New to Jeep...thinking about buying my first.

slipperybrain · **Joined:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:07 pm **Posts:** 38

Hey everyone...total noob here. I almost bought a Liberty a few years back but was still in college and couldn't afford one. My Mazda is costing too much, so I thought I would come back to what I originally wanted. I like the newer box style from the '08-up and I think I will look from that year on. I was just curious what are the major differences between say an '09 and an '11? Really any year from 08-11 would help. I am thinking about a new one because of the warranty but if I can get close to a full warranty on a '10 or an '09 and they have similar features, body style, trac system, mpg, options, etc. then I may get a used one.

This is all I have seen so far...The 2011 Jeep Liberty adds these standard features: cruise control, Jeep-branded steering wheel, upgraded interior trim, and an optional navigation system with traffic, fuel prices, and weather updates. The entry-level Sport is expected to be the big seller, claiming nearly three quarters of sales (other lines are Limited and Renegade).

Eddie Burke wrote: “The 2011 Liberty is at dealerships now. The main differences are the new steering wheel which has a thicker, better feel, with Bluetooth controls. There is new gunmetal trim on the door panels
surrounding window/lock buttons; the same gunmetal finish is on the steering wheel. Instead of a textured silver dash appliqué, it has a dark faux wood trim, which also surrounds the shifter and 4 wheel drive system switch. The navigation system is now the Garmin 430N system.”

Any help is appreciated guys...also and a dumb question to you all...what does a KJ, KK mean. I understand they represent the years of the liberty, but didn't know what the letters stood for. Thanks everyone.

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:53 pm

If I recall correctly, in 2009 the made several tweaks (versus the original '08's) which permitted better tow hitch tongue weight and I don't recall what else.

You can look around on this forum for info and opinions. Also, this page on JeepForum.com has links to the spec sheets for the various years of KK models: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f292/kk-spec-sheets-pdf-more-950381/.

You can also check sites like allpar.com: http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/liberty-2008.html.

Hope this helps. Sorry I couldn't be more definitive.

NewJerseyKK · **Posted:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 11:29 pm

I would stay away from the '08s because most of them are about done with their warranties and they dont have all the tweaks and fixes that the newer ones have. I have a '10 renegade with a skyslider. I would suggest not getting a skyslider. They have way too many problems and theyre loud and just not worth it. If you can get a good deal on an '09 or '10 then get one of those, otherwise, Id get an '11, the new interior is supposed to be nicer. I think the Nav is a garmin based and supposed to be x10 better then the ones before it. I bought my renegade new and Im very happy with it.
Good luck!

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:11 am

OK, so KJ, KK, JK, TJ, and so on is Chryslers body code for each vehicle in the Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep line up. Ever time a vehicle is "updated" it gets a new body code. So the Cherokee is called the XJ. When production ended, it was replaced by the KJ Liberty (2003-2007). The KJ was sold in the US labeled as a Liberty and a Cherokee over seas. In 2008, the KJ was replaced by the KK Liberty. In short, the KA Dodge Nitro is a variant of the KJ/KK, but badged as a Dodge..... but was

In 09, brakes and steering were the main tweaks on the KK. 08 is the only year of production for KK's with manuals.... Other then that, it is all interior changes with only a hand full of mechanical/parts changes...

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2011 6:50 am

Don't know the specific year but didn't the 09? 10? have the fuel saving feature added?
In the 11 the fog lights are a 24 watt bulb as well I believe... At least they are in the N*%#o.
Why does that always happen when I try to spell that? :banghead:

slipperybrain · **Joined:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:07 pm **Posts:** 38

Hey everyone...thanks for the information. I appreciate the help. The biggest thing for me is the warranty because I have put too much money in to my car now. I just need to justify if it is worth the extra money by buying a new one or a '10. Thank you for the help.

BrendonR · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2011 10:31 am

Hi Brain,

I've got an 08 Limited, with a skyslider and love it. I bought brand new - so that I would have a warranty, and guess what? so far *knock on wood*, not a single warranty issue. They've adjusted my skyslider a couple times, but I think that would be free anyways, as Chrysler offered a TSB (technical service bulletin). I might be wrong about that though. I still pay for oil changes etc. Honestly, part of me wishes I spent the same amount of money on a used BMW - and said forget the warranty.

