Jeep Liberty

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Comments

  • cdkelly23cdkelly23 Member Posts: 52
    I just took delivery of my Liberty about an hour ago. What a fun vehicle to drive. I hated arriving home (except the Bears game is coming on soon and I can't miss that).

    I got a black 4x4, with charcoal interior, ABS brakes, power windows, locks, all that stuff).

    I feel good about my decision. I test drove probably 7 or 8 different models. I kept coming back to the Jeep. I negotiated a good deal, and the dealership was extremely fair (they even paid off the final two payments of my trade-in).

    Thanks to all of you on Edmunds and on the message boards for all your help in my decision.
  • syracuseorangesyracuseorange Member Posts: 1
    Is there any average time for a Liberty to be built and shipped??? I was wondering when I could expect my new hot SUV. By the way my wife thinks the Liberty is uncomfortable in the back seats??? Anyone else think so??? Let me know!!!
  • cwilson6cwilson6 Member Posts: 9
    Mine was ordered (loaded but for leather seats, butt warmers, and block heater) on October 26th, built November 29th, delivered December 19th. Took 5 days for it to get from the railroad yard to the dealer, about 30 miles! I live in Seattle, btw, so it had to travel by train cross country in Winter. Tough wait, but worth it. It is a very sweet, solid vehicle. Only complaints are fuel burn and small brakes. Plan to take it up into the Cascades to see what she can (and can't!) do off road tomorrow. Go Penn State!
  • rkh207rkh207 Member Posts: 7
    Hi all,
    For anyone that cares to answer I have a few questions about getting a Liberty.

    -An area dealer has been advertising a $299 Liberty deal recently. 59 payments at $299 with a balloon payment at the end covering the rest. Are there any tricks or scams I should look for if I pursue this option?

    -That same dealer isn't a "Five Star Dealer". So, how much of that is marketing on Jeep's part and how much of the five star designation should I take as a sign this particular dealer might be troublesome?

    -Finally, has anyone dealt with the dealer in question? It's Shakers Jeep in Waterbury, CT.

    Thanks to all who reply...
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    rkh,

    An area dealer has been advertising a $299 Liberty deal recently. 59 payments at $299 with a balloon payment at the end covering the rest. Are there any tricks or scams I should look for if I pursue this option?

    Why don't you call them and ask them specifically what the A.P.R. is and how much the balloon payment is?

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • cdkelly23cdkelly23 Member Posts: 52
    There's an adage I always follow when I purchase a new car (or anything else, for that matter). Sooner or later, you are going to have to pay the piper.

    Right now, the balloon payment is a long ways down the road. You will pay a good price now. But, the time is going to come when you have to cough up that balloon payment. Then, you will be kicking yourself.

    Personally, I think you would be better off negotiating a good price up front, and settling on a payment that you can afford. That way, you won't have to worry about coming up with a huge balloon payment when it comes up (and it will come sooner than you realize).

    I believe what you described is a marketing ploy. And, in the end, you will probably end up paying more than you had hoped. Remember the old Fram commercial. "You can pay me now. Or you can pay me later."

    Also, I would stick to a 5-star dealer if you could. Dealers have to earn that designation, and will not risk losing it by offering marketing ploys.

    Just my two-cents' worth.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    "...Only complaints are fuel burn and small brakes."

    Fuel burn? What is this?

    Small brakes? Do they not work properly? What are they doing or not doing???
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    If you can afford it, do the balloon payment as the first payment.

    The only reason I could see doing the balloon at the end is if maybe you are going to be getting a HUGE tax return or stock return or bonus or raise at work.
  • kittelkittel Member Posts: 11
    The build time will depend on just how much pull your dealer has. My first Liberty was ordered the first Sat. in Oct. and arrived at dealer 26th of Nov. Unfortunately with the wrong color ext. and int. The next Liberty was ordered on the 30th of Nov. and arrived at the dealer on the 19th of Dec. The dealer pulled some strings and called in a few favors and had it built in less than 3 weeks. If you are on good terms with the dealer and he is willing to push the process I think 4 to 5 weeks will get you a new Liberty. To glenn2 who thinks the Liberty is too small. I have had two Cherokees and have found the Liberty to be just as big on the inside but with a much smaller ext. I think it's more perception than anything else.
  • joponnejoponne Member Posts: 6
    I would first like to thank all of you. Because of the reviews that I read here I decided to purchase a Jeep Liberty....I LOVE it....I got the limited edition "Loaded"...But I seem to have one problem with it and I was wondering if any of you experienced this..I drive the New Jersey turnpike and Interstate 95 between N.J. and D.C. and I have problems going around curves or bends when the road turns (not off ramps or straight roadways) at about 65mph and above it seems to be unstable ie..wobble or just not hold the road well ..Its hard to explain...especially in 2w/d..It seems to hold better in 4w/d but can I drive for long periods in 4w/d? I have driven my sons Blazer and Fourrunner they don't seem to have the same problem...Could It be because of the shorter wheel base? I have checked the tires and they are all season not off road...
    p.s. this Granny is dyeing to go off road...LOL
  • cdkelly23cdkelly23 Member Posts: 52
    I also just purchased a Liberty. And, I have driven it on the Interstate at speeds of 65 and 70 mph. I have not experienced the handling problems you described (although I will admit that I take the foot off the gas on curves, as I realize this is a heavy truck, not a sports car).

