Prospect62 says that everything but point "D" above is totally false and has no basis in fact.

You gotta go with what feels right...drive them both. It's funny how two of the same model vehicles can "feel" so differently...I experience this at work with our fleet of Crown Vics...no two feel the same to sit in or operate. So see which one you enjoy driving more.

That being said, it's been my experience after being on this and other Jeep forums and owning my 2002 with 101,000 that 2002 KJ's seem to have fewer problems than other models. Transmissions, window regulators, etc etc. I have a theory I'm working on that 2002 KJ's are the best ones made and I think tjkj will back me up on that. And that's all the backing I need! In my mind drum brakes are not really a drawback, just kind of old tech.

Anyway, good luck.

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2002 KJ Sport 4x4, 3.7L NV3550
Cardomain Page
http://www.cnyjeep.org

thats what I said earlier the 02 were the first and the last breed, I own one..ill say it they are the best

_________________
“You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it."

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

I'm kind of partial to the 07's myself.

Don't get me wrong, I love my '02, and if I were to get another KJ with an auto, it would be an '02

But my big gripe is the drum brakes, and other year-specific stupidities, like the power steering cooler lines, trying to explain to the parts guy that it has TWO transmission filters...

If I get another KJ, it will be an '03-5 with a stick. Unless it's a dirt cheap '02

I have the '02 and I would recommend that one. Sure it has drums, woopie. Are they a pain...they can be but I have only swapped my drum pads out once and they still have a ways to go. Not bad with 93,000+ mile son her. I would also point out the window regulators. I know it has been said before but I have to stress this one

If you get the 02 I think you would really like it. I know if Mine died I would either find another 02 or switch to a different line. I am not gonna buy one of the new ones and I personally am not a fan of the other Libbies but that is just me. I am not saying your libby is bad or anything like that, just a personal preference.

With that said...go buy it already

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My Rig:
2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU
OME HD lift
35" tires (thus far)
plus a ton of other things. J.E.E.P.

I would prefer the 05 just for the aesthetic differences.

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http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

That's odd since 99% of the time when you ask for a tranny filter kit for the KJ you get the 2 filter kit for the 45RFE,even if you order for a '06 KJ.All of the aftermarket seems to think the KJ has always had the 45RFE.

I would push for a bigger discount on the 02". Low mileage should not be a huge "add-on" and dealers are in a bind right now. Go in and make an almost ridiculous offer.

I had an 02 and abused the heck out of it. After 72,000 miles, I did have some valve springs that were broken and a bad wrist pin...but otherwise rock solid.

I didn't get another until the 2006...for the CRD engine. The 45 (02) and 545(05 & 06-CRDs) trannys are pretty good pieces...although the torque of the diesel against the "plastic" stator is a bad idea.

I am a fan of the Selec-Trac for OnRoad reasons...also helps OffRoad in some muddy conditions meaming it drives straighter in some instances.

My 2002 at the second or third L.O.S.T. Run In San Antonio:

_________________
Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport
Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph

No matter what I do, unless I go to the dealer, I CAN NOT get a filter kit with both filters. Parts Plus, VatoZone, NoAutoPartsAvailable, nobody.

Very odd indeed. I just told them I wanted the kit for my 02 and got both in the box along with the gasket. *shrug*

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My Rig:
2008 Jeep Wrangler JKU
OME HD lift
35" tires (thus far)
plus a ton of other things. J.E.E.P.

Who'd you go through?

I don't deal with Advance or VatoZone's parts if they don't have a recognizable name on them...

Had no problem at AdvanceAuto.

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Aaron

A vehicle isn't yours till you learn to wrench on it yourself.

2002 Jeep Liberty Sport (Eugene, I am the Passenger, And I ride and I ride.)
1999 Chev Astro 2WD (Green, Daily Driver)
1997 Chev Astro AWD (Grumpy "The Heep", $250 Rally Van, 335k miles, 2" lift, 31" tires)