NewJerseyKK wrote:

I would suggest not getting a skyslider. They have way too many problems and theyre loud and just not worth it.

NewJerseyKK - just curious, have you tried checking the "skyslider fixed!" thread? I, along with several others, have been having EXCELLENT results with the fix somebody came up with on JeepForum. Essentially - add weatherstripping to roofline of the jeep, where the skyslider closes against. Go check it out. it's eliminated any complaint I have about the skyslider.

NewJerseyKK · **Posted:** Wed Jan 12, 2011 4:39 pm

BrendonR wrote:

NewJerseyKK - just curious, have you tried checking the "skyslider fixed!" thread? I, along with several others, have been having EXCELLENT results with the fix somebody came up with on JeepForum. Essentially - add weatherstripping to roofline of the jeep, where the skyslider closes against. Go check it out. it's eliminated any complaint I have about the skyslider.

I did it a couple of weekends ago and its not at as loud. The I still dont suggest getting one because if you do get one, then you need to weatherstrip it. And when you do that, it basically just doesnt close as well and I think its giving the motors on mine a hard time. it doesnt close with one touch like it used to and Im worried it get worse when I use it a lot during the warm weather. Thats really the only reason why I dont suggest getting one.

slipperybrain · **Joined:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:07 pm **Posts:** 38

So I went to the dealership to look at the 2011 Jeep Liberty. Found the one that I want, looks great, rode well and not a bad price. They dropped the price $4,000 because of the rebates. Comes down to 23,000 without me even trying to make a deal. I then tried to get him down a bit more, but he wouldn't go any farther. I tried a handful of other times to get him to come down, but he said he couldn't. He said that this is a great price on a new one and he can't come any farther down because it is a new car and typically with new cars they go off of the MSRP. Anyone else have luck getting them to come down on a new Jeep after the rebates? Or is this really a good price? MSRP for it was $27,000

slipperybrain · **Joined:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:07 pm **Posts:** 38

I just got my first Jeep last night!!!!!!!! Loving it!! 2011 Jeep Liberty Limited!

Slitch · **Posted:** Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:40 am

Nice man!!! i don’t think u'll have the heart to wheel it soon though :lol:

that’s the problem with the shiny new models but must be an awesome DD

BrendonR · **Posted:** Thu Jan 20, 2011 11:42 am

Congrats Slipperybrain - Have fun with it for sure.

Did you end up with a skyslider or not?

and as usual....

slipperybrain · **Joined:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:07 pm **Posts:** 38

I just got the moonroof. I thought the skyslider was awesome, but after reading about the issues people had...I am ok with just the moonroof.

I know I don't have pics...I literally left the dealership at 9:40pm last night and have been at work all day today. Soon though.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 21, 2011 7:57 am

Very cool. Congrats on the new ride!

NewJerseyKK · **Posted:** Fri Jan 21, 2011 10:23 am

Congrats on your KK. Enjoy it!

das4x4 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:01 pm

Congrats on the new ride. You'll love it...until...mod fever sets in! And there's NO cure for it :grim:

BWA-HA-HA-HAAAAAA!

When you get the chance, post some pics of the Libby.

Happy :JEEPIN:

NewJerseyKK · **Posted:** Fri Jan 21, 2011 5:39 pm

das4x4 wrote:

Congrats on the new ride. You'll love it...until...mod fever sets in! And there's NO cure for it :grim:

Very true. Ive had mine for about 6 months. I caught mod fever about a month after I got it and now my wallet hates me.

slipperybrain · **Joined:** Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:07 pm **Posts:** 38

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My first Jeep...2011 Liberty Limited. Very excited! I know I will probably get slack from the Jeep enthusiasts here because it is a new Jet Edition, but I like it. It will mostly be used for kayaking and camping.

das4x4 · **Posted:** Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:12 pm

Don't worry about what others think about the model you have. What matters is what you think about it. I like the wheels, but the white over black two tone is killer :-)r

I use my KK for the same recreation. Actually, my smaller (9.5ft) kayak fits inside with the passenger seat folded down. The kk will get you where you want to go.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Sun Jan 30, 2011 9:20 pm

I like it!

The white pin stripe really accents it nicely.

New to Jeep...thinking about buying my first.

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