Jeep Liberty

whitetek

I placed an order a few days ago for a couple Liberty accessories at my dealership's parts department. I bought the rubber mats with the Jeep logo on them for the front and back seats. The front were available now but the rear ones were on back order. I picked up the front ones yesterday, and even though it's not winter yet, I still think I'm keeping them in there year round. They make the interior a bit more rugged-looking and they also have the Liberty headlights and grille designed into the middle of the mats. Very nice! I also purchased the black denim spare tire cover with the bright silver Jeep logo on it. Quite often, when loading or unloading from the rear without opening the gate, but just the window, I noticed you almost always bump the spare with some part of your body. That's not too good, especially when I put "Tire Wet" protectant on it. Even without a protectant on it, you still could get some of the tire on your clothing. Anyway, it's on back order also, and should take about 2 weeks to get it. I think it will be anther nice addition to my Liberty.

winbro

RE: the mudflaps.

does anyone know if the liberty mudflaps utilize the existing screws I see in the wheel wells where they would go so I dont have to drill new ones?

bjurick

I also just bought a 4x4 liberty limited. I traded in a 2000 Nissan Sentra SE. My costs went up about $30 per six months. They did tell me that the 2wd and 4wd were the same cost right now and the 4wd would probably go up next time as they will have more info on it by then. They (GEICO) said about $100 more per six months over the 2wd.

johndal21

Thanks for the info on this. Not sure who it was that mentioned this article but THANKS. I smiled as it was stacked up and compared to vehicles such as the horsepower monster Cadillac Escalade pumping out 345hp, Cherolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Toyota Sequoia and the Nissan Frontier. In EVERY test the Liberty shined, .....and shined well. (grin) the only drawback mentioned was that they felt both the Frontier and the Liberty could do with about 25 hp more. (compared to 345 hp, yuh think? hehe)While I agree.....this, I'm sure, will be easily remedied here in the near future once after market HP raising options become avialable. Regardless a well written and information laden article.

jefferson1964

Why are you paying over invoice and the advertising fee???? Gosh just go to CARMAX.COM they are selling Liberty's for $1,000 under invoice.

http://www.carmax.com/

There probably are some better deals if you search enough but this is a good deal from the get go.

bjurick

Carmax only seems to have the ones with less than desirable options. I wanted a 4x4 with 27G, ABS, Side Airbag, Trailer Tow, Off Road Group, etc. I tried there as well but could not get one with the options I wanted. The 4x4's were not equipped with off road or trailer tow. Also many did not have 27G or ABS. I was able to find these in the DFW area at only $50 over invoice. I am happy with the deal that I got. I did not want to settle for less than I wanted to save a couple hundred dollars. But maybe that is just me.

genghis721

All I can tell you is that I test drove the Liberty the other day, and when I put it in the FIRST position out of 2WD, the dif did not lock. WHen I put it into the next position the axles locked on turns.

I've been driving 4WD's for 15yrs+, so I know the difference in feel between a part time system and a full time. And, if you think about it, it makes more sense to have the full time (unlocked) position to be the first one out of 2WD. Why would you go through a locked position, then to an unlocked, then back to a locked (4wd lo)? I think they just labeled it different than what it normally is thought to be.

My grandfather had an older model (85) Grand C. with the same lever setup. Since I didn't drive it all of the time, I can't remember which positions were which in that car.

drew_

What axle locked on turns? The part-time mode simply locks the centre differential mechanically. It doesn't do it selectively at all. Nope they didn't label it differently. The '01 Grand Cherokee has the exact same layout - 2WD, 4WD High PT, 4WD High FT, N, 4WD Low PT. The full-time mode (which is definitely the 3rd position with the green markings), can be left on at all times, as we already know. You don't go from 4WD full-time to 4WD Low immediately. There is a neutral model in between, and you have to shift the transmission lever into neutral with the Jeep stopped before you can shift it into 4WD Low range anyway.

To avoid any confusion, one could simply set it in 4WD full-time mode and leave it there permanently in most conditions. According to Consumer Reports' tests, there is no fuel economy penalty either, and you get the added traction of 4WD at all times to aid in handling and performance.


Drew
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bagldot

Let me begin by saying that I'm new to 4x4's - and I'm looking for some advice. I ordered a Liberty Sport because I need the room of a small to mid-size SUV for work, and I also wanted to have something that could get me through snowy Nj road conditions. I will not be going off road with it, but may have to do some light towing ocassionally. When I ordered it I was told that the Command Track would be all that I would need. Now I'm reading posts and wondering if I should have ordered Selectrack so that I could leave it in 4 wheel drive all the time and just forget it. I know it's too late to change what I've ordered - I should be picking it up next week, but I would like to know if this was a mistake to get Commandtrack instead of Selectrac.

hotcoffee

Given the choice, and the difference in $$ (about $300) I'd get select.

