LOST JEEPS :: View topic - To CRD, or Not To CRD?

I am strongly considering an '06 Liberty CRD Limited my local dealer has on the lot. I just found this site tonight and looked through the first 4 pages of threads. I am now a bit concerned. All the TSB's, no '07 model, numerous problem areas and the problems with the dealers getting it fixed right the first time. When I test drove it I was very impressed with its performance, but not at the expense of having to have the dealer set up a cot for me in the back of his wash rack! I am not a hardcore off-roader but I am looking to start exploring more of AZ and want to feel capable should the going get rough. The mileage is a plus. This will be my first 4X4 and, at probably around $26K+ or so, the most expensive vehicle I have purchased. I usually get the factory extended warr. anyway, as I usually keep my vehicles 8-10 years, but don't want the extended down times. I like the thing but I seem to be reading more cons than pros with the CRD at this time.

I am looking for long term reliability. Should I make the jump? Or will I 'screw the pooch' on this one if I do?

Thank you for your input.

First you've got to realize that this forum is full of gearheads, engineers and those who problem solve, analyze and tinker. This is generally not where people come to write about how happy they are with the vehicle. Everything that could possibly go wrong with a CRD is probably listed in this forum. That doesn't mean your vehicle will be plagued. I'm a female planning a lot of solo travel in the next few years and I'm trustng the '06 I ordered from the factory.
If you do need the dealer, take it to Bill Luke 24th Ave. and Camelback (right off I-17) They are a huge dealer, have an outstanding service manager (Earl), and if there is a problem or question Earl will walk you out to your car (across floors cleaner than my dinner table), allow you to look in/under it and chat with the mechanic. I've read everything I could find about the CRD since the first whisper of production, knew it was exactly what I wanted and finally bought just before it was too late. No Regrets!

If your CRD fuel gauge is anything like ours, when you are at half a tank you have used between 12 and 13 gallons.

The top half of the fuel gauge is "bigger" than the bottom half.

Author:	dsgrntldPW [ Wed May 24, 2006 2:08 am ]
Post subject:	To CRD, or Not To CRD?
I am strongly considering an '06 Liberty CRD Limited my local dealer has on the lot. I just found this site tonight and looked through the first 4 pages of threads. I am now a bit concerned. All the TSB's, no '07 model, numerous problem areas and the problems with the dealers getting it fixed right the first time. When I test drove it I was very impressed with its performance, but not at the expense of having to have the dealer set up a cot for me in the back of his wash rack! I am not a hardcore off-roader but I am looking to start exploring more of AZ and want to feel capable should the going get rough. The mileage is a plus. This will be my first 4X4 and, at probably around $26K+ or so, the most expensive vehicle I have purchased. I usually get the factory extended warr. anyway, as I usually keep my vehicles 8-10 years, but don't want the extended down times. I like the thing but I seem to be reading more cons than pros with the CRD at this time. I am looking for long term reliability. Should I make the jump? Or will I 'screw the pooch' on this one if I do? Thank you for your input.

Author:	KJMedic [ Wed May 24, 2006 2:48 am ]
Post subject:
YES buy the CRD! I have 15000 miles on mine and only trouble has been the EGR valve. This should not be a problem when the ULSD comes my way in the fall. This motors were made for europe which has less sulfer in there fuel than we do here in the US. I do not recall any of the CRDs in Europe having any of the problems that we do with the EGR valves. By the way I LOVE MY CRD.

Author:	TurboC5 [ Wed May 24, 2006 3:45 am ]
Post subject:
If it’s the size and type of vehicle you are looking for, get it. More of the problems are in the 05's, it seems they get a few things figured out for the 06’s. And you don't see an 07 only because of the new emissions requirements for diesels. It will take a year or two for the CRD to be adapted with new emissions equipment. The only thing that worries me about 06’s is the transmission/ torque converter, so I would recommend you get the bumper to bumper 100k warranty. When you get the extended warranty they give you ‘first day rental car’, which means you drop the Jeep off for a few hours and they give you another car while you wait. The actual CRD motor itself is very very good with only an EGR problem that is really not that big a deal. It’s not like the motors are blowing head gaskets or spinning bearings.

