If you want to drive an SUV that looks (from a distance) like a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but for half the pricetake a look at the case of the first generation Jeep Compass!
A model only available second-hand for 10 years now, and which has fallen into oblivion. If it has faults, that’s for sure, it also has qualities, first and foremost, we repeat, its very affordable price for a compact SUV.
In terms of disadvantages, we noted at the time average road behavior, soundproofing which is even more so, a typical “American” finish, uninformative steering… But on the other hand, the Compass, especially in its restyled version, from 2011, offered a look that was similar to that of its big brother (especially the front), generous equipmentgood suspension comfort, controlled diesel consumption, generous habitability, and above all, particularly impressive off-road capabilities, honoring its coat of arms.
An interesting feature for those who live in the mountains or who regularly have to face steep or slippery paths.
That said, it has been completely eclipsed by its competition: Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga, Toyota Rav-4, Nissan Qashqai or Opel Mokka.
The result, sluggish sales and a disappearance from the landscape. But precisely, this makes him the ideal candidate for this section of “forgotten second-hand items that we buy at normal prices”that is to say, at a price which has not suffered from years of inflation on the second-hand market. And it is indeed much cheaper than its rivals of equivalent age and mileage. That said, you will have to have a little patience to find one that suits you, because announcements are rare. But if you’re not in a hurry, here’s what you can save.
Up to €4,000 cheaper than competitors, and a crazy discount
Let’s start with a version before restyling. The Compass was marketed in 2006, so let’s take a 2007/2008 model, in diesel (THE fuel of the time). You can find 2.0 CRD 140 hp models on well-known ad sites from €2,500 when they are in good condition, with those less likely to have repairs to carry out. They often have more than 250,000 km however. For less than 200,000 km, count on €3,300/3,400. That’s a discount of 88%. The finest examples are priced at €6,000, or an 80% discount.
Now let’s take a first generation Volkswagen Tiguan, same year, 140 hp TDI diesel engine. For the same price, and again, more like €3,800, the models displaying more than 350,000 km! To have less than 200,000 km, you have to go up to €5,000 minimum! And more like €6,500 for a decent copy. This represents a discount of -80%. And the most beautiful examples, but always around 200,000 km, are more between €7,500 and €9,000 (some go over €10,000 for 220,000 km!), or between -77% and -72% discount.
If we take another competitor, like the Nissan Qashqai, we find diesel models, same year, same mileage, in less powerful 1.5 dCi 106, from €3,800 in good condition, but rather on average €5,000 , which equates to a depreciation of -84% maximum and rather -79%. The most beautiful examples cost €6,000, or -75% compared to new on average.
Same for a more recent model
Let’s now take a model after restyling, from 2011/2012, therefore Crit’Air 2 in diesel, more interesting for driving for many more years without restriction. In this case, a Jeep Compass 2.2 CRD 136 hp Limited model (therefore top of the range), with less than 200,000 km will always be offered at a minimum of €6,000. That’s a discount of -80%. Or more often around €8,000, or -74%.
For an equivalent VW Tiguan, it will be at least €7,500/7,600, but more certainly €9,500 to €10,000, with some examples climbing happily to €12,000! That is – 79% at best, to – 68% at worst, passing by – 74% on average.
For another competitor, namely a Toyota Rav-4, still taking an equivalent model (2.2 D-4D 150), the first price will be €7,500, but more choice at €8,500, the beautiful examples are at €10,000. This represents discounts of -76%, -72% and -68% respectively.
Finally, compared to a Renault Koleos, which also has rock-bottom prices due to the same problem as this Compass, the prices are equivalent, starting from €6,000 for a copy in good condition, and €7,500 for a very beautiful model. That is – 81% and – 76%. These two vehicles should be put in the same basket.
We can in any case, barring exceptions as we have just seen, note that the Compass is both much cheaper in face price, but also, and this is the most relevant indicator, more discounted than its competitors. And repeat the examples as you wish with the Ford Kuga, the Peugeot 3008 (to a lesser extent), the Korean Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson.
So, if your budget is tight, and the defects mentioned above in the article don’t put you off that much, you can ride a little different for much less money. Reliability is at a completely acceptable level, while aging is correct, nothing more.
The hardest part will probably be finding a copy near you. You will have to show a little patience and monitor the announcements that come out day by day.