But also, I wouldn't sweat it- see all those Wranglers and Xterra's out there- they have traditional 4wd systems and there going everywhere.

I've had a Wrangler with command, and a Grand Cherokee with Selectrac and now an Xterra with the equivalent of Command- I went back because it was not a big issue. If you need 4wd- you can engage it.

If you want to leave it in 4wd all winter and not think about it- go for the Selectrac.

The Liberty is an awesome new vehicle- I'm sure you'll be happy.

winbro

judging from all the 4wd questions and need for explanations, I'd say jeep is reaching the target market intended for the liberty. now we can only hope that the liberty can help erase some of the bad jeep stories.

mad0865

I opted for the Selectrac just for that reason alone. NJ winters (they suck). I wanted the ability to just leave it in FT mode basically anytime I wanted without worrying about shifting from wet/snowy conditions to dry. My brother has a Cherokee with the commandtrac, and he does just fine in the NJ winters. It's really just a matter of preference. Good luck with your Liberty. Awesome vehicle, isn't it?

-mad

rsholland

should just drop the Command-Trac, and make all Libertys and Wranglers with Selec-Trac—including those with manual trannys.

More and more of Jeep's competitors offer AWD, or On-Demand 4WD, making Jeep look old-fashioned by keeping Command Trac around.

Bob

vin_weasel

cygnusx1

Hey everybody, Xterra owner here. Just wanted to see how to all like your Liberty's. I guess it's too early to tell about snow since it's still summer, but how about off-road/mud? Has anyone gone off the trail yet? I love my Xterra and it's great. Had the Liberty been available a few months ago when I bought my X I might have had a difficult choice to make. Anyway, I like the look of the Liberty a lot. Hope you guys have fun off-road. These "mid-size" suvs ae perfect for the trails, and also for us 9-5 commuters. Hope to see some of you on the trail sometime.

keninplacitas

Hey, you can change your order. You may upset your salesman a little, but you can change your order. So why does your salesman think they even invented Selectrac for in the first place.

wedgeguy

Here's a link to Motor Week's review of the Liberty as the "Car of the Month". It's also featured in their PBS show this month (either on your local PBS station or Speedvision on satellite).

http://www.pbs.org/mpt/motorweek/carofthemonth.shtml

basepro09

I went and test drove the Liberty again yesterday and took someone with me this time. Basically I had nothing else to know, so why not. Anyway, I wanted to test the helicopter effect in the cab. So I put down the back windows and took off. All I have to say is OOOOUUUUUUCCCHHHH! My god, now I know what you guys were talking about. As soon as I cracked the front windows though, it went away. Even though this was very annoying, it doesn't really matter. I mean when am I going to drive with just my back windows down.

I really tested the brakes this time, they didn't have any with abs though. There was considerable nose dive, but as long as it stops I don't care.

I took a couple of turns with some speed to test the lean. The only time I really felt the lean was going from a left turn lane and punching it across the intersection. I really think it just has to do with the driver, if you're careful you won't have a problem with the Liberty.

My friend, 6' 180# a big kid, said that he had plenty of room in the back seat. Also getting in and out was easy. That was the main thing that I wanted to get out of him.

The salesman told me that the reason DC put the window controls on the center console, was to aleviate wear and tear from slamming the door. He pointed out that when you shut the door so many times over a couple of years or more, pieces start to become loose or broken. And I've seen this happen in a couple of cars myself. So I kinda believed him.

What do you guys think?

Matt

winbro

cant say if thats the reason they put them there. I can follow the logic of wear & tear by shutting the door. Someone had the theory that they wanted to put the cup holders for the back in the doors that's why they center mounted the window controls. If thats true, imagine those with kids who have a sticky soft drink in the cup holder in the door. slam the door & say goodbye to your leather seats etc. In that case I'd take my chances with the wear & tear of door mtd controls.

also, the center mounted controls somewhat neutralize the window lock-out feature.

promike

I have had my eye on the Liberty ever since I bought my wife her RAV 4. I liked her Rav so much that I set out looking for somehing with a little more power. The Liberty looks like the real deal. I took my first test drive yesterday and found it to be a much heavier and more powerful vehicle than the RAV. I was driving with a salesman with the windows up, air on, and radio off. As soon as we got above 40mph I noticed and commented on the wind noise. It sounded like a window was open or a door was not shut tight. The salesman started checking all of the doors and windows, but everything seemed to be closed. I then drove onto to the xway and it got worse. Has anyone else experienced this? I liked everything else so much that I am going to take a ride in another one with my son to see if this is the norm. In the meantime any comments would be appreciated. I'm ready to order except for this one problem.

hotcoffee

I don't but it.

The swith is the only thing that moved... you can beat on those with a hammer.

If they managed to move the motor and its mount for the window elsewhere, I think THAT would be a big deal.. but that really couldn't be done.

I thought the new placement was great anyway. Your right hand while cruising is usually on the center rest anyway.

mad0865

I too tried that with the rear windows down & the front ones up, same noise. Then, took a drive with my bud's Isuzu Rodeo. Driving at about 50mph, and me sitting in the back, I cracked the rear window. Guess what? Same exact sound. I think it may be the dynamics of the body type that creates that noise, because it's not just the Liberty experiencing that. On the other hand, another friend of mine in his Exploder doesn't get that sound at all.

As for the windows control, my old Cavalier z24 had the switches in the center too, and I really liked it better. No water gets on those when driving in the rain with the window cracked open.

-mad

hotcoffee

I must have been drunk when I posted that. (2 posts back)...a spelling DISASTER.

What I meant was- I don't think the slamming of doors has as much impact on a solid state switch as it does on the motor itself. And the motor remains in the door.

There is not a lot of force on such a lightweight part like the switch.

That motor is fairly hefty and swung 3 feet could do some shaking.

I think DC did it to be different. Not a big deal. The inside door panel looks nice bare of a lot of switches.

When I looked at the Lib- I LIKED this feature.

Even though I didn't buy one.

indylowflyer

due to DC trying to reduce costs? Is it less costly to put in the middle instead of mounting on the door?

xmf314

I once owned an '87 Chrysler Le Baron Coupe with window switches on the console. Although at first it seemed odd, I quickly got used to the console mounting, and it seemed like a natural place for them to be located.

lilshug

Jeep is not the 1st to use the center console for window switches. It does prevent the switches from getting wet in the rain. Also, I don't know if its coincidence, I doubt it, but Mercedes Benz uses the same set up.

hotcoffee

SAAB too.

Although no relation to DC.

whitetek

My Liberty has over 1,000 miles on it and I have never experienced any excessive wind noise while driving it under any conditions. With all the windows up, it should be quite quiet. On the other hand, I have test driven 2 different Ford Escapes, and have noticed a great deal of wind noise, engine noise, and just too much noise period. The Liberty is like a library when you compare it to an Escape.

pjd1

1.As far as wind noise is concerned, I've got 3,600 miles on my wife's Liberty and no appreciable noise at highway or other speeds.
Though I did notice a slight increase in noise
above 65mph when I put the factory window vent shades on the car. Still, a very tight,quiet ride in general. I check out another Liberty or look for faulty door or window gaskets.

2.Center console switches:
I'm guessing that this is done for cost savings. My Land Rover has center mounted window switches as did some of my Volvo's. I believe it is done to allow for the companies to easily convert to either left or right hand drive without disturbing the window wiring. Just a guess though.

drew_

pjd, you've got it! It's partly for all of the aforementioned items, but also for cost reasons. After all of these decades, MB has finally relented to customer demands and has started moving the window controls to the doors as well. A pity really.

Regarding the wind buffeting, it happens to all vehicles not just SUVs. There is a very simple reason and a good analogy would be what happens when you blow across the top of an open bottle. What happens? You can a resonance. The same thing happens when you roll down the window or open a moonroof. Moonroof or Venshade deflectors really do work, simply by redirecting much of the airflow over the opening. Also, if you drive above 40 mph with your windows open, you'll start to have a significant effect on fuel economy since the open window causes more drag. It's better to use the A/C with the windows rolled up.


Drew
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cncman

I was really looking forward to the release of the liberty, I need something to go camping/hiking and to the beach etc. And the liberty is one of the best looking SUV's I have seen, I had been thinking of a used Cherokee 4x4, but I figured I would wait and see the new liberty. I was so disappointed, first of all, it was alot smaller than I thought, it looks bigger on the outside, the cargo space with the seats up is almost non existant, and with the seats down, they aren't flat! Unless maybe I was doing something wrong, but I don't think so. The exterior and interior looked very good and it did feel more comfortable than the cherokee, but some of the controls were awkward, I did not like the PW controls on the center console in the rear, and I had to lean forward out of the seat to get the auto out of park. Then the tailgate is that terrible design like a rodeo, you can't open the thing in a tight parking space, and with that heavy spare on the gate, how long do you think until the gate sags and doesn't close right? I guess I could have gotten over most of this except the size until I saw where the gas tank was, anyone see it? It is BEHIND the rear axle! I know I would always be worried when I was at a stop that someone would rear end me and I would go up in flames! It's too bad, I really wanted to like it, but there are somethings that really bugged me, it did ride nice and I am sure it would handle most of the rough stuff off road, but I think I will continue to look.
MY $.02.

hotcoffee

Some of the same things bothered me when I was looking at the Liberty.

I prefer a spare stowed underneath more for reasons of rear impact, but also the hinge stress.

The flip up rear window does seem to dump water into the truck when flipped up.

I don't mind the window switches.

My main complaint, like yours was that all the rear space with back seat up, is vertical... lots of headroom, but little useable space.

Actually, my biggest reservation was the first model year on a Jeep product. I have owned two- and love them when all is right- but had my share of problems.

I love the full time 4 on the selec-trac.

I ended up going with the proven dependability of a Nissan- my second.

The XTerra has more useable space. the SE comes standard with ABS, sunroof, limited slip, skid plates and is available in a 5 speed (I hear the Liberty will be too, someday).

My only 3 complaints about the Xterra are that it came with tires that were sub-par which I upgraded immediately. And that in the auto transmission it feels underpowered (which I think it is) Get a 5 speed- or new supercharged version in auto. The regular 6cyl Feels similar to a Wrangler 4.0 in power with 5 speed. Lastly, X has traditional 4wd for use only on loose surfaces- which is not a big deal- but full time option is a great luxury. Also, don't expect great fuel economy 16/19 on X vs 16/20 on Liberty (similar).

The things I love about it are too many to list. Parked mine for the first time (with the new tires on it) next to the Liberty, and hands down the X was more appealing. I love the truck-like ride. It is smooth, but firm and you just feel good in it. "It is what it is" and does in no way try to be a car, or cater to the "I want a cushy car ride" crowd.

And it has one of the most trouble-free engines ever built.

I have been off road in it and it crawls through about anything.

Go to the Xterra board and ask some questions- great people there. I think you'll see why it is a great alternative for the same or less money.

A pic of mine:

http://www.mouseparty.com/xterra/new/x_r.jpg

Good luck- I think the Liberty and the X are the best out there without making you broke. The Trooper is a great truck- but pretty bland.

keninplacitas

hotcoffee, I just wanted to write and wish you the best of luck on your continuing quest toward justifying your purchase of the Xterra. I can imagine the pain you feel when you see the Liberty continually win out against it's direct competitors in the magazine reviews.

stever

While this isn't a "comparision" topic, as long as it's civil, members are welcome to discuss cars here on Town Hall, and those posts where members expound on what they like as well as dislike about various cars are especially useful.

Steve
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accountstudent

Hi everyone:
Just got my new Lib and love it except for pulling hard to the right going over 30mph. A service manager said it was the crown of the road, but it pulls right even in the left lane whre it should pull left according to this theory. Also, he informed me Chrysler is investigating defective prop shafts, leading to vibration at highway speed (which I experience also). Anybody else have any experiences like this. Thanks.

hotcoffee

I was responding to someone's quest for an SUV in which I was had been a similar position.

Notice I didn't only sing the Xterra's praises but pointed out its shortcomings as well.

I praised much about the Liberty too.

And see the last sentence of my post a couple ago:
"...Good luck- I think the Liberty and the X are the best out there without making you broke...."

I suggest you read more carefully before flaming an alternate opinion.

I also posted in this FORUM weeks ago to look at the Motor Trend Article and how well the Liberty did. Just because someone chooses a different vehicle and goes to the board of their second choice doesn't mean they are regretting their decision.

winbro

I dont recall Cr-V owners complaining of the rear door stress caused by the mounted spare tire.

mad0865

Whitetek: The wind noise I described was with the front windows up and the rear down. Like Drew explained, even cars experience that same wind noise. With all of the windows up, it's very quiet and comfortable.

HotCoffee: I really like the color of your X. Good luck with it. Question: What do you do with the wet-basket that sits over the sun roof?

Center Switches: Personally, I'm already used to them. Since I drive with my right arm on the center console, left arm steering it's nice to not having to shift positions to lower a window, or lock out the window controls. Not to crazy about the PW controls in the back, but hey, I'm the driver and don't sit back there too often.

Rear space: Hey, my dog seems comfortable back there, so it's gotta be better than sitting in the back seat of my taurus. At least she can stand (yellow lab) or lay down comfortably. Personally, I think the room is sufficient.

-mad

winbro

agree on the windows; I'm already used to them.

storage space? last daughter just going to college so it's just me & spouse now - liberty size & storage area is perfect.

one wish (personal) - the liberty does not need the ashtray & lighter (my intrigue comes with a portable ashtray that fits in one of the cupholders)- space could be used better for coin storage or reshaped into sunglass holder etc. - smokers feel free to disagree.

first fill-up (after initial fill-up) today. AVG 16.2mpg. At 1/8 tank left the car took 14.3 gallons on the 18 gallon tank. The overhead trip computer DTE (distance to empty) told me 34 miles just before I filled up. If I was on the highway, I'd imagine I could go at least 50-60 based on the 14.3 it took. but judging from the 1/8 tank my gauge showed, to the amount it took, I'd also say that on the liberty "E" is pretty much "E". no reserve tank like some where on E you still have 3 gallons left.

hotcoffee

The wet basket is a nice standard feature that easily comes off with a couple of hand screws.

On the SE (sunroof standard)- it completely makes the sunroof worthless. The XE has no sunroof to interfere with.

The sunroof is, essentially just a window with a vent anyway- because the hump in the roof prohibits a sliding mechanism.

It is great (the wet basket), however, for dirty, stinky, scummy wet stuff that you don't want inside. And easily re-attaches.

Thanks for the kind words on an X on the Liberty board.

chirsh

"Just got my new Lib and love it except for pulling hard to the right going over 30mph. A service manager said it was the crown of the road, but it pulls right even in the left lane where it should pull left according to this theory."
I too had this problem and promptly took it to my dealership. They said it needed a wheel alignment. It solved the problem completely. No more pulling to the right . Just tell them to align the wheels or take it to another dealer if they are stupid.

mad0865

I had read on other posts about new vehicles coming off of the rail cars with alignment issues (not just the Liberty). Apparently, it's not that uncommon. Haven't experienced it yet.

HotCoffee: You're welcome. It really is a sharp color. My friend has the Frontier and that thing just keeps running.

-mad

keninplacitas

Sorry hotcoffee. Just went through a change in medication and sometimes I get unjustifiably abrupt. You didn't deserve that. The Xterra is one of the great ones. You made a good choice.

nik70

Just ordered a Liberty Limited w/ 27G package (leather, tinted windows, etc.) and got it at invoice price. Didn't order anything under restriction so hopefully we'll have it in the next month.

Any thoughts on the price we got? It just seemed too easy to get invoice price which makes me worry....

djasonw

Hi All... I haven't chimed in for a while but I've been here reading all your comments. The reason I cancelled was due to the wait time. I was still in BX and wanted a white limited loaded. My lease is expiring on my loaded 99 Explorer Sport (only has 28,000 miles). I decided to buy it and also bought a 2002 Mercedes C Coupe.

I still LOVE the Liberty and believe that is has definitely taken away sales from its main competitors. To those of you who complained about wind noise... well I drove the car at 80 and it was VERY quiet. I also drove an Xterra and it was crude compared to the Liberty. That's not to say it's a bad choice... just not as refined. I believe Nissan makes great products and I would consider the X if it had a selec-trac like trans. I am SURE that's coming soon. I wonder how the supercharged version is? Also, power switches in the middle are something you get used to fairly quickly.

Good luck to everyone... I'll still be here and hopefully in a few years I'll be driving a LIB without the wait. Oh.. one last comment... I WISH the Lib had rear discs and some type of stability control (come' on MB..share!!!!) My $24k 2002 MB has ESP!!!!

Jason

anthony921

.....ask your 2002 Mercedes C Coupe what I'm thinking right now? :-)

mad0865

I thought it was ESB? Good luck on your purchases.

-mad

hotcoffee

Yup- you can't go wrong with a Liberty or Xterra- the best looking/performing 4x4's on the road for the $$. Both have their unique personalities and features....

The PERFECT vehicle is probably a combination of the two (maybe mix in the fuel economy of a VW bug too!).

tonysracing

Someone over on the Jeepsunlimited.com Liberty board posted this link. It's a 2" suspension lift by Rusty's Offroad. It was an aftermarket kit but was installed by the dealer. I think it looks spectacular, maybe when mine needs tires I'll look into this. Maybe we can get some opinions from all those who don't feel the Libby will be a serious off-roader?

http://jeep.gordon-zone.com/

Tony

winbro

my dealer took a dark garnet red limited w/gkg & tow pkg and put a drop down entertainment system in the ceiling for the rear passengers (kids) similar to the chevy venture. features a 9" LCD screen & hook-up for play station etc.