After 13K miles on my CRD, I can say I love it. Never had any problems with it. I had it running on a SP Diesel Module since mile 200, Maybe that is why I haven't had a problems yet? I never know but I would highly recomend it to anyone.
Just my 2 cents worth,

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Curtis
Lost # 3914
2006 CRD Limited
Sp Diesel Module
Samco Boost Hoses
K&N Performance Air Filter
Straight Pipe (No muffler)
SEGR
Mopar Skids
Cummins In Tank Lift Pump
245/70R 16 Wild Country AT's

Reflex, it sounds like you are trying a bit to hard to disagree with any info given in this thread. If you think 15,000 miles is a "milestone" then great. If someone says that 15,000 miles is not enough of a test then great.

As for 118 post of T^2...he has been here over 1.5 years and was a member of the original forum at the EzBoard...not everybody feels the need to post as mush as others.

As for Euro and Aussie CRDs, the same 2.8L is used and they also have an EGR, but they also have a better quality of diesel fuel. It is true that they are mostly Manual Transmissions and some different programming of emissions.

Trying to call people out (trying to push the Toyota line ect), that is just bad manners.

The old saying "Live and Let Live" would be a good "Rule of Thumb" to adhere to...

I know from other posts that you are politically involved and have opinions that you defend with some great information. Funny that you are a Democrat and I am a Republican (for the most part) but I enjoy your view on some issues none the less. Just make sure you keep it light here...the main objective is to help...not win!

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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

I was merely making a statement about being around this neighborhood long enough to know what it's about. IOW I didn't need lectures from new comers about the nature of a forum that I've been visiting on a daily basis for years. In fact I was a member on the old board and was a lurker for some time before I joined that one. The fact that I'm not a post-a-holic - as evidenced by my meager 118 post - doesn't mean much. I speak up when I have something to say and mind my own business when I don't.

That's certainly one myopic and cynical approach. But if trends are any indicator then this view seems to be leading to, or at least contributing to, less than desireable results.



Please... It may have seemed like Chrysler was riding high last year since they were the only one of the big-three not yet in the news with layoffs and looses. But as recent events have shown they were merely staving off the same bad news and inevitable results for a few more news cycles.

As far as Chrysler doing everything right... Again I say Please.... Chrysler has had reputation problems since I can remember. That perception hasn't done anything but worsen in recent years. Sure Chrysler has come out with some striking looking vehicles that have garnered a few second looks. However, the same Chrysler diseases have been found under all those fancy exteriors and Chrysler reputation issues continue to march on. If Chrysler was doing everything right these days, perhaps Daimler wouldn't be so interested in cutting them loose.

Ford and GM have had similar problems but I would have to put Chrysler in a league of its own.

I think if one steps back and takes a good look at the overall landscape... I think it's clear that Japanese manufacturers are on the rise in terms of reputation and American manufactures are experiencing a precipitous decline in this department - whether deserved on not (in Chryslers case I would say so). Quite frankly I think it's clear that if you ask most folks which way they'll look if they want a no hassle bullet proof vehicle that will run trouble free for years - then they'll most likely tell you they'll look first to the Asian manufacturers.

I remember back in the 70's and early 80's when Japanese manufacturers reputations would often be summed up with one term - J^2 (Japanese Junk). Now days it's just the opposite - Japanese manufacturers can now demand a premium for their brand name due to the reputation that they have earned over the last couple of decades. It's now the American manufacturers that have to try to come in lower than their Asian competitors in order to stay in the game. Look at the Ford Fusion. It has a good reputation so far, but Ford still has to price it lower than it's competition from Nissan, Toyota, and Honda. I think that the Asian makers have learned and figured one thing out right - that reputation is key - and they are doing what's necessary to both earn their reputation and to protect it.

I understand the issues that the big-three have with pension and union issues. However, cutting corners everywhere they can and increasing the public's negative view of them is only hurting them more in the long run.

As far as Jeeps go, I think most Jeep fans know the score going into the game. Sure you’ll probably experience issues with Chrysler’s cheapness and you’ll probably have to deal with it on your own dime. But since Jeeps are such special and unique vehicles they are willing to accept the additional cost of making them right. This was also the case when Jeep was owned by AMC. Now I don’t think many would say the same about a 300C. I think most would rather have a decent comparable Asian model that will be trouble free than deal with the issues/problems that seem to come standard on comparable Chrysler models.

I wasn't claiming 15k to be a milestone, that wasn't my point at all. My point is that its impossible to know the long term quality of a vehicle after only two years. We know all we can at this point, scaring someone off of the vehicle is no more valid than it would be if I hung out on a Honda forum and talked trash about the Element because no one has racked up serious mileage on one yet.


I was not trying to diss him on this, but he called my member history into question, and even now goes on about being a lurker to extend it out. I started reading this forum back in November of 05 when I started considering my CRD purpose, but didn't feel the urge to say anything until the biofuel stuff started popping up in earnest. I don't claim to be any sort of an old timer or anything, but I certainly am not going to be put down by others just because I didn't bother to register until last month.


