Jeep Liberty

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Comments

  • mad0865mad0865 Member Posts: 176
    Interesting article. At the end, they state:
    What did this rollover prove? *W didn’t set out to prove anything; there was an accident under extreme conditions that don’t parallel those seen in daily driving. The incident demonstrates yet again that SUVs handle differently than do cars at the limits.

    I cringe when I see someone in a SUV doing double lane changes on the highway. The vehicles were not meant to be driven like that. They're to high off the ground (center of gravity) with off road tires. If you drive carefully and don't make double lane changes at excessive speeds, you won't flip your SUV, regardless if it's a Liberty or an Explorer.

    Accidents happen. My g/f flipped her Mountaineer ('97) when a deer jumped out onto the road. Instead of hitting it, she tried to avoid it and flipped it twice, shattering every single piece of glass and walking away with a few bumps and bruises. No frame damage, but a lot of scratches and dents, and no it wasn't totaled either.
  • bobcatbobbobcatbob Member Posts: 187
    Well, maybe it is the cynic in me, but I don't think that many SUV or car owners actually think when driving their vehicles.

    Many of those who are not used to the performance characteristics of an SUV don't know the operational limits, just as they don't know what one is like off-road becasue they don; take them off-road. It's like a person buying the latest techno toy and not knowing how to use it properly.

    I know that a few people think the Liberty to be "tippy" and this article shows that to be true.

    Finally, I' disagree with Chrysler's assessment that "these types of manuevers never happen in the real world." I think the last few months in this world have shown that what we formerly thought was impossible, is actually possible. Now, before I get flamed for comparing an SUV to a horrible tragedy, my point is simply, we as people get wedded to notions and believe that they cannot change.
  • fleetguyfleetguy Member Posts: 2
    Hi. Does anyone out there have the upgraded (Infinity) speakers, or have you heard them? If so, is there a noticeable difference in sound quality? I would appreciate the input. Thanks.
  • scnamescname Member Posts: 296
    There's blood in the street. Consumer report must be getting their Liberty now.
  • winbrowinbro Member Posts: 235
    agree

    consumer reports are like vampires when they smell any SUV blood. extreme conditions or not.

    I have lost all confidence (what little I had in them anyway) in CR. and that goes for appliance ratings etc... as well
  • ladylibertyladyliberty Member Posts: 24
    Hi, boy sure is quiet here for a holiday weekend.
    Could someone tell me what exactly does "Your order is in D schedule" mean?
    When I called DC last week to check on my Liberty. This is what I was told.
    It will be 3wks tomorrow since I ordered, I was just wondering if it was in D schedule when do they usually start to build?
    Also, Has anyone in MA. heard anymore about whether we will have a free sale's tax period?
    I heard mention of the 1st & 2nd of Dec., but nothing definite.
    Thanks!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I doubt it'll happen. Janey and the gang just got the budget done 4.5 months late!!
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    Hi Ladyliberty,
    A few weeks ago I called DC about my Liberty and at the time they told me it was D schedule. Menaing it is just waiting its turn to be built. Mine was also in that state for many many weeks. That was because of the hold on the sunroofs. You should call DC back and see if you can get an estimated timeframe as to when it will be built. When I asked they told me a week or two. They were right ... it was built within a week of me calling and was shipped a week later. Now I am just waiting around for my Liberty.
    Hope you do get your liberty soon and that you do not have to wait as long as I have...week #11 (maybe 12).
    Good Luck!!!
    --gypsy--
  • basepro09basepro09 Member Posts: 91
    I got the plastic piece on my driver door fixed and everything else is gong great. I'm not sure what kind of gas mileage I'm getting though. But I love the gas prices here in So. Cal. Anyway, hope everyones enjoying their Liberty's.

    Matt
  • basepro09basepro09 Member Posts: 91
    I really want a 4wd, but I bought a 2wd Liberty because of money. Now, when I try to refinance next year down to a 5yr loan and a lower apr, would it be possible to maybe trade in my current 2wd Liberty and purchase a new 4wd Liberty. I'll have more money and if I can get a lower rate, I could possibly do it. Does this sound right or like it would work. Do you think I could get the dealer to pay it off?

