Jeep Liberty

cdkelly23

Just thought I'd pass along this experience regarding my Jeep Liberty.

I was walking toward my Liberty from the mall on Saturday, and this couple were getting out of their car in the spot beside it. I heard the woman say something, then saw me coming. She said, "Is that your Liberty?"

I said it was. She said what a great looking vehicle. She then asked me about how it drives, handling things of that nature.

She said they were in the market for an SUV, and after seeing my Liberty, said they were going to test drive one later that day.

It is definitely a vehicle that turns heads.

I have nearly 3,000 miles on mine, and love driving it. Glad I bought it. And I wouldn't hestitate recommending it to anyone.

klbdrb

Does anyone know how many Liberty's have been sold to date. I have seen the City of Alexandria (Va) has purchased them. The Federal Government also has them in their inventory. I am curious to see if Jeep has come close to meeting their sales goal.

geminigeek

Thanks guys for the the advice. I put a down payment on a Liberty Limited Edition. I hope to get it around beginning of June, I am stationed overseas on a U.S. Naval Base in Crete Greece, Perfect mountains and beaches for a Jeep. Thanks again.

uncivil

I have been lurking around this board for a while now and want to thank all of you for the wonderful advice! It has been the most valuable and honest information I have received on my search for a new vehicle. I own a 99 TJ and will be ordering a Liberty Sport by the end of the week.

cwilson6: My husband and I have been to one Jeep Jam (Maine Mountains) and will be attending another this fall (Ouray, CO). We both had a wonderful time! The scenery was great and there were all levels of 4-wheeling represented, from beginner to "you spent HOW much?". The staff was friendly and all the participants were eager to be there. There were many stories exchanged and my husband's Jeep addiction was "driven" to a new level. Hope you have as wonderful a time as we had, and please make sure you relate your experiences in this forum....I am sure we would all love to see a picture or two!

Happy Jeepin'!

donsur

So far so good, I now have over 5000 miles on my loaded Liberty Limited. I have every option except the CD changer. I have had absolutely no problems with any thing or the Liberty itself. It has been back to the dealer for the normal service at 3000 miles and will be going back again for a 6000 service. I have used 4WD twice this year so far and that along with the ABS brakes have made driving in bad weather a no sweat situation. The sunroof is used almost daily and last summer I was glad to finally have a good AC system to cool me down. The radio with the cassette and CD has really nice sound and the heated seats worked fine in the cold weather.
As a first time Jeep owner, I am happy I bought my Liberty and have had absolutely NO problems at all. I would gladly recommend one to any person interested in a good 4WD. I now know why Jeep has such a loyal following. As a former Harley rider, I know the meaning of brand loyalty and good old made in America vehicles.

libertyace

I have enjoyed reading the posts on this board for some time now, and wanted to share a little story. After buying a 1995 Chrysler Cirrus in May of 1995, my then 76 year old father figured it would be his last new car. After my mother died 4 years ago, my father moved in with us. He has his own apartment in the house and is very independent. Last September at the age of 81, he announced that he was thinking of buying another new car. His requirements were: (1)A vehicle easy to get in and out of. (2)A nice flat load space so that when he went shopping he wouldn't have to reach so low in the trunk to retrieve his groceries. (3)Reasonable horsepower and handling. (4)Good visibility.(5) Not to large /easy to park.

Well, you guessed it by now. He celebrated his 82 Birthday last November in a new Silver Liberty Sport 4 wheel drive. He said he never thought he would be riding in a Jeep again after getting out of the Army in 1945, and now he owns one!

Our 10 year old Lab/Terrier also enjoys riding in the Lib with Dad. She says the front seat is particularly comfortable. He has "racked up" over 3,000 miles in 6 months so far with no problems.

We are curious if any other Libery owners out there can challenge Dad for the title of "Oldest Liberty Owner"?

cwilson6

Thanks Uncivil! I think we are going to do it. The Idaho Jam i am considering is difficulty rated 2-6, as in one in Texas that a poster on JeepsUnlimited.com took his new Liberty on. He sustained quite a bit of damage and seems quite proud of it! Here's the link:

http://forums.jeepsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum21/HTML/002

I loved the comments from other Jeepers. This is an entertaining site if you are not aware of it.

