New to Jeep

[Wildlandjunior]

Hi there, I haven't taken the leap yet and purchased a KJ, because i want to know a bit more about them before hand. I've driven standard 7.3 power strokes since I've been 8, and haven't really driven much other than diesel pickups between work, and my personal truck. So, I've decided I want to get something more practical to fit my new needs today, I do basically only highway driving (80,000km a year) and occasional bush roads, but no real city driving or anything too crazy off highway. The liberty seems alright on mileage and everything else, but I've heard some poor opinions on the KJ, and some good ones, you folks are the owners, so i am wondering, does it sound like a liberty suits what I'll be using it for. Also, as i am shopping for liberty's (my preference is for either a 5spd gas, or the CRD), are there any red flags to watch out for as I look at used ones? (I am mechanically inclined). Thanks for your time, and sorry for the bit of a story here. Your answers are much appreciated.

 

[turblediesel]

Spend your money on the v-6 if it's your regular ride. The CRD is cost and time intensive on maintenance and engine survival modifications. About the same gas mileage as the power stroke. Fun when it all works.

 

[Dave]

I bought an 05 KJ new and haven't had any out of the ordinary issues and I have wheeled mine and it has been in some nasty places and back. It is the 3.7L v6 A/T. I would stick with the 3.7L instead of the CRD like turblediesel said. Nothing wrong with them but they sometimes need special attention and even some shops do not know how to work on them.


Here's the thing with Jeeps. Idiots buy them and abuse them because it is a Jeep and can go anywhere and then some unsuspecting person buys it and has problems and badmouths the Jeep.


Like any used vehicle (especially a jeep) you need to check it out carefully. In addition with a Jeep, you need to take it on a dirt road and make sure the 4 wheel drive is ok and crawl underneath and make sure it was not bounced off rocks and beat up with no skids..


Also there is a wealth of Jeep info on this forum and good people that love their jeeps and willing to help and share their experience.


Take your time and find a good one and you will be addicted for life.


Dave

 

[Wildlandjunior]

Thanks for your replies, definitely paints a better picture in my head. There seem to be a large surplus of 3.7l liberty's where i am. And quite a few have had a life of grocery getting. Is there a particular year that was exceptionally good or bad of the liberty, or are they mostly equal?

 

[tommudd]

Personally like the 02-04s , less BS electronics on them like ABS etc
Had an 04 for over 12 years / 221,000 miles as my DD lifted over 200,000 miles of those
Building a 03 now as a DD , low mileage one owner , already lifted / regeared etc
also have a stock 05 Limited that my Step Father is driving right now
Some later models had window regulator issues

Also check to see how much sag the suspension has
Before April 12, 2002 they were about 19.75, after 19 inches from middle of the wheel to bottom of the flare
A lot of them by 70-80,000 miles are an inch or so lower necessitating new springs and shocks