Jeger wrote:
YES.....but good luck finding one
There are usually several used CRDs available on E-bay and Auto-Trader at any given point in time. Thankfully, they are holding their value well - and much better than the gasoline version of the KJ.
As for being the type of person who runs to the deaer for every little noise it makes, that can be said for any car. With the CRD you will be visiting the dealer for some major issues (also dependant on the mileage of the one you end up purchasing and, more importantly, what's already been done to it and how well it's been maintained by the previous owner).
I am not mechanical enough to do major repairs on cars, but I know the basics. Because of the warranty, you won't need to do major repairs either. But, there's a lot of maintenance to do and a lot of quirks to the CRD, because it is a Diesel. You won't pocket all the money you save on fuel.
If you buy one: (1) Factor in the cost of the Mopar Extended Warranty into your purchase (you will use it) (2) Read this site every week or two to see what the issues people who have higher mileage CRDs have had so you can keep an eye or ear out for them (it is very informative). (3) Find a good Chrysler/Jeep dealership in your area that has a tech familiar with Diesels.
Lack of know-how at the dealership and lack of support/slow response to wide-spread issues on Chrysler's part are really contributing to this cars questionable reputation.
I think they'll end up being good cars that hold their value once all the major kinks are worked out of them via recalls, TSB repairs and the do-it-yourself fixes I see on this site.
PS -
Do I like it? I like driving it a lot. It' very functional (for the money) between it's medium size, good road manners and fuel economy.
Is it reliable? Well, so far it hasn't broken down, but I have been very meticulous about doing all the recalls, maintenance and fixes it needs (and it's needed quite a bit so far). Also, I do know the names, ages and report card grades of all of my service writers kids, nieces and nephews ...
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'05 CRD, Midnight Blue. Every option. Nice ride, idles like a garbage truck