    Matt
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    This may sound a bit silly... but does the Liberty come with Daytime Running Lights? I just got off the phone with my insurance agent and he asked me that question... my reply "I have no idea". So does anyone out there know if the Liberty LE come with this feature?

    --gypsy--
  • vin_weaselvin_weasel Member Posts: 237
    They're mandatory in Canada and all our vehicles have them but I don't know about the US.
  • danijeepdanijeep Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a Jeep Liberty 2WD Limited. It was a demo model - so it had 4,700 miles on it. The car does NOT have antilock breaks. Anyway when I was driving on the freeway - above 50 miles an hour the car pulled to the right. I actually lost control of the vehicle. I was fortunately able to stop. I took it in and ha the alignment adjusted - it now seems fine. However, I am scared to death to drive the car above 45 miles an hour. I can't handle freeways at all - I went from an Acura Integra to this car. I loved it until I had this problem. I live in Miami Beach its pretty windy. Does anyone have any advise on driving the car? My friends have drove it and feel the car is fine - they think its just me.
  • ladylibertyladyliberty Member Posts: 24
    Hi Matt, I am not an expert, but I believe that if you go to trade in a 2wd Liberty you will loose a great deal of money as it will depreciate a lot over the next year. The dealer will not give you what it is worth. They may say they will take it and pay off your loan but, then ad thousands onto the cost of your new 4wd which would defeat your wanting the same payments or lower. My salesman said they will not even order a 2wd without a large down payment because they do not want to get stuck with it. You may want to sell it yourself. Also, as for refiancing your auto loan. I believe you would then have to get a personal loan or a home equity loan(if you own a home). Which you must have excellent credit to get a "lower rate". I have not heard of going from one Auto loan to another. So maybe hang onto the 2wd until you have a little more money. Then sell yourself, payoff your current auto loan and then apply for a new loan for your new 4wd.
    Hope this helps.
    Good luck!
  • ericbwayericbway Member Posts: 19
    LadyLiberty, if they gave you the info you are D Status, they SHOULD be able to give you an estimated shipping date. It could be D status for weeks...or just days. They should have a build date soon.

    Gypsy, no running lights standard on the liberty that I know of or have read. Your sticker would say so, and I have not seen anything in the manual.

    DaniJeep, there have been an inordinate amount of Liberty's that pulled right, but upon alignment they have been fixed fine. Between shipping a bad set-up, and if the person who drove those 4700 miles did not fix it it only got worse, thne that could explain it. Also make sure that the pressure in your tires is 33PSI.

    Gypsy....are you loving your Liberty as much as I am so far?
  • mad0865mad0865 Member Posts: 176
    No, the Jeep Liberty does not have the running lights (at least not in the US). I have heard people using their fog lamps as daytime lights, but that's about it. 4000 miles and driving awesome!

    -mad
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    Hi Eric,
    I wish I could say that I am enjoying every mile with my new liberty but I cannot. I am still waiting for my baby. Last week I spoke with DC and the rep. told me that it was shipped on Monday (Nov.19) but not to expect it until the first week in December. I am going to call my dealer today to see if he knows where exactly it is. I am getting too excited.
    ---gypsy--
  • basepro09basepro09 Member Posts: 91
    Thanks for the advice, I will definitely have to research it more before I do anything rash.

    Matt
  • klbrmbklbrmb Member Posts: 41
    I have seen some discussion on the board re: the liberty coming with a standard tire cover. I got mine back in Aug. and it did not come with a cover. I called the dealership to inquire re: what I had read on the board and they thought I was out of my mind. Could any of you provide some more info on this.

    Thanks,
    Kat
  • paulag2paulag2 Member Posts: 2
    I just got my dear Liberty on Friday -- a lovely Patriot Blue 4WD Sport. Got a great deal too I might add :-).

