I am a newb to the KJ, but not Jeeps. I am looking to buy a V6 auto 4wd KJ anywhere from an 02-05. Instead of me asking 100 questions is there a page that shows all the differences in KJ between the years?

I was told the newer the better, but then told there are years with better trannys, etc. I am just (of cours) looking for the most problem free year KJ, if any.

If I was buying a used one I would go for an 02 w/ the 45 series transmission. Sure you could pick one up w/ reasonable mileage for cheap now.

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

I don't think any year of KJ is a particularly bad year, you should just look for the best deal for what you're looking for.

Some differences I know of offhand: first half of 02 they had taller springs, which caused "rollover problems" (read: soccer moms rolling their jeeps when they swerve too much), so they lowered them after that by 1/2 inch or so. 05 they changed the body style a lot, changed the 5speed to a 6speed in the manual tranny, added the CRD. Option packages changed a lot over the years, but nothing too major. They did have more than one automatic tranny, but I haven't heard of either one as being "bad" (I suppose one is better than the other, but neither one is a problem)

I would tend to believe that newer and lower mileage are the things to look for. Make a list of the options you are looking for and the price you want to pay and find the newest KJ with the lowest miles that meets that. Good luck, hope you enjoy it!

It may be good to note that some options are easier to add than others. If you really want a tow package, bigger tires, and skid plates, you may want to consider adding those options on afterwards rather than limiting which KJs you look at. Things like cruise control, sunroof, power seats are harder to add on later, so make sure if you want those that they come on it already.

Oh, that reminds me - some people have had issues with the seat height in their KJs. Make sure if you look at one with manual adjust seats that it can be adjusted to a comfortable height for you and your tall friends. If not, get one with automatic seats, since they have more adjustments.

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Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
Photos Cardomain

ive not heard any problems out of the 42 tranny, and alot of people tow 5k with it, so i wouldnt worry to much about it, but if u do get the 45 tranny, im sure u would never have any probs out of it. I wouldnt get the 05 libby b/c alot of people seem to be having probs out it the trannys in them, idk y though b/c its got the same one as 03-04? ive got the 04 and ive not had any probs out of it except the air bag light comes on when its cold, therefore by the time i get to the dealer, its off b/c the jeep is warm! Ohh, and i tow a small bass boat from time to time.

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LOST KJ'S
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Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
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http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

Thanks everyone,

I really am not looking for any specific pkgs. since I'll be adding aftermarket front bumper, skids, lift, tires, wheels, etc.

I am however 6'3" so I should look for power seats? Do they come on Sports model, option?

Ohh, is there a certain build date to look for to know I am getting the better tranny (Why is the 45 better?) if I decide to go with an '02? I'll more than likely be finding a Jeep on AutoTrader and driving to see it I just need to know if there is a way to know without driving 100 miles to see the Jeep because I'd rather go 03 or 04 if I am gonna get the same tranny in the 02.

the 45 Tranny is simply stroger than the others. There is no performance gain from it.

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Richard~Mid Atlantic VA Rep.
NCBBA/Mid Atlantic Jeepers/UFWDA Member
Mid-Atlantic & Carolina LOST #236236
2006 TJ Solar Yellow Rubicon
Lockers, Springs, Skids, Headers, Snorkel,
Exhaust Work, 4.5 Long Arm, Warn M8000
315/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers Moab's/SpiderTrax, 6000k HID, IPF H4

I know that.

So is it safe to say that ALL 2002s have the 45?

Reason I have to make sure is I've found a '02 KJ Sport V6 4x4 wit h26k miles for $12,900. Problem is for $1k-$2k more I can find 04-05s with the same mileage. So is the 45 tranny worth such a little price difference even though its 2-3 years older?

Okay getting confused....

Went to Jeep.com to "build my own KJ" and there are two auto trannys avalibile the 4-speed and the 5-speed 545RFE tranny, is the 5-speed the same as the 02 trannys? Were there always 2 different autos to choose from?

Use time to your advantage. I got my 02 back in March and I knew exactly what I was willing to pay for a 02, 03, or 04 Sport. I had been looking for the right deal for 2 months and ended up with a 02 Limited for less than I had expected to pay for the 02 sport package.

I ended up with a 02 limited 4x4 with trac-lok, skids, 30000mi. for $13500 ... spend an extra $1000 for 4 years of warranty. Something I didn't know is that even the price on the extended warranties are negotiable.

With the 02 I don't have a problem with the extra 1/2 inch of lift(I actually like the 02 for that feature ). There is something with the emissions or gearing to where I get 1-2 less mpg than a newer KJ.

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'02 KJ Limited 4x4, trac-loc, factory skids, self installed rear hitch, trailer breaks, & trans-cooler, custom crossrails/canoe rack.

Thats another issue with buying an '02. Best deal I've found on a 2002 KJ Sport V6 4x4 with no options besides a sunroof with only 26k miles and they are asking $12,900....now that sounds like a deal until I kee plooking and see tons of 04s and 05s with the same mileage for $13.9k - $15k.

I think on the 2 different tranny, only one is available with the V6, the other if for the CRD or the 4cyl.

Those prices look like 4x2 prices ... don't compair apples and oranges If you can get an 04/05 for the 02 price, I'd go with the 04/05, still have factory warranty on the newer.

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'02 KJ Limited 4x4, trac-loc, factory skids, self installed rear hitch, trailer breaks, & trans-cooler, custom crossrails/canoe rack.

I'm not an idiot every Jeep I consider has to be a 4X4. Why would I compare a 2wd to a 4x4, wait why would I look at a 2wd?

Here are some examples:

2005:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... 136#vdptop

2002:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... ardist=201


And evrything in between.

WOW ... easy there man. All I was getting at is that you're finding some pretty good prices if what you're compairing has everything you need. When I was looking back in Feb and March prices from year to year were about $1000 apart. I had been using the same sources you are. An 05 for $1000 more than an 02 is a hell of a deal. Be sure to call before making the drive though. I had driven 30 miles to see a kj listed in an ad as a 4x4 that was a typo. There is also usually a disclaimer that dealership not responsible for misprints and such.

I've also heard a lot of stories about people trying to sell cars that had been flooded in the storms.

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'02 KJ Limited 4x4, trac-loc, factory skids, self installed rear hitch, trailer breaks, & trans-cooler, custom crossrails/canoe rack.

Its cool, yeah I know what all to watch out for, people will do anything these days. I ma use to buying used vehicles though, this will be my 5th this year

One thing that i've noticed is that my '02 will crawl down hills slower than an '04. (provided both are in 4lo). I believe this has something to do with the tranny. Clint has had both an '04 and and '04, so he could probably better explain the difference.

Ed

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Take the road less traveled.

Okay, so knowing what you know about KJs....would you pay $2k more for a 2005 than a 2002 considering they were equipped the same and about the same mileage?

I'd be hessitant to pay 2K more for a jeep that is 3 years older. Plus and '05 will probably still be under warranty. 02's only came with a 36K mile warranty.

Ed

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Take the road less traveled.

Good luck to ya! If it were me, I'd worry a little less about the tranny it's got. They're really not all that different in quality. If the 05 has got factory warranty I'd go with the 05.

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'02 KJ Limited 4x4, trac-loc, factory skids, self installed rear hitch, trailer breaks, & trans-cooler, custom crossrails/canoe rack.

The 2002 would be $2k less, not more. I was asking if its worth $2k to get an 04/05 over a 02.