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