Anyway, I hope I will not do as much damage. Thanks for your comments, I'll keep everybody posted!

geneseedepot

Is this the one you meant....

KJ made it through Jeep Jamboree (Pics)

cwilson6

Yup. Thanks. Wonder what I did wrong??

rsholland

Well, at least it didn't flip...

Bob

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?SearchID=73092328720031&Avis=TO&Dato=20020312&Kategori=BUSINESS03&Lopenr=103120067&Ref=AR

stever

Spin Around Town: 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD

Steve
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soulfinger

One quibble with that article: "A number of recalls"? Why not just give the number? I'm aware of two, both very minor.

mad0865

The magazine’s April issue gave the Liberty Sport with a V-6 engine an overall rating of "good" among small SUVs, ahead of the Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX+, Chevrolet Tracker, Nissan Xterra SE, and Kia Sportage EX. Besides the RAV4, Forester S, and Honda CR-V EX, however, the Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, Ford Escape XLT, Mazda Tribute LX, Saturn Vue, Land Rover Freelander SE, and Suzuki XL-7 topped the Liberty Sport in the overall ratings.

I'll take Good. I think it's great, but then again I take CR's advice and read everyone elses. Edmunds gave it a good review too, and they didn't get it to flip. I liked the Edmunds review because they're not in bed with Toyota. CR rates all of the Toyos as the best of the best, and I just don't agree with their conclusions all of the times. Great things about opinions., everyone has one.

stever

Really just one, imho - but I suppose that driver's side knee blocker trim panel assembly can scare you big time if it falls off. (The recall to wrap the air bag sensor wiring seems like a good idea).

Please feel free to use the Feedback Form, soulfinger.

Steve
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snow8

Did you check the taxfree price for fully loaded Jeep Cherokee=Liberty at local Greece JEEP dealer ?
You should be able to get Diesel too , maybe ?
Taxfree prices can be given to person who take away the vehicke after some time, some other rules may apply country by country .

anonymous02

Is that Geminigeek or GeminiGreek??

:-)

flippy1

We have had nothing but problems with our Liberty, starting the day after we bought it when the accelerator cable disconnected and left us stranded. The worst part has been the attitude of DiamlerChrysler and the dealership. The service has been rude and argumentative. DC has ignored our letter or sent back "sorry, but we aren't doing anything for you" responses. Our car has been in the shop 12 times in 6 months. Talk about unreliable and inconvenient - what is the use of a new car if it is so unreliable? If you ignore my advice and get one anyway - DO NOT get a white limited. The paint on the rubber trim pieces stains yellow and is fading in color already! This car has been the worst purchase we could have made.

soulfinger

Sounds like you got a lemon, flippy. That's a shame because the Liberty is really a great vehicle (it's actually a truck, not a car). Mine's been great. Nearly 10,000 miles now and not a single problem.

mad0865

Just curious, but what were the reasons why it was in the shop 12 times in 6 months? Mostly curious for my own information. Thanks and good luck.

annabelle2

Purchased my white Liberty Limeted back in early August. Was a bit ticked when I arrived home and to my dismay, the SUV did not have ABS brakes. Guess that I should have done a little more homework before making the deal. Other than a bad tire and a serpentine belt found to be coming apart, I have been pleased with it.
I have not had any other problems with this vehicle and have not noticed any yellowing of my fenders. If I do, then I suppose the warranties should cover new fenders.
All and all, my wife and I enjoy driving this "truck". I have noticed that I have to keep reminding my wife that this SUV is not a car and should be driven slower and more cautiously. She just won't listen to me...

flippy1

It was in the shop the day after we bought it for a disconnected accelerator cable. Other issues have included: a noise that sounded like the car would fall apart when we slowed down or turned (diagnosed as loose suspension and/or loose skid plate), leaking transmission, severe pull to the right, squeaking steering wheel, vibration at highway speeds, jerking transmission, rattling in the front right side and discoloration of paint. Granted, some of these aren't "Major" (such as rattling), but they are major to us on a brand new car!