I was under the impression that the EU didn't get the 2.8L until the US version came out, although I could be incorrect on that. But my point, and you reinforce part of it here, is that saying they 'should have caught all errors in Europe by now' is a very very simplistic way to look at it when much of the equipment on the EU vehicle, and specifically the systems that seem to have problems, are different than the US version. Its not an apples to apples comparison.


What concerned me was the scaring of someone off from the model based on the implication that a vast number of problems awaits anyone dumb enough to purchase one. The data does not back that, both formal and informally. Most people buy them and never have a problem, a few people do, and of those who do a high percentage seek out help on forums. Thats how it is with every product, being a product developer myself(test engineer) I'm VERY familiar with the phenomenon.


I'm a fairly reluctant Democrat, I was Republican all through the 90's, my issues have been with how Bush has handled his term. Top issues to me have been fiscal responsibility and staying out of people's lives, and I lean more libertarian than anything else(small L if you get my meaning). I understand that your trying to keep it light, but there has to be some give and take, and I hate to see a fraternity become so insular that they try to scare anyone else from joining, which seems to be the mentality some display here...

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2006 Jeep Liberty Sport CRD

First of all, "I am a postaholic." There, I said it. Part of the cure is the admittance of a problem. Second, I agree with Reflex with the statement about all the problems with the 2.8 and scaring folks away from them. I once said most folks like their rigs and have been trouble free. Then, I was asked to back up this statement by someone on here. Show proof he said. At the time, I thought I may be infringing on his daily testostrone fix. I still think that. As far as the war, what would have happened WHEN Sadam got his hands on a nuke, now or in the furture? I'll give you 2 guesses. Bottom line, I believe we all like (liked) the KJ at one time and some still do. Some feel they were dooooped by DCX and maybe they were. I have to admit that there are certain things cropping up with the 2.8 that are of concern to me. If they get to be too much, I will go the way of RFCRD, but that time has not come yet.

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2006 Sport CRD

Could the Aztecs have known, that in 2012 after a 4 year experiment, our country would cease to exist?

You're scaring me BV
You are only allowed to say positive things. I vote that you should be penalized 5 posts.

Here's what rubbed me the wrong way... Reflex's comments about not letting them scare ya etc. came off as suggesting that what advice others had offered should be discounted. After all, we here are all just a very small and disgruntled minority who’ve experienced problems and like to hang out here to bit** about them. Right?!

Personally, I thought Pablo’s list was a pretty good one - even though it might still be incomplete.

I think that when someone is asking for some honest advice then they should get the straight skinny - no bashing - no sugar coating. I've personally read too many accounts of people experiencing the items in Pablo's list to say that they should be discounted as rare anomalies. That being the case, I think it's fair and prudent to provide a list like Pablo's when someone comes asking for advice on purchasing this vehicle.

When it comes to Pablo’s list by the way – I’ve experienced most of those issues personally. As a matter of fact – I didn’t experience my first problem until I reached a little over 15,000 miles on the odometer. The first issue that I encountered was the EGR and EGR Flow Control Value. That issue had to be worked twice. I hadn’t had the vehicle home for long before I got another CEL and had to take it back to be redone.

Here is the advice I think someone should get when they come asking. First I think they should read this comment that I made before:



Now if the most important thing to you is finding solid trouble free transportation that will serve you well and be issue free for many years, then you might want to consider something else.

If you really like the unique characteristics of Jeeps and you’re willing to deal with possible issues then by all means go ahead and give the CRD a good look. But while you are looking - take a good look at list like Pablo’s. If you buy this vehicle then don’t be surprised if you experience some, or many, of the things in that list.

Me personally - I think the CRD is a one of a kind and no other vehicle comes close to filling its niche. In ways I think it’s almost as unique as the Wrangler. I really like the vehicle and think that the basic design concept was pretty good (but the execution of it has been questionable). It really is a joy to drive and it does so many things well. However, I will say that I’m starting to feel like that every time I take a closer look at something I end up finding something else that was cheaply/poorly done (Chrysler disease). This has caused moments of consternation, non-trivial expense, and extreme irritation to say the least. If it’s a priority for you to avoid this then you may want to look elsewhere.

Now that’s some good honest advice in my book…

Only problem I see with the above statements is the crack about the 300C. The LX series cars have a very high customer satifaction rating and very small amoiunt of problems in first year production models. I have never had a problem with my Magnum in 2 1/2 years, 100% trouble free. My friends Avalon has been to the shop twice, once for a/c problem and once for a "clunking noise" and he has told me several ocassions lately he will be looking into a Charger next year when it's time to get rid of the Toyota.

Our CRD has only really had one problem and that was an EGR failure and nothing since, it has never had a shifting problem, always starts easy, and would get 30+ MPG on the highway if I could slow down to 65 mph when on the road. The CRD has had some quirky things that needed to be corrected, the airbox for one, sorry rear end cover, exposed oil filter and the poor quality fuel filter.

