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What to look for in a used KJ
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=54223		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  boozehound. [ Tue Jul 13, 2010 2:37 am ]
Post subject:  What to look for in a used KJ
Hey guys, I'm new here, been looking around for a couple weeks to gather some information on a potential KJ I'm about to buy. I have to say there is a wealth of knowledge here and I'm glad I stumbled on this site. As I just said, I'm in the market for a used 2002 KJ. What should I be looking for? The vehicle I'm looking at is in what I would call very good condition. Minor scratches on the body and everything looks to be in working order. The only things that seem to worry me are the mileage, there is 90k on the vehicle, but I have seen some KJs that are going for sale with as many as 150k on them for the same price. The other thing that bothered me when I looked at the truck was the low oil. It was about a quart or two low. I'm buying it from a Honda dealership that claims they took the truck in on a trade. Wouldn't the first thing they do is change the oil? Or at the very least top it off? It just seemed odd to me that there would be a vehicle on the lot with that low of an oil level. Which makes me think when it was last changed. There was some "wetness" underneath what I assumed to be the oil pan, but I've noticed that on my previous vehicle and it didn't seem like that much of a problem. Again I'm new and still learning. Any positive input would be appreciated.
Author:  Liberty02sport [ Wed Jul 14, 2010 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for in a used KJ
I'm no expert on the KJ (still learning myself), but here a few of the things I checked;

Under the truck.. You mentioned a possible oil leak ?? Check under there to see if it's just a bit of seepage or is it marking it's spot with oil whenever it's parked. Check all the boots on the CV joints and driveshaft and at the transfer case for cracks /tears. Does the underside look like it's beat all to hell or fairly clean and dent free ??

Engine...how does it sound ?? smooth nice idle or ??...check with the A/C running all accessories on etc to see if anything makes strange noises it shouldn't. Have you test driven it yet ?? Don't let the salesman talk you into just taking it around the block, that's BS get it out on the road and see how it acts under normal driving conditions. Take the trans. thru all it's gears and see if it hits hard in any of them when switching i.e going from Park to drive from drive to reverse etc.

As a last resort take it to a shop you trust and let them give it a good check to see if any codes are stored etc. Or cough up the coin for a jeep dealership to go over it, usually about $180 for a full diagnostic. Hope this helps.

ETA.... If you can get some warranty with it from the dealer, do it. I did a 3yr./36K mi. on mine that was bought with right at 80K on it and when a valve spring broke I got a new motor on the warranty co.
Author:  boozehound. [ Thu Jul 15, 2010 11:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for in a used KJ
Thanks for the reply, it turned out that the specific liberty I mentioned has a pretty big problem with burning oil. I knew one of the mechanics at the dealership and I asked him about it he said to stay away from it. So with a little help from our friend the internet I went and found another used KJ. Everything works mechanically on it. Smooth ride, no red flags raised. Im going to pick it up on friday.
Author:  CRD Joe [ Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for in a used KJ
Maintenance records.
Author:  ramlebliberty [ Thu Jul 15, 2010 7:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for in a used KJ
90k for an 02' is good. The 02' has a stouter tranny than 03.5+ I wouldn't worry to much about the low oil. I bought my KJ off lease back in 07 (1 more year of payments!) it only had 12K and yes the oil was a quart or two low, seats were filthy, and there was still trash in it from the previous leasee'. They "told" me the jeep was on the lot for a few months :roll: However, when I pointed out all these facts to them they were on it like johhny on the spot.

Get under the vehicle, check for leaks around the tranny pan, oil pan & plug, front & rear differential. Check the front Halfshafts for play, check the driveshafts for play, MAKE SURE you have the ball joints on the front suspension checked as well. If the dealer wants to sell the vehicle they'll have one of there mechanics check the ball joints, it only takes 10 minutes. ALSO... it pays to have a compression test done, and have the plugs changed out.

I have put 40K very hard miles on my libby. I beat the living daylights out of my jeep and it just keeps going.
Author:  boozehound. [ Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for in a used KJ
Thanks guys I appreciate it.
Author:  digglesworth [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 12:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for in a used KJ
i have 160,000 on my 03 renegade. i had an IAC sensor go out and had the front driveshaft replaced once. all after 80,000 miles. the previous owner didnt take care of it at all i dont think. i got it with the original sparkplugs and they were bad..... i had a shop run a cleanser through the motor to clean out some excess carbon...... other than that its been good. got a recent oil leak but im tryin to stretch this motor out for as long as i can with no major repairs. ill put a new motor in before i sink a bunch in this tired old girl..... my suggestion is to get it. everyone loves theirs on here.....
Author:  pinevillekj [ Wed Jul 21, 2010 11:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for in a used KJ
Get the Kj! And don't forget to post a picture or two~
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