Buying used -- how many miles are too many miles?

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:55 pm

Hello:

I found two nice KJs optioned about the same -- one is a 2002 with just shy of 80K miles the other is 2004 with just under 50K miles -- both are Renegade models.

I am getting rid of a Land Rover Discovery with about 100K and too many problems to list.

Of course there is a price difference between the 2002 and the 2004, but I wanted to know if there would be any real "reliability differences" --

My decision making is this -- get the older liberty and save about $3K for repairs -- or get the newer and don't worry about the repairs --

Thoughts from owners?

Thanks -- Bob

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:00 pm

The '02 will have a stronger transmission,that's the main difference.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:04 pm

put a piece of tape over the odometer and inspect the Jeep.
how they were maintained is much, much more important than the mileage.
look for documentation of consistent maintenance
(could be at home log book - could be dealer receipts - the key is consistency and quality parts)

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:07 pm

All good advice so far. Drive them both and compare the different trannys, first. Then listen and feel for other things. Don't worry about the creaking sound from the front sway-bar if it's cold when you drive 'em. Crawl under it and look at everything, as well. Large dents in skid-plates/crossmembers probably indicate it was 'wheeled hard. Make sure all the CVs/shafts/in- and out-puts are in good shape (not leaking), etc. Read the sticky on here about checking ball-joints and have the dealer check those. Watch them do it, if you have to. Might get lucky and get one that the PO has put Moogs in, even... look for grease zerks!

Robbrez · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:14 pm

get the 02' and get yourself a lift with the extra money :wink:

its all about the one that feels better and is in better shape

Maximum Carnage · **Posted:** Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:25 pm

Dje Ryu wrote:

Don't worry about the creaking sound from the front sway-bar if it's cold when you drive 'em.

Good opportunity to get the price lowered :twisted:

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:02 am

Thanks -- so really no known items that are strictly mileage related? other than normal wear and tear?

that Land Rover has me worn out with the everything from a failed ABS system, leaking roof and multiple engine leaks even with regular maintenance at the dealer --

I am hoping that the Liberty doesn't have known failure points that cost a thousand bucks to fix each time -

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:09 am

If it helps any I have over 114,000 on my 04 bought 9/04, so far replaced lower ball joints, rear ujoints, new belt and idler pulley, front brake pads, rest is just regular tuneups/ fluid changes been a great vehicle and expect it to continue

Tom

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:13 am

rmorit01 wrote:

Thanks -- so really no known items that are strictly mileage related? other than normal wear and tear?

that Land Rover has me worn out with the everything from a failed ABS system, leaking roof and multiple engine leaks even with regular maintenance at the dealer --

I am hoping that the Liberty doesn't have known failure points that cost a thousand bucks to fix each time -

In 7 years my KJ has only had 3 warrentied items,one was the recall of the lower balljoints(all KJ's got this from '02-'06) and the 2nd/3rd was a bad belt tensioner.Otherwise my '02 KJ has been flawless except for my own stupidity(crushed muffler and broken CV from rockcrawling,my fault not Jeeps).Oh and the head gaskets are just starting to weep a little but 2 years sitting in storage was at fault for that,again my own stupidity not Jeeps.

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2008 1:45 am

SWEET! another KS fellow!

I agree get the '02 I have had zero problems with mine other than the recall

and with the extra money buy a lift, Ill help you install it :wink:

riptricket · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:08 am

If you are getting a Renegade, I'd have them keep the skids, rock rails, and plastic roof rack that come with it, and knock down the price so you can get your own stronger products!!!

That's what I would have done if those products were out there when I was purchasing my renegade.

Prospect62 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:13 am

You gotta go with what feels right...drive them both. It's funny how two of the same model vehicles can "feel" so differently...I experience this at work with our fleet of Crown Vics...no two feel the same to sit in or operate. So see which one you enjoy driving more.

That being said, it's been my experience after being on this and other Jeep forums and owning my 2002 with 101,000 that 2002 KJ's seem to have fewer problems than other models. Transmissions, window regulators, etc etc. I have a theory I'm working on that 2002 KJ's are the best ones made and I think tjkj will back me up on that. And that's all the backing I need! Be mindful that the 2002 has drum rear brakes instead of discs - in my mind not really a drawback, just kind of old tech.

Anyway, good luck. As long as you end up purchasing a Liberty, you have all of us to lean on and you'll be very happy with it.

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:21 pm

The 2002 is the best model year. But with 80,000 make sure its been maintained well and not neglected. Check the fluids, ball joints, u-joints, brakes, etc.... Don't be afraid to crawl underneath and check out the underbody. Ask for the maintenance records, see if the previous owner hasn't neglected to keep up with maintenance.

Good luck with the decision....

HoppedUpOnGoofballs · **Joined:** Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:36 pm **Posts:** 203

Aw.. Just suck it up and buy them both!! :twisted:

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:22 am

jsc7002 wrote:

SWEET! another KS fellow!

I agree get the '02 I have had zero problems with mine other than the recall

and with the extra money buy a lift, Ill help you install it :wink:

That is what I was thinking and I appreciate the offer. I will keep you posted if I purchase one of them. Honestly there are almost too many to choose from.

I did learn that checking for carfax and such is very helpful, knocked several off my list that were multiple owner, rental, multiple lease or in accidents.

TAHOE · **Posted:** Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:27 am

Most of my vehicles have been higher mileage buys. Besides the handful of new vehicles, ( 3 actually) over the last 15 yrs, all of mine have been 80-90k plus. My Tahoe had 100K when I bought it last fall. The KJ only had 40K when we bought in Aug, lowest we've had in quite a while. Try to look at service records and like it was said, kind of a gut instinct feel.

Buying used -- how many miles are too many miles?

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