    Today I took it to get my aftermarket stereo equipment installed & the problem I am running into is that there is no Antenna adapter available for the Liberty yet. Tweeter said they don't know when there will be one since this is some new type of antenna & none of the adapters they have will work.

    Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know when Jeep might be providing one for aftermarket stereo stuff?

    Lastly, does anyone know of any phone #'s for Jeep where I can inquire about this? I put a call into the salesman who sold me the car to see what I can find out -- but I've found the bunch on this messageboard to be more knowledgeable about these things than most salespeople.

    Thanks in advance..
    _
    Paula
  • paulag2paulag2 Member Posts: 2
    Kat,

    From what I learned there doesn't seem to be any "standard tire cover" included with the Liberty. At least not with the Sports (don't know about the Limited......). You can choose to order one of 3 different kinds from Jeep, though, but you pay for that extra.

    That's all I know from my experience....

    _Paula
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    I ended up calling DC since I was getting mixed replies to my question regarding the Liberty coming with a spare tire cover. The rep I spoke with told me that my Liberty was shipped with a spare tire cover. I did order the Limited Edition Liberty so I am not sure if that makes a difference. At least I can take the $40.00 I was going to spend on a tire cover and put it towards the taillight guards.

    --gypsy--
  • ericbwayericbway Member Posts: 19
    Somewhere not so far back, there is a thread where someone explained why the Liberty now comes with a spare tiire cover as standard. It seems the spare tires were getting wet, leaking the protectant solution onto the bumper and it was eating away at the paint, so they now come standard to protect the paint. It was that or replace $600.00 bumpers. I believe the thread was started by Cheryl3038. I know that my dealer had 3 being delivered the same day as mine, 1 was a sport, and they all had covers.
  • jrs7jrs7 Member Posts: 12
    I have a Liberty Sport with the fancy sound system--it gets an A--nice sound, good base, very high quality. Is it really worth the money?? Probably.
  • dewumpydewumpy Member Posts: 17
    Mine pulled right until I got it fixed by the dealer. It has been driven up and down I-5 between Los Angeles and the Bay area twice now, average speeds of 75-85 (depending on who's watching :-) ) and has had no problems. (Often the freeway has 30-50 mph gusting winds.) Also, you went from a sedan to an SUV, they drive very differently, it may take a while to get used to it.
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    Anyone know if Jeep is going to make any design changes due to the rollover in the slalom speed test at autoweek? Here is the link.


    http://www.autoweek.com/

  • cheryl3038cheryl3038 Member Posts: 42
    Yes, I was the one that was talking about why they are sending them with tire covers now. I originally heard about this about two weeks ago, but sat on the info for a few weeks hoping my dealer would be better informed.....well I called him today and he still hadn't heard the info I had heard about the chemicals dripping onto the bumper when the tire would get wet. So he wasn't very helpful when I asked for a free tire cover :-( I will be buying one though, cause I think if it's important enough of a problem that Chrylser is now sending them with tire covers, I should have one. My dealer did say that they have also came standard on the Limited.
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    The changes would have to be pretty radical and would probably decrease the Lib's 4x4ability.

    The Lib's track is too narrow for its height and centre of gravity. DC would have to widen the track, maybe put wider tires on it.

    Some suspension engineering may help, but I figure DC did all they could considering the 6 or 8" of travel it has.

