Question for all you Jeepers out there.

acweller · **Posted:** Sun Apr 04, 2010 5:35 pm

I'd like feed back on the jeep liberty and the jeep cherokee xj. I'm looking at both as a purchase for my next vehicle. I'd like to know the pros and cons of each and what you all feel is the better first jeep. I've found a few very low mile xjs near me and they are really cheap but I'm lusting after a Liberty sport. I really appreciate everyones feedback on this.

Thanks
ACWeller

HoosierJeeper · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:23 am **Posts:** 1218

Welcome....I'll start with the KJ:

Pros:
Roomier
More comfortable
rides nicer
handles better
spare tire on back (can do that with an XJ too)
Safer

Cons:
IFS
Not as much after market support
More expensive

XJ:
Pros:
SFA
Better aftermarket support
4.0 engine
Less expensive
Cons:
Rides rougher
not as comfy
less room
safety
Same:
X fer cases, mileage....and personality!

jay21 · **Posted:** Sun Apr 04, 2010 8:15 pm

I was in the same boat and went for the Libby. Hoosier covers most of the pros/cons, but i would add the questions of intended usage and customization level for you.

Jason

LIV42DY · **Posted:** Sun Apr 04, 2010 10:13 pm

I own both, 99 XJ and 2002 KJ. If you want to play Hard get an XJ...... if you want to play get a KJ and willing to spend lots of $$$$ on suspension work regarding the IFS, wich I did and dont regret it. If you can afford it get both. As far as room you will have a lot more on the XJ but it does ride tough, Stock or lifted. But then It's A Jeep

acweller · **Posted:** Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:02 pm

JAY21, my intended usage is as a dd. However, I did plan a suspension life and wheels/tires.

Hoosier, as for the ride. I'm not so concerned about that as I already drive a severly lowered sport compact so the ride is already harsh. I honestly preper the 4.0 I6 over the 3.7 and i prefer the sfa over the ifs. Parts for the liberty are a bit expensive versus the cherokee.

DirtyKK · **Posted:** Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:04 pm

acweller wrote:

JAY21, my intended usage is as a dd. However, I did plan a suspension life and wheels/tires.

Hoosier, as for the ride. I'm not so concerned about that as I already drive a severly lowered sport compact so the ride is already harsh. I honestly preper the 4.0 I6 over the 3.7 and i prefer the sfa over the ifs. Parts for the liberty are a bit expensive versus the cherokee.

XJ it is

acweller · **Posted:** Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:30 pm

DirtyKK wrote:

acweller wrote:

JAY21, my intended usage is as a dd. However, I did plan a suspension life and wheels/tires.

Hoosier, as for the ride. I'm not so concerned about that as I already drive a severly lowered sport compact so the ride is already harsh. I honestly preper the 4.0 I6 over the 3.7 and i prefer the sfa over the ifs. Parts for the liberty are a bit expensive versus the cherokee.

XJ it is

the only thing holding me back is the lack of a sunroof/moonroof. Almost all of my past cars have had one and I feel like I cant live without it.

DirtyKK · **Posted:** Sun Apr 04, 2010 11:33 pm

up until i got my KK all mine have also. totally bummed for... maybe the first day. :mrgreen:

its easy to forget. if you absolutely cant live without it you could always have an aftermarket one installed.

STINGN · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 1:32 am

would you rather have something nice or something rugged?

KJ is going to appeal more of a nice vehicle to look at and be in, more up to date

an XJ is less up to date and rough around the edges with things.

I say go for the KJ since it will have less problems and they are cheaper now than a few years back

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:30 am

I have both and the XJ is my favorite.

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:24 am

After owning 4 XJs and putting 200,000/250,000 on each one and now with 137,000 on the KJ, no question if I had both sitting to choose from for DD duties and every month or so offroad , the KJ hands down, more comfortable, better ride, quieter, as much power, can install as big of tires unless you go to 6 inch on the XJ
No second thoughts the KJ for sure

InCommando · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 10:16 am

I am not huge, but I am not small, either. (6' 245). The XJ was not for me, especially if I was in the back seat.

The 4.0 has a good longevity history, but power curves are about the same between the two with the 3.7 getting the edge on peak and a broader usable RPM range, IMHO.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 11:08 am

I probably should clarify. I don’t drive the KJ or XJ as my daily driver. I only drive each one maybe 2 times per month. I chose the XJ because I like the ruggedness, inline 6, SFA, and the bountiful supply of aftermarket parts.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 11:35 am

I drove my KJ 15 hrs a day 3 weeks out of the month all over the rockies in my past life. KJ>XJ due to CRD option.

TAHOE · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 12:18 pm

This won't help ya much, but I've had both 94 XJ and 05 KJ. If I had my choice.... My Chevy Tahoe would still win, hands down. :jester:

The wifey can keep her KJ.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 12:21 pm

TAHOE wrote:

This won't help ya much, but I've had both 94 XJ and 05 KJ. If I had my choice.... My Chevy Tahoe would still win, hands down. :jester:

The wifey can keep her KJ.

Well, I give you props for understanding that it was no help at least.

Xx_Flip_xX · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 4:01 pm

Go for the XJ, try and find one with the high output 4.0.

jay21 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 7:19 pm

Xx_Flip_xX wrote:

Go for the XJ, try and find one with the high output 4.0.

What he said after reading your follow ups.

acweller · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:16 pm

folks... answer me another question. whats up with the renegades with the light pods on the roof but no lights?

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:42 pm

never seen one without lights but I have seen them with black covers on them that could possibly be mistaken for not having lights. I would go for the KJ myself just cause I always feel cramped in the XJ. It just seems way too small "floor to ceiling" for me

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