Secondhand SUVs are suddenly back in fashion, with values of even the larger, more upmarket models – including the Range Rover – on the rise over the last few months. But that tends to apply only to diesel-engined models, leaving the petrol-guzzling derivatives still struggling to find buyers in many cases.

So we figured that now was a good time to compare two obvious used rivals: the 4.6-litre V8 version of the second-generation Range Rover versus the 4.7-litre V8 derivative of the Jeep Grand Cherokee – the 1999-2004 version that now offers spectacular value on the used scene. And it’s an interesting combination, because even with a budget of no more than £3000, there’s quite a choice of decent examples out there.

IN WITH THE NEW

The P38-model (Mk II) Range Rover was launched back in 1994 and was instantly acclaimed as a worthy successor to the original legend – the model that had been around for a remarkable 24 years by then. So along came this all-new version, featuring plenty of British engineering brilliance and a whole raft of advanced electronics. For your money you got air suspension, traction control, airbags, ABS, climate control and a whole lot more, all wrapped up in aluminium panelwork that, even today, still looks surprisingly fresh. Sure, it wasn’t cheap; but the newcomer helped to ensure the Range Rover was once again the best vehicle in its class.

The new-generation Range Rover certainly made ripples on the other side of the Atlantic. But clearly, the Americans liked the sound of the challenge – and in 1997, that good ol’ Yank, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, was launched over here. It sold on image rather than sophistication, although any lingering sniggers were stifled in 1999 when an all-new Grand Cherokee range was launched. Here, at last, was the premium rival to the Range Rover: almost as able off-road, just as revered on it. Things were truly set for a battle royal.

HIGH-END HEDONISM

The Grand Cherokee shown here is very much the ‘top of the tree’ model. The 4.7-litre V8-engined Overland would have cost its original owner over £37,000 back in 2003, the Overland version sitting above the old Limited line, and came equipped with absolutely everything; you name it, the Jeep had it. Happily though, there were plenty of well-heeled customers out there clamouring for such a highly equipped Grand Cherokee.

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Driving Technique With a mental picture of your route, or better still, with markers in place, and all your vehicle preparation done, its time to start the crossing. Before you enter the water, remember to take off your seat belt and wind down your window. Using low range second gear at 1500-2000 rpm (for most 4x4's) creates just the right bow wave. Its important to get the speed just right as too fast will send water everywhere while too slow may flood the engine bay. Hopefully you follow your markers and get to the other side with no problems. But if you do strike problems avoid using the clutch as this may allow water to get between the friction plate and the flywheel, resulting in limited drive. If the wheels start to slip, its important not to over-rev the engine but back-off the accelerator and hope the wheels regain traction. Excessive wheel-spin will not help. If the engine stalls, put the vehicle in neutral without using the clutch and attempt to restart. If luck is on your side the engine will fire up. Now is not a good time to wish you had already disconnected the fan belt, as your engine bay will be flooded. Its normally best to use 1st gear low range and with a minimum of clutch usage, try and extricate yourself from this predicament.