    Perhaps one your tires is unbalanced. Or the alignment may not be correct.

    You should, however, take it back to your dealership and have them check it. Take them out and road test it to show them the problem.

    But for me, the Liberty handles like a charm. I love this vehicle.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    psychonaut-

    How did you make out with the right drift on your Liberty? Has it been corrected?

    fastdriver
  • ladylibertyladyliberty Member Posts: 24
    Hi, Congrats on the new Lib. I am still waiting on mine after 11 wks. I should have by next week.
    Anyway, I read your post and as stated by someone else. This is a HEAVY truck and will not handle like a car in those situations. AND by all means I would not drive around in 4w/d all the time. It is not meant to be driven that way. Only in bad road conditions such as rain, snow or just plan 4 wheelin'. You should also not drive more than 40-45 miles per hour in 4x4.
    My husband has a Dodge Ram 4x4 and has cautioned me on this many a time. This is a much larger truck than the Liberty, but by the same token the Liberty is just that "A Truck". There is no way I would drive his Ram like I drive my Camry. Truck's are just not meant for speed.
    I hope you enjoy your Liberty. Be good too it and it will be good too you!
    LadyLiberty
  • mad0865mad0865 Member Posts: 176
    LadyLiberty: The Selectrac 4x4 Full time is meant to be driven at normal speeds, and can be left engaged for as long as you want.
  • binkabinka Member Posts: 12
    Drive my Liberty 100 miles a day on Illinois 90
    tollway handles like a dream. don't know how many
    miles you have logged on yours but it took me awhile to adjust to the quickness & percision of the steering maybe your just over steering some
    what P.S. you'll love it off road it's a blast.
  • ladylibertyladyliberty Member Posts: 24
    Mad0865 Thank you for the info on the select trac. I am getting the command trac and was under the impression Joponne has this also as she stated the problem in 2w/d, but didn't have the problem when put into 4w/d. I was thinking along with having to shift into 4w/d on the command trac. I still think with the Liberty's weight to expect to drive like it is a race car is crazy 4w/d or not.
    Anyhow. My Stone White Liberty LMT 4x4 is finally here. I have waited a lonnnngggg 11wks.
    I hope to pick up tomorrow or Saturday. I will let you all know how wonderful the drive home is. If I go home that is, ha ha.
    Have a great night!
  • cdkelly23cdkelly23 Member Posts: 52
    All I can say is, you are gonna love your Liberty.

    I know I made the right decision. I had a sports car before, but decided on an SUV this time around. After driving seven or eight other models, nothing compared to the Liberty.

    Enjoy it. And watch out for all those crazies on the road. Drive carefully.
  • joponnejoponne Member Posts: 6
    Hey, Ladyliberty congrad's on your new Liberty also.. I don't expect to drive my Liberty like a race car. I have been driving for over 30yrs. I was a traveling sales rep doing a lot of highway driving. I have also been driving Suv's for a long time..I don't know where you are but here in NJ& NY 65-70mph is not fast..rofl Just wait till you pick yours up! This baby is quick..(bet u don't go home) Yes,it is a heavy truck but I don't experience the same feeling in the 4runner.I do have the select-trac full time 4wd system. Thank you-Mad0865 for the info..Cdkelly23 I will take it to the dealer for a test..Thanks..Binka you make a good point about the quickness and precision of the steering..That just maybe my problem..Think I'll just pop on the road to DC tomorrow and try that out..(any old excuse to put this baby on the road will do..lol) I have 3500 miles in less than a month..
  • topsail33topsail33 Member Posts: 19
    I test drove the Liberty 4 cyl w/ 5-speed. This combo is horrendous: no power and the shifting is very rough. I really liked the Liberty's styling and handling, as well as interior, but the powertrain combo mentioned above doesn't cut it. I suppose the V-6 makes all the difference. Does anyone know if you can get a 5-speed with the V-6? The guy at the Jeep dealer didn't think so; I would hope you can.
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    "don't experience the same feeling in the 4runner"

