I am buying a Liberty - What to avoid?

I am in the market for an older KJ (2003-2006). I am in Mexico where there are some KJs that were specifically manufectured for the domestic market here and there are KJs that were used in the US and later imported as a used car.

That said, I want to be able to take it off road but will be able to minimal modifications to the KJ (no lift). That said, I have read all the specs on the different models and from what i have seen for sale will likely get a 3.7l 4x4 with an automatic transmission.

Any tips on what to look for, what to watch out for to avoid trouble?


I have looked for a thread like this, but came up short. Your suggestions would be GREATLY appriciated!

I guess no one replied to your other introduce yourself post so..anyways..
Welcome to the forum.
There are different trim.models of KJ jeep liberty's. Sport (basic) Limited often with leather & sunroof) and Renegade with possible light bars extra goodies etc.
Some came with interior light and an EVIC or overhead info center with a digital read out Compass, tire pressure monitors -outside temp and this stuff.
I have a Rocky Mountain edition that came with skid plates, including gas tank skid which is nice to have, front skid as well. So you have to keep an eye out firstly for a model w/equipment that you like, and seats that fit you, leather or cloth or a mixture of both like I have. Next is onto knowing that sometime models with traction control & ABS /tire pressure monitors may not be what you want or maybe you do? One thing for sure when it comes to powering out of a situation I dont want traction control to limit my ability to get out. So My 04 has no abs, no traction control, no tire pressure monitoring, no EVIC (which you could add later) no power seats, and I am happy that is does not have all the stuff that for me could be problems waiting to happen or better said could be a PITA down the road.
What ever model & features you choose from one thing comes to mind is about who you are buying it from and the current overall condition and is there a maintenance history/no accident assurance paper work to help you in your buying decision?
Next of course is always before I will ever buy a vehicle, especially a 4x4 is to ensure that I have it completely inspected, allowing you to know where you stand from a 150 point inspection.
Jeeps suspension do sag over time, and if you cant put your fist between tire and fender in the front, ya most understand the spring & shocks are in need of replacement, and most do a OME spring lift now anyways. Then it handles great with fresh spring & shocks all the way around, ok strut up front...whatever..you get the idea...
Look for leak problems/boots on cv oil drips etc and hopefully find a good lower mile candidate to inspect. I would also check over all the windows up & down (window regulator have been a problem on some years - ensure AC is working cold & a driveabilty test/ with operating all switches from radio to rear window defogger is working etc. Engage 4x4 and know if it is a command trac or selec trac- command trac is only part time for slippery surfaces only or selec-trac is a full time or anytime ya want type of system. The inspection should also cover all these areas though.
Hope this helps somewhat..other will chime in as well hopefully.

Thank you LibertyTC!

I figured the "introduce your self here" thread wasn't the best place for my question.

Around these parts there are some Limited and some Renegade editions, but the vast majority are Sport editions. I just found a 4 cyl sport with a manual transmission, but that's the first I have ever seen in the past few months of checking the market. (I see these have 4.11 gears, other than better MPG, is there any advantage to one of these 4 cyl models?)

I will count my lucky stars if it isn't completely beat to death from the terrible roads around here. My goals are pretty simple, keep myself from being a target (dark colors)*, keep it running (the goal of this thread), and use the jeep to get me up the local mountain away from the maddening crowds without too many bumps (I have a spinal injury. Any one vs the other have a softer suspension?).

Based on your comments, I will keep an eye out for ABS, EVIC etc...I really don't need any of that down here.

Command trac vs selec trac, I'll keep an eye on that, but would be REALLY surprised to see a select-trac jeep down here.

A 150 point inspection would be nice, but I doubt it'll happen. Not down here. There is no trust between the buyer and seller so I can't really take it to a mechanic. I have bought a few cars over the years. So I'll be crawling under the car for the inspection. Some years ago I noticed that there were a number of Liberties on the market with blown engines, all around 130,000 miles on them.

Is that a common trait of the V6 motor? Can it be avoided other than finding a lower mileage rig?

I will keep an eye on the window regulators, that is EXACTLY the kind of buyer's advice I am looking for. Thank you!

*Serious business. I am considering one Liberty that has Level II armoring and am thankful that was able to avoid one kidnapping attempt a few years back. The Mexico State police are notoriously corrupt, so you don't want to get their attention either.

