Choose between 2 Liberties - 2002 or 2005

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:42 pm

OK -- I went out and have been looking and test driving liberties.

I initially was trying to find a renegade -- but everything in my area either was a rental or came from out of state via an auction or multiple owners.

I also must be getting old because the "Limited" seemed extra nice to me. I found two that I like -- Here are the details:

Private Party - 2002 Limited with 68,000 miles on it. Tow option and a nice set of leather seats with the word "Liberty" stitched into them (sellers said these were a higher end option?). People selling are the second owners and have a good set of records for maintenance. It has the command trac and there is no sunroof.

the other vehicle is a 2005 Limited from a local Jeep Dealer - All options except for heated seats. 58,000 miles and has the "selec trac" with the full time 4WD. I also like the aluminum spoke wheels. I like the idea of selec trac since I owned an old Jeep Cherokee full size that had the fulltime option and it was just supreme on slick surfaces. The 33X12.50 mud terrains also helped a lot on that old truck too.

They are both solid from what I can tell and I was very surprised at how similar they feel and how they drive.

The starting difference between the two is $2,500 -- and for me it is really the choice between the command trac (will I regret not getting the select trac), the loss of a sunroof (but I hate the thought of tracking down any leaks like I currently have in my Discovery II).

It would be my daily driver and I do take trips several times a year between Kansas and Wisconsin via Iowa. I also would like to do some mild 4-wheeling with the local jeep club (Tuttle Creek or Kansas Rocks) plus I do a fair amount of "back road" driving when I am on vacation in southeast Missouri.

Some of the simplicity of the 2002 appeals to me, with less electronics, plus saving some bucks is a consideration. The only annoying thing on the 2005 was a very loud "blinker" that just made the center of dash feel cheap to have such a loud blinker noise coming through the dash, but that care felt nearly perfect in all other respects.

Eventually, I would lift it and put on a set of AT tires on it but it really wouldn't see much off road action.

Thanks for opinions and thoughts - Bob

shaggyislandboy · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 1:54 pm

From the differences you mention, if it were me I would go for the 05. Less miles, newer vehicle and selec trac. Also when it comes to a vehicle, the price difference isn't that huge IMO for what you are getting.

Good luck!

Scott

Hood297 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:17 pm

Well the only advantage to the 02 is some better driveline components. The 02 has a 45RFE (used in ram pickups) transmission, which is a stronger, and more reliable tranny than the 42RLE (minivan tranny) which is in all 04-07 KJs and some 03's.

Also the 231 transfer case (command trac) is a stronger more reliable transfer case. However many run the 242 (selectrac) with no issues.

Those are simply from reliablity standpoints.

Either one is not a bad purchase.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:20 pm

I would also go for the select trac over the command trac. It's great for any on-road situation where extra traction is needed.

The only problem with the 2005 over the 2002 would be the cheapend window regulators that Chrysler started using after 2003/2004.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:21 pm

I would look at the maintenance record for the '02, and compare it to the mileage and the recomended services required. Also depends on what nose you like better as for looks and the interior is different as well (window switches by cup holder on '05 I never liked) The '02 will have the 45RFE tranny vs. the 42RLE in the '05. So shifting will feel different as the 45 is a truck tranny. I am biased to the '02, especially if the maintenance record is there, and that is pretty low miles on an '02, mine has 59000 and it has been parked for nearly half its life due to deployments.

So basically it is up to you tlo decide what options, styling you like, but I would look at the condition and records available on both to make your choice. Me, I like the bigger transmission.

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:23 pm

I like the '02s, it has a stronger tranny and I like the command trac a lot although Im sure its nice to be able to drive in 4wd full time if you needed but mine has never left me stranded

plus the '02s seem to have less break such as window regulators

LIV42DY · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:13 pm

I would say that the 02's were the first breed mine was built april 01, trani and transfer case will take a beating and so will the rest of the KJ, the ride well a bit rough but hey its a Jeep. Changed a bit after 03 and on. but then it depends what you want it for. The 02 will be poing on 7 years old, and not too many options; the sport that is.. take a look at the maint. schedule, decide and go from there. My 02 to date will get me in and out of just about anything and has been dependable in the drive train department. good luck with your choice.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:23 pm

Thats really a tough choice. I would look at the maintenance records and see which one has been taken batter care of.

If I were going to be doing a lot of on road driving I would go for the full time tcase.

Maybe shop around some for one with lower miles and a 242 tcase.

rmorit01 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:57 pm

Thanks for all the information.

I took another test drive of the '02 because I really like the interior and the "white face" gauges. It also looks like it has skid plates at the front of the engine and at the transfer case.