    Of course you don't experience the same feeling when you drive a 4Runner. Ever just look at the two side by side. You will notice how much the liberty is much higher and has a much shorter wheel base when compared to the 4Runner. You are forgetting the Liberty is very top heavy, which means you cannot drive around turns going 60-75 mph without the 'wobbley' feeling. Did you ever read the article dealing with the Liberty Rolling Over? You should? Maybe then you will understand a bit more as to how easy it is to tip this vehicle. Just trying to help you stay a bit more cautious... we don't need another story about a Liberty rolling (not on purpose). ENJOY....
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    Well it is about time...
    Doesn't it feel great to finally have her in your presence? I hope you love it as I love mine. I also hope you have much better luck with it than I have had so far. SInce December first it was in the body shop for two weeks (some kid rear ended me) and then last week it was at the repair shop for another entire week. I noticed that my powersteering fluid was very low. Turns out there was a leak and they had to replace the pump and the resevoir tank. I have terrific luck with vehicles... can't you tell.

    Good luck and keep us posted....
    ---gypsy---
  • basepro09basepro09 Member Posts: 91
    yes you can get a Liberty manual w/ V-6. I don't know if it's available yet, but if it's not then it should be soon.
  • jm49jm49 Member Posts: 2
    I drive a Liberty Sport with the tow package. I'm considering a small travel trailer for weekend camping. Any tips on towing with the Liberty?
  • hotrod21hotrod21 Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased my new Liberty Limited and love the ride, I had it out in the snow over the weekend going up and down hills with no problem.
    My question is, how many keys did others receive with their car. I need three keys and the dealer made me purchase the third key. Other people who have other brands of new cars tell me the got three keys to begin with. Is this just Jeep? Also I wanted to know if anyone received a cover for the spare tire. One last thing, I had less than 1/2 a tank of gas when I picked up the car, the dealer said it was the policy of Chrysler/Jeep. Every other new car I purchased I all ways had a full tank.
  • cdromerocdromero Member Posts: 1
    Hotrod, when I received my Jeep I only received 2 keys. However, I did get a spare tire cover and a full tank of gas. I am from Canada, but Chrysler ends up sending us a survey after we purchase the car. The questions on the survey asks how our experience at the dealership was..yada..yada...but one of the questions was to ensure that we did receive a full tank of gas with the delivery of my vehicle.
    As for the Jeep, I absolutely love it. Compared to the other SUVs I took out for a test drive, it is definately the best. I ended up with a ltd silver with the tow group/offroad/sunroof and a couple of small other things. Excellent car for an excellent price.
  • cdkelly23cdkelly23 Member Posts: 52
    I received two keys when I purchased my Jeep Liberty.

    The dealership also offered me a free spare tire cover, but I didn't like the design (had a smily face on it). So I purchased a tire cover from the dealership. They gave me a 15 percent discount. Cost me just $43.

    I think it's pretty petty for a dealership to not at least give you a full tank of gas. Talk about cheap!!! You just purchase a $20,000 to $25,000 vehicle from them, and they can't splurge on a full tank of gas?

    I'd complain to the general manager, and let them know you didn't appreciate that kind of treatment. Ask them to give you a free oil change, and you won't spread around town how cheap they are.

    Believe me. They will give you the free oil change if you complain. Don't be shy. But, you have to talk to the head guy, not your salesperson.
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    I just saw a Liberty in the parking lot for the first time.

    I could have sworn it said 225/xxR16.

    Are they really 16 inch tires?

    I find that odd for Jeep to do, since they listened to their (potential) future buyers about keeping it solid axle in back.

    Aren't 15 inch the de facto standard for off road use???
  • cdkelly23cdkelly23 Member Posts: 52
    Yes, the Liberty has 16-inch tires.
  • mad0865mad0865 Member Posts: 176
    Lady Lib, congrats and many safe miles. As for dealership stuff: 2 keys, no spare cover, and 3/4 tank of gas. He said they are giving covers for the Limiteds, not the sports. Went to jparts.com and purchased one for 36.10, came in 3 days. And about the control-trac vs selectrac; You're right, with Control trac it's recommended to only use it on road with snow. Off road with dirt, sand, etc. Good luck with your purchase.

