Hello Everyone:

Greetings from British Columbia, Canada. Just signed on and need some help. I am an old Willys/CJ-5 guy, but haven't had a 4x4 in years and the market is confusing.
Am looking to make a used purchase and the research is giving me a headache. My preference is diesel (gas in a pinch) and fuel economy. I just need to stay on the road in our fine winters and am not into the crazy stuff I used to do.
Have looked closely at a 2005 Liberty and would prefer to return to the Jeep family, but not necessarily.
Any suggestions on Make, Model, Year that would fit my simple needs?

Thank-you in advance for your suggestions.

Mac

I think the Liberty CRD (aka Cherokee outside North America) is a great choice for a single or couple for any sort of touring. They aren't really extreme 4x4 machines but regularly surprise other Jeep owners with their capability offroad. Personally, I would buy the latest year model you can afford. From 2005 onward they all have ABS and the variable vane turbo. The 2005's had some transmission torque converter issues and there was a recall for the F37 fix (basically a detune in software to avoid some shudder at certain rpm range). If you get a mid-2006 or 2007 build then you avoid that plus you get ESP and traction control - if you see that as a plus.

As with any used vehicle it is important to consider the way the vehicle has been serviced, what it was used for, and what steps the owner has taken to ensure its longevity. With the CRD there are a few well known issues that can crop up with the breed: stock turbo hoses will eventually split, oil mist from the CCV blowby gas recirculation can weaken these stock turbo hoses and line your intercooler and intake body with oil - and when you add EGR (ie soot) recirculation required under emissions regulations you have a combination that over long term can build up in the flow control valve area and EGR valve and affect their operation.

Installing a Provent will stop the oil mist recirculation and buildup, and if you can find a KJ CRD that had a Provent installed when it was new then snap that sucker up asap as it will likely last a long time. IMHO, well maintained examples of KJ CRDs are likely owned by users on this Forum, and one sitting on a used car dealers lot should be carefully examined by a CRD specialist before you part company with your cash. Good luck.

Glend:
Thanks mate for the response and advice. The issues you brought up are why I signed on and did the post. Seems that these were common problems. I'm a boat guy, so I agree that past maintenance history is critical. I don't mind spending a few bucks to right some previous wrongs, but what am I looking at for a provent to solve the oil mist recirculation and buildup? If it does not have one, how much irrepairable damage has been done? Does any dealer honour the F37 fix since the company reorganization? For the diesels, do you recommend one year over another, for reasons beyond the provent. And finally, I'll really sound like a wanker here, but what does CRD stand for?

Cheers,
Mac in the colonies

Most vehicles were recalled for the F37. There should be a sticker under the hood if it was done. You can only get 2005 and 2006 year models in North America. CRD stands for Common Rail Diesel. Refers to the type of fule injection used.
Ohter option is the Grand Cherokee Diesel. More recent years and more expensive, bigger Mercedez 6 cylinder engine. Next would be the VW Touareg TDI, or BMW X5 Diesel (also some Mercedez SUV's available) All much more expensive and likely not the vehicle you would want to take off rading.
I would say get the GDE tune instead of the Provent. It offers more power, beter fuel economy etc... my

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2007 Grand Cherokee CRD, GDE ECO and DPF delete.
2006 CRD Limited, GDE ECO Full TQ and TCM tunes. SOLD

06 crd's have traction control and the 05's don't.

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)