee model years
2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine has shown oil consumption issues and requires close attention to oil change intervals to avoid long-term engine wear
HVAC blend door actuator failures are a recurring and relatively inexpensive but annoying repair reported by owners around the 50,000-mile mark
Electrical gremlins including infotainment freezes, Uconnect system resets, and intermittent warning lights are among the most common dealer visit triggers
Suspension components, particularly front lower control arm bushings, tend to wear faster than competitors under regular mixed-use driving conditions

Know the typical price: about $30,000 for this model year
Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away