    -mad
  • colorado1974colorado1974 Member Posts: 177
    Just got back from my first real road trip and boy what a pleasure! Some people have complained about gas mileage but here is what I recorded on my overhead computer (flat, no wind, cruise set)
    58-63 mph=22mpg
    64-68 mph=19mpg
    69-74 mph=18mpg
    I think that's great! Once in Seattle, I purchased a Yakima rack system with the fairing and on the way home mileage dropped by 2.
    Being 6'5" I love the interior room!
  • ladylibertyladyliberty Member Posts: 24
    HELLO, WELL I CAN FINALLY SAY I AM A PROUD NEW OWNER OF THE LIBERTY!!!
    I PICKED UP FRIDAY NIGHT WE WENT RIGHT HOME AND DUMPED OFF THE HUSBANDS DODGE AND OFF WE WENT. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I STILL CANT BELIEVE IT IS HERE. I KEEP LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW, HA HA.
    EVERYTHING WENT SMOOTH I HAD MY SPARE TIRE (JEEP LIBERTY) COVER & A FULL TANK OFF GAS. WHICH BYE THE WAY IS HAVE GONE. I DID HAVE A SCARE, I COULD NOT GET THE BACK SEAT (35 SIDE) TO LOCK BACK INTO PLACE AFTER PUTTING DOWN. NEITHER COULD MY HUSBAND. SO I STOPPED BY DEALER AND SALESMAN DID IT AND SHOWED ME THE TRICK. PUSH DOWN ON PLASTIC TOP PIECE THE SAME TIME AS PUSHING INTO LOCK POSITION & MY GOD IT WORKED. WELL, WHILE I WAS THERE I NOTICED SOMETHING ODD. I AM MISSING THE PLASTIC PIECE WHERE YOU PUSH THE BACK WINDSHIELD
    CLOSED. I SHOWED SALESMAN AND THEY SAID THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUT ON IN FACTORY. THEY WILL TRY TO TAKE OFF ONE FROM ANOTHER LIBERTY THIS WEEK WHEN I GO BACK FOR STICKER OR ORDER IF THEY HAVE TOO. SO FAR EVERYTHING ELSE IS WORKING GREAT. HEY GYPSY! KEEP YOUR CHIN UP AND THINK POSITIVE SHAKE OFF THE BAD LUCK FEELING AND THINGS WILL GET BETTER I'M SURE. GOOD THING YOU CK THOSE THINGS OUT. MINE WOULD HAVE WENT DRY BEFORE I NOTICED! HEY DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THE WHITE?! IT REALLY SHOWS OFF THE DETAILS OF THE TRUCK. WELL GOT TO RUN FOR NOW! I AM ACTUALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THE RUNNING AROUND I HAVE TO DO THIS WEEK!!!!
    THANKS
  • colorado1974colorado1974 Member Posts: 177
    That was a production change for mid 2002. Liberty's are no longer coming with that plastic piece. The reasoning is that Jeep didn't want people to think that was the only place you can close the window. You can close the window across the entire bottom edge without hurting or affecting anything. Our dealership recieved a notice from Chrysler on that. Glad you like your White one. Ours is a Shale Green Limited. We just bought the MOPAR Chrome 5 spoke wheels and it really looks good.
  • iggycatiggycat Member Posts: 25
    Our Liberty Limited came with only two keys as well. I thought this was strange, because our last three cars had been from Honda and they always came with the "valet" key. However, on an SUV, there isn't a trunk to keep your stuff locked up in, hence no "valet" key for the Liberty. However, I think the manual says you can have up to eight keys. The limit is due to the coded security key setup. You can have the dealer cut the key and you can add it yourself to the onboard computer's list of "approved" keys - the process is described in the manual, but it doesn't look terribly easy.

    When we got our Liberty at the end of September, there were no tire covers as a standard item. I think it was sometime just after that they started coming with them as standard equipment.

    I was also suprised that there was no full tank of gas included at delivery, especially since the invoice charges $8 for "additional" gas!!! I asked the salesman and he said that Chrysler dropped the traditional full tank of gas as a cost cutting measure on all their vehicles. Interestingly, my wife got a new Honda Accord two weeks ago, and it says right on the window sticker "full tank of fuel" as a standard item.

    Finally - ladyliberty, I read somewhere (either on here or at jeepsunlimited.com) that the new Liberties coming out of the factory don't have the plastic piece on the rear glass. I think that's kind of silly myself. I don't want to put fingerprints on the glass closing the window... Anyway, congrats on your Liberty. You'll love it.