    Just don't expect the Liberty to drive like a Car.
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    I agree that a liberty should not drive like a car. However, I would prefer it to spin out rather than rollover. It is interesting that this is the only vehicle to rollover in all the years of the same test at autoweek. I wonder if some stiffer spring rates or stiffer sway bars would help. I do think Jeep needs to do something to put the consumers at ease. I have a liberty on order and I am now wondering whether or not to take delivery of it. I would hate to see consumer reports have the liberty raise up on two wheels and then compare it to the old Ford Bronco. This would have quite a negative impact on our resale values.
  • djasonwdjasonw Member Posts: 624
    I too read the article in Autoweek as I happen to be a subscriber. I wasn't alarmed at all since I have driven this SUV quite aggressively on windy rural PA roads, it handled extremely well. The type of maneuver that caused the rollover is unlikey to be repeated by an every day driver. I suspect that an extreme evasive maneuver on the highway can cause a rollover, but I have not even come close to raising the wheels off the ground. One thing is certain, I have a sedan and I definitely know that you can not drive any SUV with the confidence of a modern car. If I were DC, I'd start installing skid control in all their SUV's. They should definitely follow Ford's lead as this is now standard in the Explorer. Even if it raises prices by $750, it's worth it.
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    What is skid control? I have not heard of that before. How does it work?
  • teslamaniateslamania Member Posts: 18
    Check out this link for stability control on edmunds:


    http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/45992/article.html

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I'm sure many folks are waiting to see how the Liberty reacts when CR puts it to the test.

    It's interesting to note from the responses here so far, nobody seems to be outraged. I guess if it happens again with CR, and they condemn the vehicle, we'll hear from some pretty upset owners.

    Bob
  • mmastermmaster Member Posts: 1
    I am trying to find a good ski rack to fit my
    Liberty sport 4WD. Want suggestions from owners
    who have already installed ski racks(roof top
    or spare tire mount) If roof top, have you installed any fairings to reduce drag.
    3pair skis or 1-2 snowboards is fine.
    Thanks
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    Guess what everyone.... It is here. My baby is here in the Capital District (Albany,NY area). The sales manager said it should be here by Saturday. Yippy Yippy. I can't wait. I will let every know when I get it. I guess I should go order my running boards now.
  • jimtlhjimtlh Member Posts: 1
    I have been lurking on this group for a while...read EVERY message. Was torn between Xterra and the Lib, but once I test drove both there was no comparison. I LOVED the Liberty.

    So...
    I ordered a 2WD Liberty (I live in Florida), Patriot Blue, Limited, G package with tow group, abs, sunroof, 6-cd changer, back in early October and I picked it up yesterday. Great truck! I have been tracking this baby since day one, through build, via rail, right to the dealer. In fact I called my sales rep. yesterday morning and left him a message that I noticed the Liberty had been delivered. He called back and said at first he didn't think any Libs came in, but he walked on the lot and there it was.

    I got a great deal with DC friends and family... sticker was $26,095 I paid $24,488 and got the 7/100k deal. I will send some pics soon.

    Thank you for all of your great comments and advice. This is what the 'net is about.
  • klbrmbklbrmb Member Posts: 41
    Well, after reading the post regarding the tire cover and calling my dealer, it appears that since mine didn't come with a cover I am out of luck. Much like the 7yr/100k warranty. I love my patriot blue limited liberty but I am starting to get a little ticked off re: things like this. I feel like I am being penalized because I decided to get mine shortly after it came on the market and not wait 6 months.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    jim,

    Congratulations on your new Liberty and it's great to see you venturing out from the shadows! We expect to hear all about your experiences with your new vehicle!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • stevek18stevek18 Member Posts: 19
    Does anyone know how to track their Libery order? Mine was ordered around 10/25, but my dealer has been really bad about keeping me posted. Sounds like there are better ways to stay informed.

    Any advice is Very much appreciated. As those of you who've ordered one know, the wait is paaainful. The only thing that keeps it manageable is this column, as well as other Liberty news/reviews.

    Believe me, I'd *much* rather have the Liberty without a tire-cover than no Liberty at all.
  • lindag47lindag47 Member Posts: 18
    Call Daimler Chrysler at 800-992-1997. You will need either the VIN or the customer order number. Just follow the promts on the recording. Good luck. I hope your Liberty comes soon. I just got mine last week and I love it.
  • huck7huck7 Member Posts: 16
    I drove a CJ for years and never so much as had two wheels off of the ground. It has a lot to do with how you drive and luck. Even if CR condems it (Do they like any Jeep?) I will still line up for mine. It does what it is designed to do very well and roll-over is a risk based on this design. This is no different than those econo-boxes that a lot of us are driving around, accepting the risk of getting crushed by a larger vehicle in exchange for affordability