Author:	oldnavy [ Wed May 24, 2006 8:30 am ]
Post subject:
If you are going to use the Libby as your daily driver and some mild off roading then go CRD, if you are to really doing some hard offroad exploring AZ and don't want to get stranded go Wrangler and carry a couple of gas cans.

Author:	dgeist [ Wed May 24, 2006 9:03 am ]
Post subject:	Re: To CRD, or Not To CRD?
dsgrntldPW wrote: I am strongly considering an '06 Liberty CRD Limited my local dealer has on the lot. I just found this site tonight and looked through the first 4 pages of threads. I am now a bit concerned. All the TSB's, no '07 model, numerous problem areas and the problems with the dealers getting it fixed right the first time. When I test drove it I was very impressed with its performance, but not at the expense of having to have the dealer set up a cot for me in the back of his wash rack! I am not a hardcore off-roader but I am looking to start exploring more of AZ and want to feel capable should the going get rough. The mileage is a plus. This will be my first 4X4 and, at probably around $26K+ or so, the most expensive vehicle I have purchased. I usually get the factory extended warr. anyway, as I usually keep my vehicles 8-10 years, but don't want the extended down times. I like the thing but I seem to be reading more cons than pros with the CRD at this time. I am looking for long term reliability. Should I make the jump? Or will I 'screw the pooch' on this one if I do? Thank you for your input. I was in the same boat as you a few months ago (daily driver, want fuel economy, first 4x4, etc). I have 3 blissfull months on the tires and I'm glad every day that I bought the CRD (a 2005, BTW). I've had the computer flashed and that's about it. The vast majority of minor problems are just that, minor ones. They're common with any new system and I think DC is doing a good job of dealing with them. I'd be more worried if there were no TSBs. The thing you have to remember is that this site is mostly populated by enthusiats, i.e. people that really like to know what's going on with vehicles. I'm sure you could find a forum that complains about the performace aspects of a honda civic, but every person there probably love the cars. Problems make for better conversation as slightly sad as that is, but that doesn't mean that CRDs are all problems. Much to the contrary. Just so you know what people are happy about, here's my list: - I love the fact that, minus minor emissions annoyances with some current fuel supplies, I have essentially a flexible fuel vehicle whose engine could legitimately last for decades. - I love that when using biodiesel (and the CRD loves biodiesel) that emmissions problems are much lessened (talk about low sulphur). - I love the fact that I'll never need to change smark plugs, ever, and that my oil change interval is about once a year. Simplicity is a good thing. - I love that I have enough torque to pull a stump out the ground if I want to, and a chassis/suspension that can actually take that kind of treatment. - I love that clatter when you first start up the engine and the double-takes that you get when you pull up to a diesel pump, and also the looks of confusion and curiosity from VW TDI drivers that pull up along side you, "Diesel, huh? I didn't know jeep made a diesel...". Now they do. Dan

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Author:	Rick Miley [ Wed May 24, 2006 9:05 am ]
Post subject:
It is just the nature of this board that you're going to hear more about problem vehicles than trouble free ones. The trouble free people, such as myself, don't post. My 05 Limited has 10,000 miles on it and has not been back to the dealer at all. So don't let the stuff you read here scare you.

Author:	oldnavy [ Wed May 24, 2006 10:33 am ]
Post subject:
Also '06 was to be the last year for the Liberty, but then talk was its replacement would be delayed till '08 or '09 or whenever. Sales of CRD in Liberty were so strong that Jeep sold 3 times the amount they had planned on, and from what I hear VM can not supply anymore of the engines yet due to contract requirements to other mfg's at present. I have heard that Libby will continue through '08 but who knows, and I almost hope they don't. Maybe our Libby will hold value longer if that happens.