White Limited Owners: Watch the color of your grille. Also, we spilled gas on the fender (as everyone does) and it stained yellow within 36 hours. We also had some road debris "stick" to the fender and it stained yellow also (a twig or something). We haven't even taken it off roading yet. Also, they will tell you this is "maintenance" and not covered by warranty.

djasonw

... I sold it to my inlaws and they're talking it off my hands this week. I really like the truck but don't enjoy driving it on the highway at high speeds. I go weekly to my retreat up in NE PA and the mileage and the way it handles on those curvy roads made me make the switch. I bought a 2002 Subaru WRX wagon as my replacement. I've had the Jeep for 7 months and NO PROBLEMS. I highly recommend it if you must have a truck. At least it's staying in the family.

flippy1

Well, we finally got a response to our 4 page letter of complaints. DC wrote back 3 sentences amounting to "sorry you have had problems, but we aren't going to do anything about it."

I would have been embarassed to sign my name to a "customer service" letter like this. PLEASE keep this in mind when you are looking at cars and considering the Liberty

n40

Flippy1-So, email DC, at http://www.chrysler.com <owner services/contact us/customer assistance-US> & say for a Jeep Liberty on-line msg. board you'd like DC reponse to each of your stated numerous

Jeep Complaints since day #1. Worth a try? I own a Liberty-Limited & can't be happier with it-going on 7,000 miles. Repairs covered under 3-yr. warrantee? Their ph# 1-800-992-1997. Please let us know if anything good comes of this.

n40

justintx

Has anyone installed the Mopar Borla dual exhaust cat back system? If so, do you have any tips on the istallation process?? Where do you mount the brackets for the "non-standard" side tail pipe?
Thanks

bjfrank42

Interesting. I drive mine in the N.C. mountains and I love the way it handles. I also think it cruises great at 80 mph.

geminigeek

Sorry for the late response, I've been traveling. It's Geminigeek, when I used this user name else where, Geminigreek was taken so I took out the "r". Yes I did consider the option for a Jeep Cherokee=Liberty, but the waiting time is just as long as in ordering from stateside. I do have tax free priveleges, I wouldn't want to pay $40,000 for a Liberty I can purchase for approx: $26000. The taxes here are nuts. I went to the dealer and test drove the Cherokee=Liberty. There are some minor differences from the Euro Liberty than the U.S. version. They have a kick butt tire carrier, doesn't completely cover the spare tire, it is made of plastic that can hold the license plate, and the Jeep logo is above it. License plates in Europe are rectangular and huge, so it wouldn't fit on the standard more square license plate bracket at the bottom left of the rear bumper. The back seats have three headrests, an extra one in the middle, I guess to comply with different laws over here. There is an extra rear backup light separate from the tail lights. You can only get the Leather seats package in dark slate with dark slate dash and carpet or only in all taupe, no light taupe. The speedometer has higher readings in Kilometers and than the U.S. version. And the dealer said you can get leather as an option on a Sport model where in the states you can only get leather with the Limited Edition only. Intersting isn't it. You should see the differences in the Wranglers over here. All Wranglers come with a plastic bumper that connects seamlessly with the fenders. They offer seats with adjustable headrests with smaller models. And there are a few exterior plastic trimmings that I believe aren't on U.S. models. The PT cruiser has the people in frenzy over here, very popular. Gotta Go and let me know if you want more info on the Euro scene. Later.

andy81

I have been loitering around this group for the last few weeks while going through the process of trading in my 1999 model VW Golf on a real car. Firstly I just want to thank everyone - especially Mad and Soulfinger plus the hosts for the excellant qaulity of posts. I live in Melbourne, Australia and there are no local resources for the KJ Cherokee (not a Liberty here) so this group was of great use to me. Secondly I have placed the order and pick up my Black Cherokee Sport 3.7l on Friday and I can't wait to get it out on some great 4WD tracks this w/end.

I was initially very keen on the CRD but the manual only spec was a problem and also after a test drive the petrol was just so much better (and also about $6,000 cheaper). For interest I paid $43,000 exactly for the Jeep which is pretty good compared to it's competitors over here (Freelander, Escape, Tribute, CR-V, etc) especially considering that the Cherokee is a much better, larger and more powerful car.

Some questions though. If the build date is Dec 2001 then do I need to worry about the 2 recalls? Also ABS are optional here and due mainly to both a shortage of cash and bad experiences with the Golf (ABS going off all the time when not required, particuarly on corners on dirt roads with corrigations - very distrurbing) I have not added them to the Jeep. Have I made a big mistake?

