Buying a used KJ?

Renegade Dave · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:50 pm **Posts:** 12

What should I look for when buying a used KJ. i want to get a Renegade. Does the Renegade come with the towing Package?

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:00 pm

Make sure it has had all recalls done. Look for any obvious damage underneath. Make sure the dealer or a trusted mechanic ensures the ball joints are Perfect. Being a Renegade doesn't mean it will have the tow package. It wasn't standard on any of the models. Just look at the back and see if it has a good hitch installed correctly.

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:01 pm

ball joints are a big issue on these-make sure if they are covered by the recall that they get serviced. the 3.7 V6 and CRD are definetly the best powertrains. For the 3.7 go for a '02 as it will have more ground clearance and comes with a heavier duty transmission. If you prefer diesel-then you are limited to '05 and '06. Renegade's have a higher output alternator. Automatics tow more then manuals. The renegade does not come with the tow package but many KJ's have it from the factory-it is available on the Renny. If looking for a Renegade and the most towing capacity-get the auto. Selec-Trac is a more versatile transfer case with the option of all wheel drive. command trac is the basic 4x4 system. Get a 4x4.

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:08 pm

The best way to see if it has the towing pkg. is to look under the hood. If it has the mechanical and electric fan then you are golden. If not then someone just put on a hitch.

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:33 pm

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) wrote:

The best way to see if it has the towing pkg. is to look under the hood. If it has the mechanical and electric fan then you are golden. If not then someone just put on a hitch.

Not totally true. I have both fans, and only have the Heavy Duty Engine Cooling package which is also part of the Off-Road Package as well as the Tow Package...

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:06 pm

if the hitch is mopar and you have both fans, chances are you have the tow package

Edwin · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:21 pm

ManicMechanicJoe wrote:

if the hitch is mopar and you have both fans, chances are you have the tow package

That is correct. :wink:

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:55 pm

Kinda funny your nickname is Renegade Dave but you don't have one....unless you own the original Renegade.

The Reny rocks, but you could get the Sport because it is going to be cheaper and then mod the heck out of it with the money savings.

Check everything underneath for signs of damage. If it got off-roaded, it will have a few bent metal parts. Check for skids and any damage to them.

Chances are very good that you will find a lot of KJ's that only saw Mall or Grocery trails, which means no off-road damage or wear.

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:11 am

Thats the major benefit of wheeling a vehicle most people think isn't very capable...especially one thats new enough no the market that wasn't "kid-owned"

dog_party · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:01 am

No CRDs in the Rennys, :cry:

or I'd have one. CRD only comes in Sport and Limited.

Good info listed above on determining if it has a factory tow-pkg, so I won't comment other than to say "ditto" to ManicMechanicJoe's last post.

An Avenger on a trailer will only make a CRD ask for more, but there aren't a lot of CRDs for sale used. I don't plan to sell mine until some time after 500,000 miles or so. The 3.7V6 will pull your Avenger well too, but gas mileage will suffer, prepare accordingly.

If you're towing the Avenger on a trailer, get one with brakes...always a good investment.

Good luck and welcome to LOST!

Buying a used KJ?

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