Author:	valkraider [ Wed May 24, 2006 11:05 am ]
Post subject:
We love our CRD, even with the teething pains that it has gone through. I hate driving other vehicles now... We have just under 13,000 miles on a 2005 and here is what we have had done: 1. Brake switch replacement 2. Glow plug replacement 3. Engine temp rising too high and then falling. TSB applied. 4. Sirius satellite radio and head unit replaced. TSB applied. 5. EVIC ambient temperature sensor replaced. 6. TSB for improved transmission performance and engine reliability (addressses #1 and #2). 7. EGR valves (both). TSB applied. 8. Rear middle seat belt locked and replaced. And of course we replaced the stock tires.... You can see that #4, #5, and #8 are not related to the CRD specifically... And #6 addressed some drivability issues and #1 and #2, which has been implemented on all the newer models so should not be a problem. The only real repeat offender on these sites it seems is the EGR.... But we still love the CRD, it performs so well and is a really nice vehicle. And we use Biodiesel

Author:	BCool [ Wed May 24, 2006 11:55 am ]
Post subject:
If you really don't want to go to the dealer and have a problem with your vehicle being serviced, you should not buy one. Most people will have to take theirs in once in a while, few times a year, for issues that have not been totally cured. You might be a lucky one and not have very many issues but you will most likely have a few. My wife is sick of it being serviced and we would take a huge loss on a trade if they don't buy it back, so make sure your okay with it being in the shop.

Author:	vtdog [ Wed May 24, 2006 12:08 pm ]
Post subject:
If MPG is your standard, get a VW TDI. If you want the vehicle to be able to do something beyond blacktop, get the CRD. I can only relate my '05 experience: outside of normal maintence the car has been in the dealership only once at 10k for EGR. Reflash was done during routine 25K service appt. I regularly get 25+mpg @75mph. It aint Jetta mileage, but its alot better than my XTERRA @ 17.5. Oh, and I did replace those awful oem tires-which is something you should haggle with the dealership over (had I known I would have myself)

Author:	Zonie [ Wed May 24, 2006 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:
First you've got to realize that this forum is full of gearheads, engineers and those who problem solve, analyze and tinker. This is generally not where people come to write about how happy they are with the vehicle. Everything that could possibly go wrong with a CRD is probably listed in this forum. That doesn't mean your vehicle will be plagued. I'm a female planning a lot of solo travel in the next few years and I'm trustng the '06 I ordered from the factory. If you do need the dealer, take it to Bill Luke 24th Ave. and Camelback (right off I-17) They are a huge dealer, have an outstanding service manager (Earl), and if there is a problem or question Earl will walk you out to your car (across floors cleaner than my dinner table), allow you to look in/under it and chat with the mechanic. I've read everything I could find about the CRD since the first whisper of production, knew it was exactly what I wanted and finally bought just before it was too late. No Regrets!

Author:	ccattie [ Wed May 24, 2006 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:
My 2006 has been trouble free. I drive 50+ miles each way to work and I fill up once a week. It is great and I am 100% sold on diesels and tell everyone thinking about a small 4x4 to consider the Lib. -c

Author:	dog_party [ Wed May 24, 2006 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:
I love this truck. I had the tranny issue at 6k miles and they fixed it. The tranny's not my favorite, but no automatic transmission EVER made is "my favorite." As far as auto trannies go, this one's doing it's job. The truck is priceless to my family. We go out on the beach in it, we go up in the mountains in it. It's never complained about any amount of stuff I've piled into it, strapped onto it, or towed behind it. The only limiting factor to is pulling power is the short wheelbase. I can't make this thing sweat...and I've been trying. I'm with valkraider, I don't like driving other vehicles now. It's a great truck and, if I had the cash, I'd pick up an 06 today on the way home from work and be a two Liberty family before the sun went down.