Also here in Oz the first service is scheduled at 12,000kms - I am thinking that leaving in the original oil and filter for that long is a bit of a risk and was thinking of changing these around 1000kms anyway. What is the recommendation in the US?

Thanks again to everyone - I'll keep you updated on progress.

Andy

stever

Welcome to Town Hall. Please check out the Owner's Club linked at the top of the page too.

Steve
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djasonw

Drive the Liberty at 80 ...then drive a WRX at 80 and let me know which vehicle feels more stable.

stevek18

Welcome. FYI, My liberty was also built in Dec 2001, and both recall issues were fixed by that time. They got on the knee bolster much earlier than December, and the airbag sensor wire was caught in vehicles made after late Nov. 2001. Also, the owners manual says if doing much hot, cold, dusty, stop/go, short trips, to change the oil after 5000km instead of 12000km. You can never go wrong doing it more often. Have a great time with your new Jeep, you're gonna love it.

anonymous02

Yeah, but try the WRX up a mountain pass and see which lasts longer.

:-)

dielectric7bb

mountain pass...my monies on the WRX
off the mountain pass my monies on the jeep

anonymous02

By "mountain pass", I did not mean road.

dielectric7bb

thought you were doing one of those at 80 again

djasonw

On Long Island the closest we have to a mountain pass is the approach to the 59th street bridge LOL . I am one of those 90% people that keep it on the pavement. When I DO go offroad I use my Yamaha quad.

BTW.. I have taken the Liberty on the trails I take my quad on and it is UNBELIEVABLY stiff and secure. I didn't do 80 but that truck is VERY well made for the price. Hands down the WRX is in a different league when you factor in fun factor when driving.

dielectric7bb

Why is it called that? I must assume it's because you're passing a mountain...but what some people call mountains others call hills

bjfrank42

All depends on what you think is fun. WRX may be nice but both my wife and myself are very tall. Probably wouldn't fit us as nice. My wife wouldn't give up her Liberty for anything though and if she's happy... I'm happy.

mad0865

Good luck with the Liberty. You'll love it, it's an awesome vehicle. 10,500 miles and running great. As for the WRX, man oh man would I love to take a car like that on some nice curvy hills, like the ones in the Poconos mountains. Took the Liberty up there, and it handled great. Granted, I didn't take the curves at 60mph, but held it's own without a problem.

tidester

Pass is a shortened form of passage which is an area lower than the surrounding peaks and allows passage to the other side. Of course, Jeep owners have little need for such subtle distinctions and are often seen angling their way up and over the peaks themselves! ;-)

tidester
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anonymous02

I guess I could have been more clear.

OK, make that up a mountain. No pavement, no dirt roads.

The WRX driver will certainly not be having as much fun as the Liberty driver.

djasonw

What type of vehicles usually win this challenge? I think an A4/WRX will make it up before a Liberty. Now the Rubicon? Give me my inlaws Liberty anyday.

shreddedshoe

Has anyone noticed any rusting problems underneath their Liberty? Some people on the JeepsUnlimited site have posted pics of serious rusting on the driveshaft and muffler and have also found it on other spots on the undercarriage. It's probably just surface, but regardless...it shouldn't be. Just wondering if anyone else has this.

tidester

How about an Eagle Talon?

tidester
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dielectric7bb

or how bout a Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4?

tidester

Drool!

tidester
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vader6

How about a Yugo? No maintenace required. When it becomes defected just leave it and buy another.

anonymous02

I'll take the WRX for that one.

But if that is in reference to the mountain posting from before, remember, they do that race on a road (a dirt road, but still, a road).

I was talking about no-road conditions.

rsholland

Actually, Select Trac (with full-time 4x4 mode) would be better on Long Island, or anywhere where there are paved roads than Command Trac. You can use Select Trac's full-time 4x4 mode anywhere, anytime. It's ideal in rain or any transitional surface, as well as snow or off-road. With Command Trac you're limited to slippery or off-road surfaces only.

Bob

bjfrank42

Just chacked the mpg for the first time on my Liberty. Have 3000 miles on it. 6 cyl. Drove 275 miles at 75 mph with air on. Got 19 mpg. I can live with that. Better than the 4cyl Dakota I traded in for it.