Speaking of fuel filters, I was talking to the head diesel tech at dealer today and he said he had seen one fuel filter leaking and it was caused by the guy put the new filter on eith a strap wrench and messed up the plastic heater part. He said that it should never be put on with any kind of strap tool, just snugged up by hand. He said it was just like a spin on oil filter, spin it on to where gasket is seated, then give it about a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn. He said that the only problem they have seen with the CRD's they have sold have been screw up's caused by owner or quickie lube places. The have only seen one with a tranny problem and it was driven into a river by the thief and was a real PIA to get straightend out.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

I was using the 300C as an example to make my point. If the 300C, or any other sedan for that mater, was problematic, then I don't thinks folks would be as forgiving with it as they would be with something like a Jeep. I don't follow the 300C, so I don't know it's history. I just picked a well known American made sedan off the top of my head to make my point.

But if you read your statement you implyed that the LX cars (300C, Magnum and Charger) were not quality and not dependable. Then you said if you wantred dependable & quality to buy an Asian car. So you need to reword that statement or just admit you put all American made cars in the POS department.

By the way I had two AMC Jeeps (CJ & Cherokee) and neither were problem vehicles and the Cherokee was the most trouble free auto I ever owned and the the current owner would say the same thing with the car at 300,000 trouble free miles. The only problematic or quirky vehicles I have ever owned have been diesel MB or VW's and now a Jeep CRD. I expected it to be quirky and it was one reason I almost didn't buy the CRD knowing it would most likely be like the other diesels and be needing a bunch of tweaking.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

I re-read my comment and I can see how one might take it that way. It wasn't the point I was trying to make.

However, it is true that I don't think much of many Chrysler products. That's my personal opinion - and I'll stick by it.

When it comes to admitting that I put all American cars in the POS category... I will admit nothing of the like...

I've already mentioned one American made car (The Ford Fusion) that I think is pretty decent. The only negative I can give it is that it's ergonomics and instrumentation look dated. They could have also offered ESC, if for nothing more than to keep the whining auto mag writers from crying about it's omission. The fusion is however, the only one it it's class to come with AWD (making it a good deal for the price) and I would take that any day over ESC.

Reputation wise.... I don't thinks it's a contest. The Asian manufacturers are kicking butt. Is it warranted? I would say yes.

Are American manufacturer's reputation problems warranted? I would have to say perhaps... Especially concerning Chrysler.

I've own Fords and Chevy's/GMC's and for the most part they have all been good. I still have a '93 Ranger (4.0L). It's still running strong after 200k.

I can see your point, but it is a personal opinion. I have exactly the opposite experience then you have, and I am assuming you have owned Chrysler vehicles before. I have been buying new vehicles since 1968 and the most problematic were the Asian models, Nissan, Toyota, and one VW, least problematic were AMC Jeep Cherokee and my Dodge Magnum. My Dodge Magnum and the '87 Cherokee have been the least problematic in first year ownership where you generally have some nit picking problems, then any of the dozens of cars I have owned over the years with the Cherokee being the best so far. The Magnum has a long way to go to catch up, but it has beat the heck out of the Toyota we had for 2 years. The Toyota had a/c that would barely cool the car on a 80* spring day and after third time in for fix was told it was normal, had two TCM's replaced among other minor problems, when I asked about why it was slugging up I was told it was normal and not to worry. Needless to say I got rid of that POS rather quickly.

Now from my point of view & experience the only reliable cars are Chrysler/Jeep and Asian and Ford cars are crap. But that is like polling 10 people in the US about something with 7 having same opinion and then saying most of America is of that opinion. Kind of what pollsters do for TV news shows, newspapers or magazines.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

As I stipulated.



Sure, I've meet other folks that share your opinion on Chrysler, and other American makes. In fact I can count myself in that category. I've been a Ford fan all my life. However, I think folks in this category are become rarer as time marches on.

The fellow that shares my cube at work is currently on a quest to find an older lower mileage Cherokee ('97 to 2000 I believe) as wee speak. He's selling his new VW Golf (VR6) to get it. He's a big fan of that era of Cherokee and swears by that vehicle.

Me - If anybody asked me what 1/2 ton pickup to buy - the new F-150 would be the first thing that comes out of my mouth.

I do believe my statements about the perceptions of the general public concerning the reputations or manufacturers is fairly accurate. I base this statement on all the things I've read, the people I've talked too, and the vehicles I see on the road. Am I basing this on anything scientific? No. Nevertheless, I believe it to be the conventional wisdom. Again, I think that if you ask any average Joe (non car nut) what make he would look to if he wanted and reliable trouble free car that will serve him well without issue for years to come - you're likely to hear an Asian manufacturers brand name come out of his mouth.

Coming back to Jeep from an AUDI, one thing that I love is the fact that the cost of maintenance and repairs are 2/3's cheaper. A dealer brake job on the Audi - 1200.00. Not to mention the Jeep is more DIY friendly. Nothing was intuitive about working on an Audi.