Most 3.7 are reliable many here have reached 150-200k + but frequent oil changes are the key to a clean & happy motor. That being said some also have had to repair a head or just replace a rocker or two and carried on using their original engines.
The 3.7 are not easy on fuel though. 250miles to a full 20 gal tank is what I can easily use in the mountains. Not so bad if you dont have larger tires or all the armor on.
3.7 are also pretty well powered. Can pull a trailer with them as long as your cooling is up 2 speed.

Apparently it is also quite desirable to avoid ABS. On the '06 and newer models, where ABS is standard, is there a button to disable the ESP/ABS?

Any comments on the Diesel rigs? I see folks wanting to put a diesel in their Liberty...but why if some already come with them?

There is, but it only desensitizes it. You can pull the fuse the ABS fuse though.

The diesels are cool, though they tend to be higher maintenance than the gas ones.

Good to know about the fuse. Thanks for the tip!

Although I think a diesel would be good, I think the maintenance would be problem down here...no parts.

Once upon a time I was in a buddy's TJ Sport...I remember thinking "this has the worst suspension ever" and then I got into another TJ, I think it was a Sahara and thinking "this is more reasonable."

Are there any similar difference in the suspension among the Liberties?

The TJ/Wranglers etc are all SFA solid front axle, has more articulation and larger tires available.
The KJ Liberty is an IFS Independent front suspension and offers a much softer ride where you dont feel every bump in road like a SFA stock rig.
IFS will handle great especially once you do new OME springs in a 2.5 inch lift!
Then it is really Smooooth sailing!

All KJs have the same suspension...well CRDs have stiffer springs because of the extra weight but it all balances out. Actually early 02 KJs (anything made before April 2002) ride about 3/4" higher.

If you want a good ride you may as well consider that you will be replacing the suspension. KJs springs sag and then ride and handling get worse over time. Just got my Step father a KJ with only 75,000 miles and I'll be replacing it sometime soon. Its about 3/4 of an inch below stock height, have seen them 1.5 inches lower:thumbsdown:

Humm...good to know. When you say "replacing the suspension"...what do you have in mind?

Okay folks, here we go! I am lining up to review this rig(link) this afternoon.

From the photos, I think it is non-ABS, I have been told the tires are less than 1/2 life and will need to be replaced. I see it has a factory tow hitch. Doesn't look like it has an over abundance of zip ties in the motor either.

I'll be checking the window regulators, front CV boots, and I would check "if you cant put your fist between tire and fender in the front" but when I checked a few Liberties in a parking lot the other day I found that the fist trick was affected by tires sizes. So I plan on measuring the center of the hubs to the bottom of the fender trim to see how far the springs have sagged. I understand that 19" is healthy.

Anything else folks?

Just off of those pics, that jeep you linked looks well maintained. A good close inspection will tell the tale.

harrison said:

Okay folks, here we go! I am lining up to review this rig(link) this afternoon.

From the photos, I think it is non-ABS, I have been told the tires are less than 1/2 life and will need to be replaced. I see it has a factory tow hitch. Doesn't look like it has an over abundance of zip ties in the motor either.

I'll be checking the window regulators, front CV boots, and I would check "if you cant put your fist between tire and fender in the front" but when I checked a few Liberties in a parking lot the other day I found that the fist trick was affected by tires sizes. So I plan on measuring the center of the hubs to the bottom of the fender trim to see how far the springs have sagged. I understand that 19" is healthy.

Anything else folks?

Click to expand...

Measure from middle of the wheel/ hub to bottom of the flare to get height, have seen them as low as 17.5 before on 06 with 79,000 miles I think it was . The stock size tires were rubbing :icon_lol::icon_lol:Springs were stacked, shocks were blown . 3 hours later they were leaving my garage sitting at 22.50 :Bye:

This is not the jeep linked to in the listing above. It's close and I know the seller personally. (Doesn't necessarily mean it'll be a good deal.)

Highlights: 2005, AT, 3.7, 4x4, non-ABS, sitting on 235/70-R16 street tires, no sunroof or other bells and whistles. (miles and price still unknown)

CV boots all look good. Interior seems good.

Suspension seems to has sagged significantly. I hastily measured:
17.75" front driver/ 18.5" back driver
18" front pass/ 18.5" back pass

I don't know if the first thing you guys do is rip out the inner wheel well cover, but they were worn through from rubbing in the front.

The rear diff is seeping from the drivers side. Front driver's side turn signal is busted. Clear coat is starting to come off the roof. The "trim" under the doors looks sketchy. (Was there a Harley Davison edition? If so, I wasn't impressed.) The windshield wipers look like they aren't going down completely.

