Would you buy a 160k mile 05 Liberty CRD?

E300 · **Joined:** Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:35 pm **Posts:** 13

I have been offered an 05 Liberty Limited CRD with 160k miles for $3,000 below KBB....The vehicle looks to be in great shape and drives well. Am I crazy to buy it?

geordi · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 4:40 pm

Based on my experiences... If it moves, it is in OK operating condition. If it moves easily, then it is in GOOD operating condition. These engines do not suffer severe failures very well. What is KBB for something with that mileage? I thought KBB didn't like rating anything over 100k, their opinion seems to have always been "if it's over 100k, it can't possibly be in "good" condition."

I got BUTCHERED by their rating system when I went to sell my Jetta TDI with 150k. Better-than-new compression (tested) and a brand new build on the injection pump... Dealers offered me 6k, which was right at KBB's number. Excellent everything else, and it was only 6 years old at the time.

I eventually sold it on the TDI board for 10k.

stoutdog · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 4:42 pm

Personally, no, because you can find CRDs with much lower mileage for a reasonable price.

boilermaker2 · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 4:43 pm

I have had mine since new in Fall of 05 and have 110k+ on mine.

Here is what I'd make sure I'd have a mechanic flook at:
U-Joints,
Brakes
Turbo Pressure
Read the codes

In addition, I would drive it on the highway for 30 minutes at speed and then let it sit for a couple of hours and see if it wants to go into reverse or drive. This will tell you whether or not the TC is holding its oil.

He's on at least its 3rd set of tires. Pull the air cleaner and see what kind of care its had.

Some might chime in about the fuel pump and fuel heater (see CRD Tech only section).

If the price is right, I'd likely do it again. :banghead:

They're addictive little vehicles with personality.

Anyone else?

E300 · **Joined:** Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:35 pm **Posts:** 13

~$6000 is what I have negotiated them down to. Transmission shifts smoothly, no CEL codes. The brakes and tires look good. No leaks from underneath the vehicle or at the turbo. There is a small rip on the drivers side seat though. The tc was replaced at 45k miles in 2007. The paint and body are in very good condition.

sbohner · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 6:00 pm

I would buy it since the diesel motor will hold up well for several hundred thousand miles and that it is the most costly part on the vehicle. Note the difference in resale between a Dodge truck with a Cummins Diesel and a gas version of the same vehicle - I think we have a similar point with CRD. While Chrysler doesn't stand behind their vehicles very well, you are well past the warranty period with 160K miles :wink:

.

The rest of the body and drive train are normal wear over time like other Jeeps, but they are replaceable parts with relatively low cost compared to overseas cars. Obviously, you want to identify known problems so that they do not surprise you after the purchase.

Anyway, my 2 cents. Good luck with the purchase. :JEEPIN:

mikey1273 · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 6:17 pm

I would be somewhat cautious here. If service history is known and good, it runs good, drives good, has no leaks, if you know when the timing belt was changed then I might buy it. as far as the seat being ripped an upolstry shop can repair that or get some nice seat covers.

If I could get a 2nd Jeep one like that would make a good Trail queen or second vehicle

turbobike · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 6:21 pm

I bought an '05 w/81000 miles. I expected a few problems, so I wasn't upset when they occurred.
Abs sensor on rear diff needed replacing, and then the EGR valve went. But I had done my research on this forum, so I wasn't surprised or upset. I've had it about a year now and my wife lets me drive it now and then !

BVCRD · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 6:28 pm

Absofreakinglootly not.

geordi · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 6:48 pm

Let me update my opinion, now that we know what you are offering:

The vehicle is probably worth that to part out, so if it moves at the same time and is operational... I'd do it for myself.

That is WITH the understanding of all the problems I have encountered on my own CRD... And I think I am getting to the point where it will be a solid performer once I figure out this power loss issue. With the support of the people on here, and the AMAZING help from GreenDiesel Engineering, you have the support for the things Chrysler won't help you with. The generic KJ stuff like the seats - Feh. That can be fixed anywhere by anybody.

