Thinking about buying Liberty.

CharlieDog · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 12:25 pm

Hi,
I am thinking about buying a Liberty.
Would you get gas or diesel?
Any major problems?

NU ARTY BOY · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:02 pm

The diesel has more torque than the 3.7 L and gets better gas milage. But if you want a manual trans you are stuck with the gas engines.

The ball joints are an issue that Jeep is aware of. There is currently a recall on the ball joints.

If you plan on more extreme off roading then beware of the Dana 30a front differential. Its not a problem in normal driving (snow, mud, etc) however.

Other than that there really isn't any other "problems" with the KJ. You will however catch flak from other Jeep owners (Wranglers and Cherokees) for not driving a "real" Jeep....

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:43 pm

I was washing mine the other night at the carewash and someone yelled, "GET A REAL JEEP." I didnt ever look up. :roll:

Should of flashed my 8" buck knife at them. :twisted:

chetos · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:44 pm

Don't buy one. This is your last warning. If you do, you'll spend more time here than with your family. You'll spend so much money on MOD's you wont be able to feed your family. :twisted:

Go with the diesel if you're looking for better gas milage. I am a gas man myself so I'd say 3.7.

NjjeepKJ · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 2:01 pm

Me and the wife love mine, we are gong up to Rausch Creek PA this weekend to run it there on some of the green trails. www.rauschcreekoffroadpark.com

Jeger · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 2:12 pm

I would get a diesel, but I am a diesel fan, so I may be biased. The CRD does have a few nagging problems that I have NOT experienced in the 10K we have put on ours. If you can find an 06 CRD and get a good deal on an extended warranty I would go for it. I am sure the pickings are very slim right now so you may have to travel a bit to find one.

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 4:29 pm

I wouldn't buy another one.....I already have two KJ's and an XJ so I can't fit any more in my driveway! :wink:

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 4:37 pm

I would not have purchased a Liberty had it not been for the diesel. While I love my Liberty diesel CRD I would not purchase a gas Liberty because of the fuel consumption issue.

spoonplugger1 · **Posted:** Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:04 pm

Luv my '05 CRD.

jakes10mm · **Joined:** Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:04 am **Posts:** 22

I'm preparing to make the jump to a KJ too. My XJ will be sacrificed. The dated safety equipment on the XJ did it in; namely the lack of airbags and a 3-point belt for the third kid in the back. We are going out this weekend to looked at used KJs.

Any tips on what to look for and what to avoid on KJs? The 2002-2004 models are falling into my "desired" price range.....gotta leave a little cash for a tweek or two!

Thanks

nolakj · **Posted:** Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:45 am

jakes10mm wrote:

I'm preparing to make the jump to a KJ too. My XJ will be sacrificed. The dated safety equipment on the XJ did it in; namely the lack of airbags and a 3-point belt for the third kid in the back. We are going out this weekend to looked at used KJs.

Any tips on what to look for and what to avoid on KJs? The 2002-2004 models are falling into my "desired" price range.....gotta leave a little cash for a tweek or two!

Thanks

The KJs have proven to be very safe for a few of our members. Do a little searching and you'll find a few mangled KJs that kept their owners alive. When you find one you like just make sure the lower ball joint recalls have been performed before you pay.

jakes10mm · **Joined:** Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:04 am **Posts:** 22

Is that it for advise/experience to share?

desertkj · **Joined:** Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:24 pm **Posts:** 677

Thats all I can think of. I believe there has been some complaint about the CRD and some of the mechanics behind it. You may want to check out the CRD section. My gas KJ has been awesome though.

smithstoo · **Posted:** Sun Sep 17, 2006 2:50 am

we just bought our 06 renegade in june.
make sure whatever liberty you buy has these options

towing group (hd cooling) - two fans 1 mech 1 elec

skid plate group- armor that belly
if getting automatic- get (vlp) tranny....

id say get the renegade as well D pkg is the one with the roof lights & more goodies.

all the best
bc

QuietOutdoorsman · **Posted:** Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:57 pm

I would also mention that the side curtain airbags are optional (or at least were in 2004 when I bought mine). I looked at some IIHS before buying mine. The one they crashed on video did not have side airbags and the driver dummy's head bounced off the steering wheel and out the window before slamming back into the seat.

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=146

I really didn't like that, so I paid the extra $450-500 for side curtain airbags when I ordered the vehicle. I did not get anti-lock brakes, also an option at the time.

The 2002's have drum brakes in the rear, and I have heard a lot about warped front rotors on those. 2004's have all disc brakes.

Wahoo650 · **Posted:** Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:42 pm

If you are looking for a 2002-2004, also watch for a few other known common problems:

1) self dimming and/or self activating interior/dash lights (switch stalk malfunction $$$ since it's out of warranty)

2) HVAC Blower, some or all speeds inop (bad resistor board, $20 if you replace it yourself)

3) Lower ball joints. Even if they were replaced under the original recall, and should be covered on the new recall, have them inspected by a good mechanic or someone you trust. Mine were replaced with the first recall and had the heat shields added-these replacements failed in June. I am doubtfull that the new LBJs are actually any different than the last, but we shall see.

I know there's a few more, but these are the ones I've experienced on my 2002. I sum them all up to engineering. The build quality has been excellent, not a squeak or rattle and still runs out very well with just shy of 60K on it.

Myke · **Posted:** Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:28 pm

nolakj wrote:

jakes10mm wrote:

I'm preparing to make the jump to a KJ too. My XJ will be sacrificed. The dated safety equipment on the XJ did it in; namely the lack of airbags and a 3-point belt for the third kid in the back. We are going out this weekend to looked at used KJs.

Any tips on what to look for and what to avoid on KJs? The 2002-2004 models are falling into my "desired" price range.....gotta leave a little cash for a tweek or two!

Thanks

The KJs have proven to be very safe for a few of our members. Do a little searching and you'll find a few mangled KJs that kept their owners alive. When you find one you like just make sure the lower ball joint recalls have been performed before you pay.

I am one of them and they are VERY VERY VERY SAFE.

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

[/quote]

I am one of them and they are VERY VERY VERY SAFE.[/quote]

Did I miss reading what happened? What happened?

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