Hello from Kuwait!

[Riba]

Originally from Croatia but relocated to Kuwait about 18 months ago. While looking for a second car (possibly taking over the role of a first one) i stumbled across Liberty as a serious candidate and started investigating.

What got me attracted to it is worrying me at the same time. For whatever reason they are much more affordable compared to similar vehicles at least here in Kuwait, and I wanted to make sure there are no hidden gotchas that may make me regret decision down the road. I already got burned on a Volvo which turned out to be a bucket of problems, but I would have known that if I asked on the appropriate forum first.

I did spend a couple of days reading through the forum and my understanding is that there are no more problems to be expected than usual with these vehicles and I did find answers to most of my doubts.

Being a dry climate corrosion is not an issue here, but quite often the cars are badly maintained so I need to be careful.

I am aiming for a KJ model, and there are a few questions I'd like to ask:

- is there a particular model that would be more desirable than the other?
- are there any weak points I should concentrate on when checking a car besides coolant and oil leaks?

I am a DIY person and I love to get my hands dirty so I definitely don't mind doing a bit of servicing/maintenance, but I wouldn't want to end up with a lemon that may cost a fortune to fix or be generally unreliable. I also have zero experience with Jeeps.

Thanks to everyone, internet forums have proven to be an indispensable source of information for all of us who like to tinker with our cars, and I am sure this one will be no different. If everything goes well, I should become an Jeep owner very soon.

Tom

 

[Leeann]

Welcome, Tom!

No major gotchas other than it must have HOAT coolant (mopar or Zerex) in the radiator and ATF+4 in the (auto) ******.

Other than that, check the usual issues; signs of overheating, ****** slippage, oil color & smell, trans fluid color and smell, thunks underneath...

 

[Riba]

Thanks Leeann. I am actually glad that you mentioned the HOAT coolant as I am struggling with some overheating issues with my current car which is also supposed to use the HOAT coolant. Unfortunately at the moment I am using generic Prestone stuff and I suspect many other people would as HOAT coolants are not readily available here. I suspect the local Jeep dealer might have it but they are notorious for charging arm & leg for everything.
I am definitely going to invest in the proper coolant, however it is very likely that the previous owner did not. Are there any risks of a permanent damage, except for overheating? Thanks!

 

[Leeann]

There are corrosion and gelling risks with the other coolant.

No way to get Zerex G-05? It's HOAT and less expensive than Mopar.

 

[profdlp]

There are corrosion and gelling risks with the other coolant...

First thing I did when I got mine was a complete flush and refill. The stuff that was in there from the previous owner looked like cottage cheese. Whatever the HOAT costs, it's cheaper than a radiator and/or water pump, much less a new engine.

 

[dude1116]

I always told myself that I would get an early '03 if I got another one. One with a 45RFE. I despise the 42RLE. But then again so do most folks.

 

[renegade 04]

Welcome. Just use the HOAT stuff and be done with it.

 

[Riba]

Thanks all, I think I got the message and it makes sense, especially in this climate. I will find the HOAT stuff, even if it means I will have to fly one in. Now off to find what is available on the market.