    I am bummed about the spare tire cover, I thought that the bare spare made the KJ sort of distinctive from behind, sort of a YJ look.
  • cheryl3038cheryl3038 Member Posts: 42
    I agree with you klbrmb! I feel like squat cause I bought my Liberty a few weeks early. I'm still happy with the vehicle even though I can't get all the freebies available now.
  • ericbwayericbway Member Posts: 19
    Gypsy I am glad your Liberty is finally in. I have been reading your posts for a while and feel like I waited with you, as our wait times were about the same. GOOD LUCK! Hope you are as happy with yours as I have been with mine. Two weeks and I have no complaints so far!

    Jim the lurker, congrats and good luck as well! Drive well and have fun.

    Eric
  • mad0865mad0865 Member Posts: 176
    You can track it at CSX.com; you just need a "rail" car number which you can get from your dealership. As for those new Liberty owners, good luck and welcome to the club.

    -mad
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    So my dealer called today to to let me know that my baby was being taken out of the railcar and put on a truck for delivery TODAY!! I should should "see it" tomorrow and have it on the road on Saturday. I though I ran into another road block though. My current insurance company quoted me at an outrageous amount and I was a bit depressed. I have had this insurance for the apst 5 years and love my agent. However.. I did some shopping ad got a great quote ($850/year compare to $1500/yr). So now I am more excited than ever. Yippy... 2 more days. Also... listen to this luck my car now decided to die on my way to work. Luckily after sitting for about 20 minutes it started back up. Just what I need two days before trading it in.

    I will keep you posted.
    -gypsy-
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    and new Explorer do poorly in bumper crash tests.

    Bob

    http://www.detnews.com/2001/autos/0111/29/-354918.htm
  • richardcoulsonrichardcoulson Member Posts: 88
    First a rolloever in the slalom test and now a poor bumper crash test. I can understand older cars not doing well in these test. However, this is a brand new design. The engineers know what type of tests that will be thrown at it. Why can't they design a vehicle that will pass these tests? Ford also is having a similar problem with its brand new engineered 2002 explorer.

    This reminds me of a time in high school when a copy of a test was floating around before the test was given. The majority of students got an "A" on test... :)
  • dewumpydewumpy Member Posts: 17
    Ok, time to clear things up a little:
    First, the article about the rollover is slightly misleading: the drivers drove the car like a race car and had it on uneven pavement. Anyone with half a brain known an SUV is not a race car (even the BMW and high end ones shouldn't be driven like one) and that track is notorious for inconsistent pavement.

    Second, the damage from the "bumper test" on the Liberty was higher for the rear tests, which are the "flat wall" and "pole" tests. It is true that vehicles with spare tires mounted in the back will almost universally fail these tests. (Note: they did not test the Toyota Rav or Honda CRV which also have the same spare tire set up.) If you are silly enough to back into a wall high enough to be seen through the back window or into a pole that will crash the spare tire into the rear door, you should expect to pay a lot to fix it. This is the same problem they had with the Wrangler the last time it was tested. If you go to the Insurance institute site, the worst performer in the "small" utility vehicles (including the Ford Escape, Honda CRV and Toyota RAV) the worst performer was the Toyota, with higher total repair costs than the Liberty. (This after the 2001 re-design.) In the mid-size class, the Buick Rendezvous did equally poorly on its average repair costs as the Liberty. The worst performer in the past 2 years by far is the Montero, but because the Liberty is new, it's drawing the headlines. Don't be fooled: it's a great SUV: it just isn't a car!
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    "But it's important to remember this test measures insurance claims cost and is in no way a reflection of vehicle safety," she said. "Although we attempt to keep repair costs low on all of our products, our primary focus is safety, both in terms of government testing and real-world safety parameters." - DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Angela Ford

    I think she covers this issue quite nicely. Still, I would prefer that these minor accidents cost less to fix - it would sure help lower insurance rates for the Liberty.
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