FYI: I spent about 8,000 replacing the engine on mine, and I still OWE 8 on it. If I had the option of getting one like that for 6 outright... I would have done it, even if just to part it completely.

racertracer · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 7:23 pm

I'd love it .... when can I pick it up?

racertracer · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 7:34 pm

The vehicle had 45,000 miles in 2007. The previous owner put approx 120,000 miles on it in 2.5 years or so that is 41,000 miles a year more or less.

A lot of miles to be driving in town. They could be highway miles.

Highway miles are a good thing and nothing to be worried about especially with this engine.

Offer him five grand, then do the timing chain if it hasn't already been done. If it has been done then tell him you will offer him $5500 and get the seats fixed, change all the fluids and your good to go. If he is firm then buy it for what he is asking. Negotiating and hagling is part of buying a used vehicle.

Expect to do some maintenance, like we all have to do to keep our vehicle tuned and performing right.

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 8:42 pm

$6,000?? For that much, I'd buy it if it had 200,000 miles on it.

Make sure it's got no leaks, runs great, everything appears to be in good shape, everything on the jeep works, etc. Drive it on a good long loop and make sure it doesn't overheat, tranny shifts good, no strange noises.

If it all checks out, it's WAY more valuable than $6,000. If you don't want it, let me know and I'll go pick it up.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:36 pm

put a piece of tape over the odometer and inspect the vehicle -
check to make sure it's been maintained well - and has documented service records.

engine wear is about 80-90% from the key starting to turn until the oil is up to pressure - once it's running it really doesn't wear. highway miles aren't really an issue - stop and go is- but in either case mileage is no way as important as maintenance.

dirtmover · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 8:20 am

I've been known to comment that my CRD is a potential maintenance nightmare and ticking time bomb just waiting to go off causing $x,000 in damage with very limited after market support leaving you at the mercy of the dealership. Of course, I am looking at this from the perspective of having paid over $30K for it new and seeing the resale/tradein value drop to a fraction of this amount!

Now at $6,000 even I would be tempted to take the risk. If you buy it do so in the knowledge that there's a good chance that you'll be spending a fair amount on maintenance over the next couple of years.

Unless you have a properly documented service history budget to drop a few hundred on a complete fluid and timing belt change immediately.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 12:11 pm

E300 wrote:

I have been offered an 05 Liberty Limited CRD with 160k miles for $3,000 below KBB....The vehicle looks to be in great shape and drives well. Am I crazy to buy it?

I'm guessing that you also own a mercedes E300 diesel?

I owned a 98 E300 Turbo Diesel for a while, as well as some older MB Diesels.

The real question for your purchase is what is the price and what is the condition?? Just because it's below blue book for the mileage doesn't mean that its a good deal.

E300 · **Joined:** Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:35 pm **Posts:** 13

Yes I also own a 1999 E300, I think I am going to pass on this as the dealership seems to like to play games. I am also a little apprehensive about purchasing a diesel with a timing belt instead of chain.

geordi · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 1:34 pm

Get used to that tho. The only one that I've seen without a belt in recent memory is the VW Touareg. That has actual GEARS, no belt or chain. I think the manufacturers have gone with belts in an effort to cut the noise levels.

flman · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 6:34 pm

E300 wrote:

~$6000 is what I have negotiated them down to. Transmission shifts smoothly, no CEL codes. The brakes and tires look good. No leaks from underneath the vehicle or at the turbo. There is a small rip on the drivers side seat though. The tc was replaced at 45k miles in 2007. The paint and body are in very good condition.

For six grand it runs, go for it. People paid $30 grand for these things new and they were a night mare of problems in the early days. At least this one has been proven or had the kinks worked out by now.

racertracer · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 7:04 pm

E300 wrote:

Yes I also own a 1999 E300, I think I am going to pass on this as the dealership seems to like to play games. I am also a little apprehensive about purchasing a diesel with a timing belt instead of chain.

Where is this vehicle located presently?

Would you buy a 160k mile 05 Liberty CRD?

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