Demontweaks wrote:
Hi y'all!
Contrary to the masses I always liked the look of the Liberty, just like you, hence why we're here right! So I'm looking at finally getting one and been doing a lot of online research,
and is doesn't look so good...
That's why I thought to ask about it here, even though it will be biased some:
How reliable are the first gen Liberty really!?
Talked with a autoshop guy I know and trust (I worked as a mechanic myself for many years, never on these Jeeps though, and don't have space at home to do major work either, so that's why he'll be 'my go to guy' for working on the eventual rig) and he said he personally seen quite a few engine issues (on the V6) on the first model years, but the latter, facelifted ones been good.
Contrary to the masses I always liked the look of the Liberty, just like you, hence why we're here right! So I'm looking at finally getting one and been doing a lot of online research,
and is doesn't look so good...
That's why I thought to ask about it here, even though it will be biased some:
How reliable are the first gen Liberty really!?
Talked with a autoshop guy I know and trust (I worked as a mechanic myself for many years, never on these Jeeps though, and don't have space at home to do major work either, so that's why he'll be 'my go to guy' for working on the eventual rig) and he said he personally seen quite a few engine issues (on the V6) on the first model years, but the latter, facelifted ones been good.
My66dodge wrote:
Pick up an 05-06 kj crd, best mileage, best tranny, best longevity, best power... Ect... I have 5 in the family all with the crd, my wife has about 250k on hers. As a profesional mechanic I can tell you the 3.7 is a junky old mercedes design they shoved on us during the buyout in 99 along with the 4.7 and 2.7, all crap, the 45 in the early kjs were decent but the 42 trans was WEAK... In Chrysler trans speak, the first number is gears and the second is strength so the early was a 4 speed 5 strength but the latter was a 4 speed 2 strength. If you plan to tow anything also get the diesel, I have towed 5 last year over snowqualimie pass with mine and still got 22mpg on those trips... I pick and sell the diesels cause it's hard enough to find a good diesel mechanic let alone one who knows anything about the kj crd... I guess I might be biased though being a diesel mechanic
I'm not going to try to drive the OP in one direction or another, here. I think the KJ is a unique and relatively affordable SUV whether you go gas or diesel...with a few caveats. My main concern with suggesting that someone buy a CRD is EXACTLY what I've highlighted above. If you do not have the ability to work on it yourself and are relying on a mechanic, it will bankrupt you in SHORT ORDER. These are not your Grandpa's diesel and, while not the most advanced electronically controlled vehicles by any means, have certain gremlins that will have you tearing your hair out if you (AKA, your mechanic) don't know what you are doing. Starting with a CRD previously owned or flipped by a LostJeeps member like Geordi or MountainMan will take most of that uncertainty out of the equation, at least for a significant amount of time and/or mileage. I'm not saying do it or don't do it...I'm saying enter into a relationship with a CRD with eyes WIDE open! It's like dating a supermodel, so much fun until they are in a bad mood, then its nothing but abuse until you're emotionally broken to the core!