Author:	mOlson [ Wed May 24, 2006 3:29 pm ]
Post subject:
+1 more for a happy owner. Bought it as an all-around SUV and to tow my track car when it's done. Has become the girlfriend's daily driver currently and she loves it.

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Author:	ATXKJ [ Wed May 24, 2006 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:
Me too, I love my diesel 18,000 miles - EGR replaced at 8,000 - no other problems (I did buy the extended warranty - it takes a year for a manufacturer to figure out how to build something new)

Author:	DZL_LOU [ Wed May 24, 2006 3:41 pm ]
Post subject:
Zonie wrote: First you've got to realize that this forum is full of gearheads, engineers and those who problem solve, analyze and tinker. This is generally not where people come to write about how happy they are with the vehicle. Everything that could possibly go wrong with a CRD is probably listed in this forum. That doesn't mean your vehicle will be plagued. I'm a female planning a lot of solo travel in the next few years and I'm trustng the '06 I ordered from the factory. If you do need the dealer, take it to Bill Luke 24th Ave. and Camelback (right off I-17) They are a huge dealer, have an outstanding service manager (Earl), and if there is a problem or question Earl will walk you out to your car (across floors cleaner than my dinner table), allow you to look in/under it and chat with the mechanic. I've read everything I could find about the CRD since the first whisper of production, knew it was exactly what I wanted and finally bought just before it was too late. No Regrets! Well said and very true about the forum and the CRD. If more people would "do their homework" as you have done before making a major purchase, I suspect the level of complaining at the slightest wheeze the CRD has would drop. You'll be happy with your purchase. I have an '05 and resolved some bugs early on and am very happy.

Author:	Joe Romas [ Wed May 24, 2006 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:
My first new car ever was a 78 vw rabbit Talk about dealer service problems I'm the type of person who avoids dealer service departments if at all possible. As has been said the CRD's EGR problems are shared by all new diesels, it's required. However as also mentioned ULSD should be the answer, time will tell. Over the years I've put about half a million miles on diesels automobiles, mostly VW's. I got my new CRD last saterday because of the possibility that there might not be anymore. I've owned 3 gas Cherokees and think they're fantastic except the fact they can't pass a gas station I would have replied sooner except my wife and I were out riding around in our new Liberty CRD At 250 miles on the odometer I still have better then half a tank showing. That equates to a 25mpg gustament. My last jetta AVERAGED 49.6 MPG for 114k miles but my cherokee only gets 15 around town Try it, you'll like it. My dealer cut a cool 5k off the 28k sticker on a 06 limited including the $2k rebate.

Author:	nanners24 [ Thu May 25, 2006 9:15 am ]
Post subject:
If your CRD fuel gauge is anything like ours, when you are at half a tank you have used between 12 and 13 gallons. The top half of the fuel gauge is "bigger" than the bottom half.

Author:	retmil46 [ Thu May 25, 2006 11:57 pm ]
Post subject:
nanners24 wrote: If your CRD fuel gauge is anything like ours, when you are at half a tank you have used between 12 and 13 gallons. The top half of the fuel gauge is "bigger" than the bottom half. Mine operated like that when I first got it. Then, after the episode I had with a severely clogged fuel system, where they dropped and flushed the tank, it seems to operate a little differently. Before, low fuel light would come on between 1/4 to 1/8 tank. Now, it won't come on until the bloody thing is nearly on E. But it seems to track nearly the same. 100 miles or better before it comes off the peg and down to F, then roughly 25 miles or so for each hash mark down to 1/4 tank, then from 1/4 to warning light/E about 60 miles or so. And when I pour in 3 jugs (15 gallons), it takes it from E back up to the full mark. Seems like there's 3 to 5 gallons above the full mark. May be this fuel tank is slightly larger than advertised. I've seen here where a couple people have put in 21 1/2 gallons into this 20 1/2 gallon tank.