    -Todd
  • colorado1974colorado1974 Member Posts: 177
    Does anybody have or know where to get a Turbo Charger for the Liberty?
  • ladylibertyladyliberty Member Posts: 24
    Hi, Thanks for the info on the plastic piece. I guess the salesman at my dealership has not read the memo on that one. Does anyone know if the piece is just glued on or if there were wholes in the glass to attach through to the inside latch?
    I guess either way I will be out of luck. I don't like having to put finger or hand prints on the glass either.
    Thanks Colorado1974, I have seen the Shale green and its beautiful. My husband's Dodge Ram is Moss green so I gave up the Shale as one of my dark choices.
    Take care
  • n8magicn8magic Member Posts: 15
    Have there been any rumblings as to the availability of the 5 speed manual along with the V6? It used to be an option in the "Build your own" section of Jeep Canada's website, but now it has an asterisk with "Late Availability" beside it.

    Anyone know how "late" we are talking here?
  • colorado1974colorado1974 Member Posts: 177
    That piece is actually glued on there, no holes are underneath that. That move was actually in response to a disgusted magazine editor who found it "irritating to have to reach over the spare to shut the window." I hate those kind of people personally.

    It has been incredibly difficult to get a V-6 Five Speed. I don't expect that to change for another month or so.
  • n8magicn8magic Member Posts: 15
    Really?

    I thought maybe they delayed the release of the V6/5 speed combo in order to get more loaded up Limited units out into the showrooms. What makes you say about a month?

    Thanks for the reply, BTW.
  • binkabinka Member Posts: 12
    colorado1974 I also just returned from a weekend road trip of 425 miles and experienced the same type of mileage as you described, half of the miles were inter states at 74 mph the balance country two lanes and some around town averaged 19 mpg. also checked actual mileage against the computer they were within 1/10 of a mile of each other. for what its worth there were two people, one 10 lb. dog and about 100 lbs of luggage on board. Love that Liberty 4,500 miles not one complaint,squeak,or rattle.
  • colorado1974colorado1974 Member Posts: 177
    That is the word from DC. They anticipated that the majority of Liberty's sold would be V-6 Autos so that is what they geared for. To be honest, I am curious to see what the 5-speed will drive like.

    I really want to add a Turbo. Does anybody know anything about them?
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    If you want a turbo, you have to have new headers which have a place for the turbo to get it's power from the exhaust. You will also probably need to upgrade the computer management system as well as the fuel system. You're talking expensive here. I mean several several grand. Might aswell try and add a 350 engine instead;)
  • nebulasnebulas Member Posts: 10
    There's a supercharger kit (and other performance enhancements such as an optimizer computer and booster pump, etc) manufactured by Kenne Bell. I found this information in the December 2001 Truckin's SUV magazine which showcased a customized Jeep Liberty. They claim that the supercharger increases horsepower and torque by as much as 40 percent. The pictures of it in the Liberty looked great. You may want to check them out at (909) 941-6646 for pricing and other information.
  • gypsy116gypsy116 Member Posts: 53
    So you now have it.... congrats.
    I do have to agree the white is beautiful. Initially I was going to go for the black but then I had seen the Stone White Limited and fell in love. The best thing I won't show the scratches as easily as the darker colors.
    I have actually been able to drive my Liberty for an entire week, it felt great. Especially this past weekend the weather here in upstate NY in very mild.
    Enjoy your Liberty....
    ---gypsy---
  • anonymous02anonymous02 Member Posts: 1,538
    Screamin' Yellow

    Taking Liberty With Jeep's New Ride


    http://www.truckinssuv.com/archives/features/1201_features02.shtml

  • donweilerdonweiler Member Posts: 5
    What are fair prices for extended warranties beyond the 7/100,000? Dealer quoted me $1625 for "extra care", I see #2438 got it for $1125. How much then "maximum care", dealer quote and best price someone's gotten? Are extended warranties good value/necessary? Thanks.
  • colorado1974colorado1974 Member Posts: 177
    Thanks for the great links. You are right about the turbo. Major Mods would be too expensive.
  • cdkelly23cdkelly23 Member Posts: 52
    One of the major reasons for buying an SUV and 4-wheel drive is the amount of snow we normally get here in Chicago. We had nearly a foot last night, so I was wondering how the drive in would be.

    The Liberty was a dream on the commute. The roads were slick and had spots of snow, and the Liberty performed flawlessly. I only had to kick it into 4-wheel drive once (and I probably could have done without it, but wanted to see how she performed).

    My point: This is a great vehicle in the snow. (It's also a great vehicle on dry roads).
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