2003 Renegade (5spd/4wd) vs. 2005 Sport (Auto/4wd) - Make my mind up for me pls?

[spoon]

Hello family! I'm obviously new here...I have been into forums for about a decade now, and I know how annoying threads like these can be. Apologies straight forward for this...

I'm taking a look at two KJ's.. one is a 2003 Renegade with a 5spd and 4wd, has sunroof, power drivers seat, leather interior, and all that come with the Renegade package (which admittedly I am not familiar with all that is).

The second Jeep is a 2005 Sport with an Auto transmission and also 4wd. Cloth interior, no sunroof, pretty basic.

Both KJ's are priced identical, and both have same miles. Anything in particular I should be looking for between the years? I understand the 2002-2004 KJ has a list of recalls that I should ensure have been performed. I plan on doing some off roading at some point in my Liberty's ownership, so the 5spd is attractive for that reason, among others. But beside the minor facelift the '05 has, what else am I looking for between the two?

Cheers new family! :favorites13:

 

[HoosierJeeper]

The Rene sounds cool. Which one is in better shape? One thing to remember is that the 5 speed can only tow 3500lbs. The Rene would already have tow hooks and probably skids too since it's an 03.

 

[Leeann]

I'd go for the Renegade, with the mileage being equal. There are recalls on the '05 as well.

You're getting the same mileage with a lot more goodies on the Renegade.

 

[CzarKJ]

Renegade! I'm also biased to the stick as well... my 03' runs/shifts awesome!

 

[Luke]

Nothing really matters but the Flat Hood! heh heh

 

[CzarKJ]

Nothing really matters but the Flat Hood! heh heh

I thought they did that in 05' for the renegade? I could be mistaken though

 

[Luke]

Ahh ... I think your right! That's why 05 is the best year jk

 

[Leeann]

I thought they did that in 05' for the renegade? I could be mistaken though

Yep, '05 and '06 Renegade have flat hoods.

 

[tommudd]

and a good reason NOT to buy the 05
Ugly little fellows they are
I'd check both over close to see if any tell tale signs that were abused in any way. For off roading I'll take a automatic , much easier to control and yes I've had both
05 will also have all the ABS/ traction control JUNK which no one needs so makes the 03 better

 

[HoosierJeeper]

and a good reason NOT to buy the 05
Ugly little fellows they are
I'd check both over close to see if any tell tale signs that were abused in any way. For off roading I'll take a automatic , much easier to control and yes I've had both
05 will also have all the ABS/ traction control JUNK which no one needs so makes the 03 better

My 05 has no ABS/TC/ESP...glad it doesn't. I think 05+ looks better. But a Rene always wins over a Sport...agree on the auto thing though.

 

[Leeann]

My '05 doesn't have ABS or traction control. That's '06 and up.

 

[Luke]

Tom's just gets flat hood envy ... makes him forget things that he definitely knows :happy175:

 

[tommudd]

Flat hood envy :happy175::happy175::happy175::happy175:
Haven't seen a flat hood that looks good yet

 

[tommudd]

My '05 doesn't have ABS or traction control. That's '06 and up.

Still 02-04s have less problems
would never buy an 05 up
no matter what

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Besides cosmetics, I'm not seeing any difference between an 04 and an 05. I prefer the 05's.

 

[u2slow]

Stick shift!

 

[yellocoyote]

What's the window regulator issue years... 2005-2006, right?

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Knock on wood...mine has never had an issue with that. 05's have a bigger gas tank too. 20.5 vs 19.5 for 04 and 18.5 for 02.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

The '03 Renegade will have a couple more goodies - none mechanical. In that regard both are pretty much the same.

But the Renegade will have the tow hooks (2 front, 1 rear), probably the engine and transfer case skid and the light bar on the roof. It also has the 160 amp alternator with an extra power outlet in the rear cargo area. It will also have some leather on the seats - doesn't sound like a big deal but the seats on the later models have a poor quality material that stains even when water is spilled on them. The '03 Renegade also has the nicer wheels but they're the same size as the '05.

If it comes down to color - pick the black one :smokin:

Bob

 

[CzarKJ]

The '03 Renegade will have a couple more goodies - none mechanical. In that regard both are pretty much the same.

But the Renegade will have the tow hooks (2 front, 1 rear), probably the engine and transfer case skid and the light bar on the roof. It also has the 160 amp alternator with an extra power outlet in the rear cargo area. It will also have some leather on the seats - doesn't sound like a big deal but the seats on the later models have a poor quality material that stains even when water is spilled on them. The '03 Renegade also has the nicer wheels but they're the same size as the '05.

If it comes down to color - pick the black one :smokin:

Bob

Yes they do!