Just hard to find something that fits my needs like a KJ

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 10:05 am

Every once in a while I find myself shopping for a replacement vehicle for the KJ CRD. Most of the time, I decide that I would not actually get rid of or trade in the KJ but instead purchase another vehicle all together. Problem is???...It is just plain hard to find something that fits the bill like my KJ. There have been some vehicles in the past that had the same kind of character.

The Original All Purpose Jeep Cherokee. Square and Unassuming...but got the job done.

The 90's Toyota 4Runner. Could haul gear, go off road and be cleaned up for the Prom.

Then the Jeep KJ. Quirky looking, go off road with a tried and true 4WD system and it did/does everything I ask of it.

Yes, it is heavier than the other Compact and Midsized SUVs. Yes, other SUVs can get better MPGs. Yes, Yes, Yes...but most of the others can not do what the KJ does Off Road! Even without the off road advantage, I still find it hard to find anything that rivals my CRD with Part-Time and Full-Time 4WD and can easily be used as a "Toad" behind a Motorhome with a true Neutral! Also, the size and maneuverability can't be beat.

Have not spent any time in a KK...but maybe it would fit the bill also. The new Cherokee nor Renegade fits what I want...Patriot never did...Compass was not bad...

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 10:46 am

Feel the same way, the more I look at new ones and other alternatives I like the KJ just that much more :wink:

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 11:22 am

...and the prices themselves for new vehicles is RIDIC these days.

bgcarl01 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 11:51 am

I totally get that. Been looking here and there as they Jeep comes down to the last 3 payments. Just for the sake of looking. I had a 4 door S-10 blazer before this, and the jeep was an easy switch. Wranglers that I can afford are too small when i get in them, Xterra's look funny to me, and 4Runners' are just plain crazy money. Maybe a grand cherokee? I dunno. Just keep motoring along I guess.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:24 pm

really nice to get twice the MPG's as my 86 4runner (altitude kills the old yota's mileage), much greater towing capacity, turns on a dime, automatic tranny, no downshifting due to little torque, much better traction with part-time and tons of creeping torque.
Only thing that kills me is that the 86 yota has MANY parts that are nearing 300k and still fine, where as many parts on our KJ's last less than 100k, but I guess it's just the times. :cry:

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:26 pm

bgcarl01 wrote:

I totally get that. Been looking here and there as they Jeep comes down to the last 3 payments..

You will even like your KJ MORE with no payments. I have three vehicles 2009 Ford Fusion, 2012 Ford F150 Ecoboost Supercrew 4x4 and the 2006 Jeep CRD. NO PAYMENTS! The only thing I owe in is my Travel Trailer...

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 1:30 pm

The only reason I bought my Liberty is because it has a diesel engine.
So, how many other diesel powered SUVs are out there?
Grand Cherokee
Mercedes GLK 250
And both of those are outrageously priced.

The only thing I dont like about the KJ is that its not a pickup truck.
Which is why I am waiting to see what Chevy Colorado diesel will be like.
But, it will probably be outrageously priced too.

bugnout · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 1:39 pm

I've been without my KJ for 6 months. Finally got it back on the road this weekend. Driving it over the last few days has renewed my love for it. Its just fun to drive. I drive a lot of rental cars for work and haven't found anything I like better, or would consider buying.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:43 pm

Jeep CRD, one of the great classics that only comes along every once in a while. Take for example this group on this forum who perpetuate and keep this unique vehicle going strong 9-10 years after the last one was sold in this country with daily advice and tips to keep them going strong... :2cents:

Sometimes it can be a love/hate relationship, but mostly it is a love for a very unique and talented vehicle like no other on the road in the past or today... :wink:

I personally will never part from this unique vehicle and will do whatever is necessary to keep it going, and going, and going.... :ALONE:

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 10:28 pm

WWDiesel wrote:

I personally will never part from this unique vehicle and will do whatever is necessary to keep it going, and going, and going.... :ALONE:

Yep...can't seem to let it go...not do I want to!

Draco · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 11:58 pm

I still like my KJ lot and plan to keep it for a good long while yet (3--5 years). I don't think I'll keep it going forever though. I like the size, the weight, the IFS, the power/weight and torque/weight ratios, the styling, the ability to carry 4 people comfortably on occasion, the cargo room with the rear seat down. Here's my list of alternatives of mostly new and a few late model used vehicles.

KJ Liberty: Great vehicle, but I can't see keeping it going forever (= 20 more years).
KK Liberty: Great but as I understand it weighs 200 lbs more.
KL Cherokee: Possibility as a daily driver and for long trips. Probably not for me, but maybe
a replacement for wife's Subaru Outback.
4Runner: Heavy and a little big. Would be great for trips, not sure it would be as good a DD.
FJ Cruiser: Better size, but I wouldn't put a dog in the back seat.
Tacoma: Weight and size better. Definite contender.
Chevy Colorado, gas or diesel. Very interesting, remains to be seen how much quality aftermarket support will materialize.
Grand Cherokee WK2 gas. Heavy, V6 seems too small for weight. V8s are thirsty. Not wild about independent rear suspension.
Grand Cherokee WK2 diesel. Expensive, and still heavy. Dealer incentives get the price down to something I could consider.
Wrangler JK Unlimited. Definite possibility, but I would prefer IFS for a daily driver and I already have a Wrangler LJ.
Wrangler JL Unlimited several years from now. Definite possibility. Again would prefer IFS for daily driver, but oh well.

What I'd really like to do is keep the KJ and buy something else as well. But I don't have room for more than 3 vehicles and I want to keep the LJ.

Jeepin'WNC · **Joined:** Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:48 am **Posts:** 191

I enjoyed no payments for a long time....Even though my KJ is rather modified, it's still my DD...I'm now making payments on another Jeep, but much older...'75 Wagoneer...3" suspension lift, 1" body lift..33's, trimmed / plain-out CUT sheet metal, mild built V-8 (VERY thirsty) locker in the rear...but hey, I only owe $800 n change on it...

Just hard to find something that fits my needs like a KJ

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