I found what I think is a pretty good deal on a lightly used 05 that would save me about $5k off of a similarly equipped new 06. I do have a few questions before I sign my soul over to the bank tomorrow...

1. Is the ride any smoother in a Limited than a Sport? I know there are different seats, but any suspension differences?

2. Is there enough advantage in an 06 to justify spending extra money on it or am I OK getting the 05?

3. Neither of the jeeps I found have the trip computer in the overhead console, but I would like to have it. Think I will be able to get the dealer to add it or am I better off just negotiating the parts and putting the EVIC in myself?

I really appreciate everyone's expertise!

Ross

Don't know but do the 05's have the ESP (Electronic Stability Control) with ROM (Roll Over Mitigation)? Also dealers are getting a $3000 dealer incentive from the factory plus you get the $2000 rebate...It might be possible to get a new 2006 for close to the same price with tough negotiating.

_________________
Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport
Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph

1 - Test drove both '05 Limited and Sport. Couldn't tell any difference in suspension. Main difference seems to be interior doodads and painted vs plastic fender flares. Those power seats were nice, but not worth an extra $3K IMHO.

2 - Only real important difference between '05 and '06 AFAIK is the Electronic Stability and Roll Mitigation programs that's standard on the '06. Only place this would be an issue would be if you do a lot if driving in ice/snow/other types of dicey weather/road conditions. Your call on how important it is.

3 - As far as the EVIC, if it isn't already in there from the factory, I don't know if either route - dealer install or self install - is a viable option. You might be screwed on this one, if they didn't run the harness up to the overhead at the factory. If it's an '05 Sport, I seriously doubt that the harness is there, on '05's the EVIC was only an option on Limiteds, for "06 you could get it on both.

_________________
Mitchell Oates
'87 MB 300D Diamond Blue Metallic
'87 MB 300D - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Sport CRD Stone White
Provent CCV Filter/AT2525 Muffler
Stanadyne 30 u/Cat 2 u Fuel Filters
Fumoto Drain/Fleetguard LF3487 Oil filter
V6 Airbox/Amsoil EAA Air Filter
Suncoast TC/Shift Kit/Aux Cooler
Kennedy Lift Pump/Return Fuel Cooler

Opinions are a dime a dozen and here's another:
1) I found the 05 Sport a bit more agile in corners than the limited. If that's worth anything to you. Maybe it was just my perception, but I found the ride in the Limited a little more subdued than the Sport

2)The difference between the 05 Trac Lock and the 06 ESP may make some difference off-roading if your a true die-hard. It has also been noted on this board that the ESP will engage the brakes when the computer determines it needs to even if it is not in adverse driving conditions. Some like the ESP for piece of mind some think it's a nuisance. Your call.

3)The EVIC is nice to have, but if you run a two way radio...(HAM 2meter/10meter or CB) a nice place for the mount is actually where the EVIC should be. Space is tight for accessories if you want to run a radio. Otherwise you can certainly purchase an EVIC and install it yourself. This board or others has instructions on how to do that

Good Luck..............

_________________
2005 Black CRD Limited w/105,000 miles
Mann Provent 200, Airbox Mod, ORM Mod
New 545RFE, TC & Redesigned pump @ 25,020 miles
New EGR Flow Control Valve @ 25,020 miles
New Transfer Case input/output seals @ 32,787 miles
SEGR Kit @ 52,000 miles
SunCoast TC and Transgo Shift Kit @ 52,000 miles

Thanks for the opinions guys... I think I am going to try to go deal on the 05 tomorrow. While the stbilization package would be good, I have driven quite a wide array of SUV's in the past with no problems in that area. The cash difference is just too great to pass up.

I did have one more question though... I noticed on the speedometer there was a light that appeared to say System 32 or something to that nature. (I took a picture with my cell phone, but can't read it now) Any idea what that is about?

I'm kinda giddy like a school kid... I guess I better be, cause my wife is a bit irritated I am getting a new vehicle and she isn't.

But you not getting a "NEW" vehicle. Do what most women do...I found this on SALE for such a good deal! ...it doesn't even matter if she needed it or not...just that it was too good a deal to pass up

_________________
Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport
Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph

I think it is "Type 48" or something close to that. It is only a "lable" for the dash cluster - like a badge or something... No one knows what it really means (at least not on this board anyway).

It shows up most obvious when the sun is behind the left side of the driver shining on the instruments...

_________________
http://www.pdxbiodiesel.org

Ahh... I can see it now when I look at the picture. Glad to hear it is nothing to be concerned over.

I guess I've been spending too much time working on computers if I came up with System32 out of that...

Thanks,

No one knows what it really means (at least not on this board anyway).

It is rumored to be the USA version verses the Canadian metric version...miles vs kilometers...who says we don't know...lol

_________________
Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport
Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph