Jeep Liberty

sasquatch_2000

Does anyone have the "A" package?

That sounds more like what I would get anyhow. I might get that, then add the towing or offroad package (if I didn't do it myself aftermarket) and maybe engine block heater, etc.

If you DID get "A" package, where, and what did you pay for it?

bagldot

Just picked my Liberty up this week (love it for the most part) but I'm not impressed with the back seats either. What were they thinking? If it's a big deal and you know you are going to be haulin' a lot of stuff regularly, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere. I know I will need that extra room from time to time for work supplies and I will have to figure out a way to live with it. I will be looking at ways to stack vertically.

rsholland

The Liberty weighs in around 4100 pounds, a good 800 pounds or so more than a Rav4. Unlike the Rav4, and other "true" mini-SUVs, it's built extremely rugged—hence the extra weight—to tackle off-road and towing issues.

In my book the Liberty in not a mini-SUV.

Bob

djasonw

I picked up my Lib yesterday and all I can say is that this vehicle has extremely good quality for the money. I happen to drive a Mercedes C320 (2001)and can not believe how tight this vehicle is. Time will tell if it stays this tight. I truly believe that the Toledo factory has much to do with the high quality of the vehicle.

I've only driven it for 25 miles or so. The ride is firm but certainly not punishing like my former Explorer Sport. The switchgear feels nice and I don't feel claustrophobic in the cockpit. I used to drive my wife's RX300 and my right leg always was restrained by the design of the cockpit. Not so in the Lib. The instrumentation is nice too, especially at night. My only complaints so far are what I consider a lumpy idle. I believe this is somewhat inherent in this engine as my friends JGC V8 4.7 exhibits the same tendency (similar engines from what I read). Keep in mind that I am used to the MB so I maybe too picky. At any rate, I am taking the Lib up to my PA country house this weekend. I will report back after the weekend. Good luck to all.

sasquatch_2000

I never said it WAS a mini anything.

What I said is that I compare based on my needs. Budget is one of those. If I can get a bigger, stronger, better car for the same price, I will do it. I think the Liberty is a step or two or three above CRV,RAV,Santa,Escape, etc.

It is a step below some others.

Each must judge for themselves. Isn't the FREE MARKET wonderful?

:-)

sasquatch_2000

Is the Liberty available with front and/or rear bench seats?

Thanks.

rmk17

iggycat... Thanks for the encouragment about waiting for my order. You've been waiting a lot longer than I have, so I shouldn't complain. I agree about arranging financing ahead of time. If I can walk into the dealership with a decent rate, the finance guys can either beat it or I go with what I have in hand, pretty simple!

djasonw... Congratulations on picking up your Liberty. I love the Patriot Blue and can't wait until mine comes in. Hope it arrives before the snow, which punished us last December here in the Windy City!

winbro

I agree with the lumpy idle - was gonna ask dealer when I get 1st oil change about it. mostly when cold and its NOT annoying at all - but like you said - could be the nature of the beast

lyngo

You have a great board...I haven't noticed much flaming...really none, just mild disagreements Thanks for the welcome...I always have fun!

lilshug

I ordered my July 18th....didn't stress it. I figured I'll just check back in a month to see if I hear anything. (This is actually the 2nd Liberty I ordered... I had changed dealerships...1st order without ABS came in about a month) Called on the 18th of August to find out delivery status...found out that it hadn't been built yet!!!! Panic set in for a minute...finally called the DC# and was advised that it should be built sometime next week. Rep also estimated a delivery date about two weeks after the Liberty is built. That puts me at about a 10 week wait for a Lib with ABS (and sunroof!)

Keeping my fingers crossed!

bobcatbob

According to the US Government standards, the Liberty IS a mid-sized sport utility based off of its wheelbase and overall weight. That Jeep calls is a small sport ute is a semantical arguement, but then again it does carry as much or less cargo than some small sport utes....

Argie all you want, but these labels are odd. Afterall, the PT Cruiser is a "sport utility" as well.

dacotah

Dos anyone have a picture of a Woodland Brown Liberty, they could post?

Thanks

mad0865

Yes. My yellow lab is only about 65lbs and she can easily turn around. She's not much for sticking her head out the window tho' (must have something to do with that bee that she swallowed).

-mad

tonyfjr

Mine is in K status..I guess it shipped..They can't tell I guess. They said about 14 days to delivery. I live in Cincinnati, OH.. Truthfully, when do you think I can expect delivery? Would mine be on a train or a truck..Also does the train or trucking company drive on Sat or Sundays? Thanks.

winbro

not very far - this will come by truck any day

djasonw

Thanks rmk.... Hang in there... it's worth the wait... I am one of these people that HAS to have it yesterday. I called ten dealers and found what I wanted. I did not want a LOADED Limited... I only have the dark tint, ABS, Selec trac and overhead console. I have a 140 mile drive tonight so it should be interesting to report back on Monday.

Winbro... let me know what they say about the "lumpy idle". I can live with it but for some strange reason, I think it can be improved. I am TOO much of a perfectionist.

Have a good weekend all!!!

LIB On!!

tonyfjr

The Dealer called.. I can pick up my Liberty tomorrow night !!! (11 weeks later)

n40

Question: Has anyone tried to "remove" the rear seats if space is such an issue (don't fold flat etc.)? Not good for rear passengers, but would give one much more space. Maybe a bad idea? Get out the tool box? No one has mentioned if this is even possible, so I am just tossing out a suggestion. I should probably toss out the entire question. Be nice.

justintx

so is it pretty much 10-12 weeks after ordering??

snafu4

It does look like 10-12 weeks is the average wait for folks ordering a Lib. That means I've got appx. 7-9 weeks left to go then! I think I'm going to need some Prozac.

tonyfjr

Yeah realistically it is about 10-12 weeks. I ordered mine on June 12th (Liberty Lmtd. ABS, Sunroof, Heated Seats) and I am picking mine up tomorrow (Friday Aug. 24) night. So yeah it took a little over 10 weeks for mine. I needed whatever I could to wait for this. I bugged and bugged DC and the dealer, but it is finally here !!! YES!!! Rejoice....

lyngo

Check out the first part of the messages (somewhere under #174) there's a great photo of it at the Detroit Auto Show...they introduced the Liberty in Woodland Brown. It *is* beautiful.

lyngo

and are picking it up this week...razzberries to you and I'm green with envy BIGTIME I won't be able to order mine till Monday because my dh is out of town on business. Ideally, the dealer would be able to locate one but I want it fully loaded, sunroof...all the pkgs, etc so highly doubtful.

btw, I have always wanted a black with dark windows...my dh is trying to talk me out of it (he likes the salsa red) whaddya think? If you've ever owned a black car/truck...would you again? If not, why not? dang I want black

rsholland

Every black Liberty I've seen, Sport and Limited, looks great. Good choice!

Bob

iggycat

A word of caution on getting any vehicle in black - it looks great when you drive it off the lot and for a few weeks/months after. But you will probably kick yourself later on. Black is very hard to keep clean, it shows every speck of dust, every scratch, swirl mark, etc. You will eventually wish that you got a color that doesn't show as many imperfections.

My parents had two black Explorers. They were both great looking when new, but hard to keep clean and showed every scratch. After that hassle, their third Explorer is white.

You also should take into consideration the summer heat. Depending on where you live, black is a bad color in the summer.
Just something to consider. Get whatever you like, but be prepared to face the reality of having a black vehicle after you drive it off the lot. ;-)

winbro

went out to the ATM & to fill up my liberty tonight. We are taking my daughter to college tomorrow morning (more on that later). On the way home I was stopped at a traffic light (4 lanes). to my right was a grand cherokee and in back of me was a cherokee sport. all we needed was a wrangler to complete the group. I did notice the GC eyeing me a little.

as far as the college thing, I started loading the liberty with the bigger part of the back seat down, then I realized that I could get away with just the smaller seat down & still fit loads of stuff in. I was worried about the space problem but rest assured, this holds a lot. heres what I got in:

1 - 36"x18"x18" rubbermaid storage container w/lid
1 - 13" tv
1 - 4' duffle bag
1 - boom box
1 - carry-on type suitcase
1 - backpack
2 - paper shopping bags
1 - poster in a cardboard tube
2 - tennis rackets
1 - garment bag
1 - med size duffle

needless to say, I was impressed on how much this holds.

hotcoffee

Your dog is safest in a tight spot, just enough room to turn around.

It allows less room for the dog to travel before hitting the rear seat in a frontal collision or quick stop. In effect it restrains the critter.

Also- it makes my dog bored, not being able to be all over and he tends to lay down and go to sleep on longer tris... in this position he is much safer. He will contact a larger area on the back seat.

bagldot

Sorry to hear about your windshield, I feel for you since we had to replace a windshield on our Camry earlier this year.

Anyway - just wondering if you're one of the first/only Liberty owners in your area. Noticed you are from Moosic. I was in you neck of the woods on the weekend (Hamlin/Lake Ariel) and didn't see any! I thought for sure I would see at least one on the road on the way up there - but none on Route 80, 15, 206, 84 or local roads. You must be thrilled to be one of the first. I'll be looking again on Labor Day weekend. Good luck with the repair.

tonysracing

I used to see one every couple days before i picked mine up, but since then I havent seen one! That will be three weeks today. That even includes a trip to Philly. The closest dealer has 5 and hasn't sold one in about a month and a half, but that doesnt surprise me because he hasn't moved any other vehicles either, kind of a poor dealership. Lake Ariel is about 1/2 hour from me. Im getting the itch to do some light trails, anyone know of any in Northeast PA?

Tony

ryag

I've been reading this sight for a couple of weeks and have been impressed by the information shared. I have been looking at the Liberty since it came out but decided to wait until I see one I want-ABS moonroof etc. We own a PT Cruiser and would buy another but two of the same seems odd. Just a comment on quality,our cruiser has 27,000 miles on it and not one thing has gone wrong, it is a solid well made car.I believe Chrysler has got its act together and are turning out very well made vehicles. One last thing on storage,the cruiser's back seats fold and tumble plus can be removed like a suitcase(a heavy suitcase)but I took it for granted the Liberty did the same. I'll have to look again..I feel rushed by a lot of these salespeople. Thank You.

sasquatch_2000

What (other than Designated Hitter) does DH stand for?

nnamdk

I just purchased a new Liberty (Bright Silver Limited w/ g package etc.) and love it! The dealer is pushing an extra protective coating for the paint. He says it protects against Bird droppings tree sap etc and has some sort of warranty. My wife's workplace is wooded and she parks it under trees (has no choice) and in three days there are already some sap spots. Is the coating worth it? If it is so important why doesn't DC add it at the factory? If we can send people into outer space why can't we figure out how to make paint that won't be hurt by tree sap and bird ---- (droppings)?

bagldot

Tony - I'm not a good one to ask about trails as I'm not an offroader, just highway person. THe only trails I know of are around the woods and fields on my relatives farm in Hamlin. My husband would take the kids for rides in his old Willys Jeep just to take 'em fishing. Hope you find what you're lookin' for.

sasquatch_2000

Just have your wife bring a king size sheet with some sand sewn into each corner. She can just throw this over the car when she gets to work. The sheet will take the brunt of the sap, poop, etc.

snafu4

I would suggest you NOT buy the dealer protective coating. What he's selling is simply Jeep brand wax, no matter what he tells you. And you'll pay WAY too much for it. You will get excellent paint protection by using Premium car waxes like Meguiar's or Mothers California Gold. 3M also makes a very nice professional wax you can get from car shops. Wash your car once a week in a shaded spot (not in direct sunlight). Use a quality shammy to wipe off the excess water. Wax at least four times a year, if not more, and only wax and rub off one small area of the car at a time. Once a year, use a mild car paint cleaner or polishing compound to remove oxidant buildup. Scrub off excess wax along molding lines etc. with a soft to medium toothbrush. And don't forget the interior! If you use the quality waxes and shammy's you'll have no problem with bird droppings.

lyndag

I'm thinking about buying a liberty. I know they have a 5000lb. towing capacity, but has anyone actually done any towing? How does it handle? I have a 3000 lb. boat to tow. I would appreciate any comments on the towing capability.

drmod

DH stands for Dear Hubby (husband)

basepro09

Went to a local dealership by my work yesterday and took with me 3 coworkers. One question, the air intake was at the very top of the engine. Is this the water level point for forging? One of my coworkers told me that a hose from the differential is like a vent and that's where the water forging point would be, wherever the hose ends. Offroaders please respond, or anyone that knows.

Anyway, we all clmbed in the Lib with the salesman included. 2 guys and a girl in the back with myself driving and the salesman up front. They reported plenty of leg room, but a little to close for comfort in the hip room area. And you can forget about putting a drink in the door. Basically a long trip with 5 adults is kind of a stretch, of course varying on size of adults.

I think I really scared the salesman when I started pushing 70 on the street passing cars up a hill. I also got a true reaction from the passengers on a sudden brake check, basically it was like DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN! But they were safe and secured.

I wish I could just take one home right now, instead of having to wait until next year. Not having enough money while starting a family and still living at home is a real hassle. But good things come to those who wait and they'd better.

Matt

lyngo

drmod nailed it...dh can also stand for d**n husband depending on the time of month and/or mood tho mines pretty cool..thank GOD

as for the black color for the liberty...thanks guys for the opinions...I guess I should know better because I have a black stove that I totally regret getting...get all kinds of smears when trying to windex off...spend way too much time on it. But you know what, I *still* want the black!! I did see the shale green at a dealer and liked it but just not as fired up about it. I have between now and Monday (when I'm going to order) to decide *sigh*

thanks for the welcome sasquatch (cool name!)

oh btw, I haven't seen one Liberty on the freeways and I live in Southern Calif...you'd think I'd see tons tho I do live 70 mi away from the highest concentration (LA)...I've got my eyes peeled...one good thing about that is we'll be 'unique'

Which reminds me...think we'll get *the* Jeep wave from the Wrangler diehards?!? you know, the one hand on the steering wheel and lift the fingers off very casually and slowly like 'yep, I'm cool' ha ha ha I always crack up when my 'dh' does that...Wrangler owners speak a secret language LOL

justintx

thanks for the response...
do you guys think it would be faster if i didn't want the abs?.... i heard somewhere abs was late avail.
thanks

laboutj

I just sold a black 96 Grand Cherokee. I have to agree with the other posts. Black is VERY difficult to maintain. It does look beautiful at first, but you'll get water spots and swirl marks (especially if you go to a car wash that uses nylon bristles). I just bought 2001 Grand Cherokee in Steel Blue. And if I didn't get a great deal on the Grand, I would have gotten the Liberty in the same color too. Blue or silver will hide dust and grime the best, IMO.

Ted

arjay1

Jeep should publish what the safe fording depth is. This was discussed early in this forum.
Unfortunately, most of the untrained Jeep sales persons will have no idea what the depth is.
Your friend is correct. There is probably a vent tube from the differentials. You don't want to get water above this.
My guess, your safe fording depth will be no more than 18 inches. My Landrover Discovery had a safe depth of about 18 to 20 inches and that vehicle sits a little higher.
Anything deeper than that get complicated. You will need a plastic shroud in front of the radiator to keep the fan from sucking in water and spraying the engine. Not to mention, things getting wet that were not meant to in the electrical area.

sasquatch_2000

I'd work on the buns at the same time as the abs. Maybe the bi's too.

:-)

lyngo

hmmm, I want the abs too...if it slows down the wait much, I can do without so I'm interested in the response you get too!

as for the abs workout LOL good one!

lyngo

ohhhk...I'm seriously getting cold feet on the black. Why is it tho all the black ones I see on the road look great! And some are older too...well, anyway, I'm on my way over to a dealer to look at the salsa red (finally located one). I'm going to ask my two neighbors who have a black 4-runner and Ford truck if they'd buy another black one or if they regret it but the votes against are stacking up

burger5

I went to a dealership on 8/23 in the Chicagoland area, they had 13 on hand - both sports and limiteds. Is there an option that the dealers aren't ordering that everyone else is?

sasquatch_2000

I have a black Wrangler (talk about hard to keep clean!).

Really, they look great when clean, but ARE a little difficult to keep that way.

Then again, it worked for Henry Ford.

As far as heat, who cares, open the windows! Not a problem in the Wrangler.

:-)

nik70

I live in Chicago and ordered one. All the dealerships I went to had Sports and Limiteds in only certain colors (and many of them were loaded)...lots of red, patriot blue, silver in the Limited. I wanted green or steel blue with Leather -- not sunroof, ABS, heated seats, etc.

We got great service/price from Fields in Northfield. The dealership in Evanston and Schaumburg wouldn't touch their quote. Napleton's in the city tried to mess around with our trade-in price.

justintx

someplace else i've been checking is www.carmax.com

it is a little know fact that they have new car dealerships too! the prices are the best i've seen but like most dealerships they are at the mercy of what is sent to them. i can't seem to find the right combinations of options.
i'm looking for a 27G, sunroof, tow and off road. the off road seems to be the deal breaker most often. looks like i may be putting the order in soon and joining most of you in the pain of waiting. : (

stever