Two other things that I noticed and wanted to ask if this is common for an '02: 1) brakes - not touchy but almost no play in the pedal, there is no take-up before they activate 2) a stiffer feeling, but rock solid, steering (i.e., took a bit more pressure to turn, but was nice and tight). Also, it seemed to be "racked" a bit more with the rear sitting a bit higher than the nose, (although that could be an optical illusion).

I did drive it in both 4LO and 4HI -- (lots of snow and ice on the roads) -- command trac seems to be very good with a shift on the fly capability.

I am really like that '02, but I may just see what the dealer is willing to do on pricing right now -- especially any value for my trade. Otherwise I hope to get back and purchase that '02.

Thanks for the views and opinions -- bob

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 7:41 pm

About the differences that you notice with the '02:

1: Rear Drum brakes on the 2002's. Later years got rear disk brakes but the pedal pressure should be the same.. Maybe the 02 had some newer brake fluid in it to keep the pressure going

2: The 2002's have taller springs than the later model years and a different power steering profile. They required more force for low speed turns [parking lot manuvers] and have less boosting at speed

3: The raking might have been from the front end sagging due to the weight of the vehicle.

4: All of the early KJ's came with an engine skid standard. The later years have it removed.

I still like the Select-Trac more than the Command-Trac because of the full time feature. Some people don't like the lever mechanism on the Select-Trac but I've never had a problem with it and you only break stuff when you push too hard.

Guest · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:51 pm

ThunderbirdJunkie would look at it from a different perspective than most of you.

A: Rear drums on the KJ are specific to the KJ, and ridiculously expensive, and higher maintenance.
2: the 05 is going to be easier to get parts for, in general, because it shares the exact drivetrain and braking system with the rest of the 2003-07s, the '02s being the odd duck out
D: the '02 is older, and is closer to the end of its body corrosion warranty.

Get the '05.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:56 pm

Drive them both and see which feels right to you, and then sit down and do the pro/cons on each if they have been taken care of then either should be a great choice
Have you been able to talk to either of the formal owners? That would help me make up my mind as well

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:31 pm

I wish my brake pedal was nice and firm. Its very loose and has tons of play in it. Seems to work great though.

And its been bleed many times so thats not it.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 21, 2008 11:55 pm

Quote:

A: Rear drums on the KJ are specific to the KJ, and ridiculously expensive, and higher maintenance.
2: the 05 is going to be easier to get parts for, in general, because it shares the exact drivetrain and braking system with the rest of the 2003-07s, the '02s being the odd duck out

A-every vehcile with drum brakes is different,no different for any vehicle,it's actually cheaper to maintain drums due to they last longer then disc brakes.Plus the rear caliphers on '03+ KJ's seam to have that sticking problem.I'll take drums anyday due to the better parking brake.

2-False,older is easier to get parts for,anyway besides the transmission theres not any difference really in parts for a '02 or a '05.

Just drive them and get the one you like most,but since I have a '02 I'm baised and the '02's are easier to fix and maintane,plus have more protection then the newer KJ's.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:45 am

I'd go with the `02. I won't cover what I have read already so I will say, window regulators.

Fewer breakdowns with the older KJ's.

LIV42DY · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:07 am

the 02 will last you longer... Trust me

cluelessklewer · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:01 am

i would go with the 05. i now have 61000 miles on it without any problems besides my rear main seal just now starting to drip oil about a drop a week. i have owned first year cars and will never do it again. to many problems to work out and i dont ever want to be a test dummy again.

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:17 pm

I would go with the 02 for the above reasons. My wife has a 02 and I have a 04 and no problems with either of them.

jg45 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:46 pm

Sit in them both. I recall something about the KJ's with the 45RFE having less foot room due to a larger transmission tunnel. Also, the rear seats in the '05 are supposed to lay flat, but have less padding than the earlier models. Seems the later models got better mileage than the earlier models. I think this may be due to the 45RFE to 42RLE trasnmission differences and a supposed slight engine change for the '05 model.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:51 pm

I have an 02 and an 07. Both original owner and neither one has had any problems, aside from the 02 needing ball joints 3 times.

Both are great KJ's. I do like the 02 tranny. Wish I could switch my 07's with it as the 07 is the one with all the mods.

I would look at the service records of both, as others have said, but I would alos look at how you plan to drive it and why.

If you are looking for a KJ to modify and wheel, maybe go with the 02. better tranny and all and older therefore less of a shock on that first trail rash thing.

If it is a GG then maybe the 05. Good luck, Hell Get them BOTH.

Choose between 2 Liberties - 2002 or 2005

Who is online