There were additional standard Mexico wear and tear...dent in hood, grill is broken and paint is coming off. All doors seem to have been poorly repainted at some time. Seal on top of windshield looks a bit "off." (Maybe because this was a rebuilt wreck.)

I'd say run like he** from that one
There wasn't a Harley Edition one
No we do not rip out the wheelwell liners no need to with proper suspension
Yes you are sitting on the bumpstops almost for sure , will need springs and shocks both front and rear and more than likely a lot of suspension parts

Well, went to look at another. This one was worse if you can believe it! It was originally from the coast and had rust all over the place. One of the weak spots that I have noticed on Liberties is the rear window hings. Like another one that I looked at, this one was rusted through on the roof near the hinges. Is this a common problem?

It also had rust under the doors and where ever there was exposed steel, like on the suspension. The motor bay was also filthy and the transmission fluid had probably never been changed, almost smelled burned. The motor oil was black.

And he casually mentioned that the stock radio was shot and the cruise control didn't work either.

Makes that first one look like a real gem!

Yeah....pass!

Wise move. Good ones are out there - here's hoping you find yours soon. :favorites13:

harrison said:

Well, went to look at another. This one was worse if you can believe it! It was originally from the coast and had rust all over the place. One of the weak spots that I have noticed on Liberties is the rear window hings. Like another one that I looked at, this one was rusted through on the roof near the hinges. Is this a common problem?

It also had rust under the doors and where ever there was exposed steel, like on the suspension. The motor bay was also filthy and the transmission fluid had probably never been changed, almost smelled burned. The motor oil was black.

And he casually mentioned that the stock radio was shot and the cruise control didn't work either.

Makes that first one look like a real gem!

Yeah....pass!

Click to expand...

Keep looking
Rust at the hings is not a common problem, some rust around the upper rear brake line at times if you don't take care of it but other wise no.
Seems a lot of people just run them into the ground down there

harrison said:

I am in the market for an older KJ (2003-2006). I am in Mexico where there are some KJs that were specifically manufectured for the domestic market here and there are KJs that were used in the US and later imported as a used car.

That said, I want to be able to take it off road but will be able to minimal modifications to the KJ (no lift). That said, I have read all the specs on the different models and from what i have seen for sale will likely get a 3.7l 4x4 with an automatic transmission.

Any tips on what to look for, what to watch out for to avoid trouble?


I have looked for a thread like this, but came up short. Your suggestions would be GREATLY appriciated!

Click to expand...

I guess no one replied to your other introduce yourself post so..anyways..
Welcome to the forum.
There are different trim.models of KJ jeep liberty's. Sport (basic) Limited often with leather & sunroof) and Renegade with possible light bars extra goodies etc.
Some came with interior light and an EVIC or overhead info center with a digital read out Compass, tire pressure monitors -outside temp and this stuff.
I have a Rocky Mountain edition that came with skid plates, including gas tank skid which is nice to have, front skid as well. So you have to keep an eye out firstly for a model w/equipment that you like, and seats that fit you, leather or cloth or a mixture of both like I have. Next is onto knowing that sometime models with traction control & ABS /tire pressure monitors may not be what you want or maybe you do? One thing for sure when it comes to powering out of a situation I dont want traction control to limit my ability to get out. So My 04 has no abs, no traction control, no tire pressure monitoring, no EVIC (which you could add later) no power seats, and I am happy that is does not have all the stuff that for me could be problems waiting to happen or better said could be a PITA down the road.
What ever model & features you choose from one thing comes to mind is about who you are buying it from and the current overall condition and is there a maintenance history/no accident assurance paper work to help you in your buying decision?
Next of course is always before I will ever buy a vehicle, especially a 4x4 is to ensure that I have it completely inspected, allowing you to know where you stand from a 150 point inspection.
Jeeps suspension do sag over time, and if you cant put your fist between tire and fender in the front, ya most understand the spring & shocks are in need of replacement, and most do a OME spring lift now anyways. Then it handles great with fresh spring & shocks all the way around, ok strut up front...whatever..you get the idea...
Look for leak problems/boots on cv oil drips etc and hopefully find a good lower mile candidate to inspect. I would also check over all the windows up & down (window regulator have been a problem on some years - ensure AC is working cold & a driveabilty test/ with operating all switches from radio to rear window defogger is working etc. Engage 4x4 and know if it is a command trac or selec trac- command trac is only part time for slippery surfaces only or selec-trac is a full time or anytime ya want type of system. The inspection should also cover all these areas though.
Hope this helps somewhat..other will chime in as well hopefully.