fmc1
New Member
I have read a few threads from readers asking about the reliability of Jeep KJ’s. I thought posting my experiences it might help others decide to buy or not.
My KJ is a 2003 Renegade, early 03 was made in January. I bought it new a retail factory order. My name is on the window sticker. It’s a 4x4 with kaki color body and a black interior. Although many extras were included in the renegade trim level, it was the most expensive in 03 more than the limited, mine has only a hand full of options. It has a moon roof the infinity speakers and the high-end radio, the trac-lock axle, tow package and that’s about it. It has manual cloth seats and no automatic transmission, it’s a 5-speed stick.
I can honestly say it is the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. I’m a senior and have owned about 20 - 25 vehicles in my lifetime.
This is what I have replaced or repaired, lower ball joints under recall, rear brake calipers under warranty, blower motor resistor, hood lift shocks, rear glass lift shocks twice, all 5 tires because I used the spare in a rotation, changed all the lug nuts to solid metal, the battery 3 times and the high mount brake light. Everything else I consider maintenance. I do oil changes about 3 times a year, differential fluid front and rear about every 12000 miles. Transfer case and transmission fluid at about 24000 miles. Tune ups spark plugs PCV air filter, antifreeze flush and brake fluid flush I do every 30000 miles, wiper blades every two years or so.
There are things on this vehicle that are original such as brake pads, CV joint boots, upper ball joints, various sensors and lots of other things that I have replaced on other vehicles after 3 or 4 years, but they are still original on this 18-year-old Liberty with 65000 miles.
Thanks
Frank
My KJ is a 2003 Renegade, early 03 was made in January. I bought it new a retail factory order. My name is on the window sticker. It’s a 4x4 with kaki color body and a black interior. Although many extras were included in the renegade trim level, it was the most expensive in 03 more than the limited, mine has only a hand full of options. It has a moon roof the infinity speakers and the high-end radio, the trac-lock axle, tow package and that’s about it. It has manual cloth seats and no automatic transmission, it’s a 5-speed stick.
I can honestly say it is the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. I’m a senior and have owned about 20 - 25 vehicles in my lifetime.
This is what I have replaced or repaired, lower ball joints under recall, rear brake calipers under warranty, blower motor resistor, hood lift shocks, rear glass lift shocks twice, all 5 tires because I used the spare in a rotation, changed all the lug nuts to solid metal, the battery 3 times and the high mount brake light. Everything else I consider maintenance. I do oil changes about 3 times a year, differential fluid front and rear about every 12000 miles. Transfer case and transmission fluid at about 24000 miles. Tune ups spark plugs PCV air filter, antifreeze flush and brake fluid flush I do every 30000 miles, wiper blades every two years or so.
There are things on this vehicle that are original such as brake pads, CV joint boots, upper ball joints, various sensors and lots of other things that I have replaced on other vehicles after 3 or 4 years, but they are still original on this 18-year-old Liberty with 65000 miles.
Thanks
Frank