Calgary Jeep Association

Author Topic: Liberty for a daily driver?  (Read 2297 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline blaker

  • Baby Wheeler
  • Posts: 77
    • http://www.snojet.com
Liberty for a daily driver?
« on: August 07, 2009, 02:02:19 PM »

I'm looking at maybe buying a used Jeep Liberty for a daily driver. I've already got a CJ7 for the trails, so the liberty would stay pretty much stock. Any off-roading would just be to get out camping, so nothing too serious. How are the older Liberty's? There seems to be quite a few for sale, and the prices aren't too bad. Is there anything to look out for, or anything I should definitely avoid? Should I try and stick with something with low miles?

Any feedback or suggestions would be great. Thanks!

Offline FiEND

  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 3775
  • Wrecking Ball
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2009, 02:56:01 PM »
they are fantastic, but not the easiest on fuel

you need to test drive one because they can be very comfortable for certain people and the opposite for others.

the rears are 8.25 and fronts are IFS D30.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_four_wheel_drive_systems <-- read about command-trac and selec-trac

we got a '05 renegade w/ selec-trac and it's quite nice.  look for a renegade if you can as they have all the skid plates / offroad package included and it's hard to find a selec-trac in the sport models, not sure about unlimited models.

the gear ratio is 3.73 i believe so good torque and we hit the rev limiter at 140km on the highway.

we've never had a complaint about it.
1Wide2High
ILV2FRT
'97 TJ [sold]
'17 JK Rubicon

Offline blaker

  • Baby Wheeler
  • Posts: 77
    • http://www.snojet.com
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2009, 03:29:03 PM »
Thanks! That's good to know about the Renegade. I kind of figured about the fuel mileage, but could live with that. I would imagine I should definitely stick with the V6?

Offline FiEND

  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 3775
  • Wrecking Ball
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2009, 03:46:41 PM »
renegade didn't come in a diesel.  4 cyl didn't come in a auto so we were stuck.  6cyl auto.. don't think the 6 came stick either.  very limited for options.  v6 is nice but heard great things about the diesel as well.  if you want auto, pretty much stuck with the v6
1Wide2High
ILV2FRT
'97 TJ [sold]
'17 JK Rubicon

Offline dunl

  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 1895
    • Red Deer Jeep Packrats
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2009, 07:07:00 PM »
Got my wife one for a birthday present and she loves it. MIGHT trade it in on a four door, but it'd have to be a really good deal.

Quite fun to drive.  :)
`48 CJ2A, `54 CJ3B, `97 TJ, and 03 WJ...batting close to .500 when it comes to jeep models owned vs. jeep models created.....
Red Deer Jeep Packrats
www.reddeerjeep.com

Offline specialk

  • CJA Executive
  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 3176
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #5 on: August 10, 2009, 12:38:54 PM »
We still have an 02.  Love it.  My only issue was the starter this spring.
04 TJ Rubi

Offline RedDog

  • Budget Lift
  • Posts: 203
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2009, 04:36:28 AM »
There are two at the office, a Renegade and a Limited. Neither have ever been off pavement. Both owners love them. The Renegade owner used to have a TJ, which terrified her to drive, especially in the winter. In the current case both are viewed and used essentially as station wagons.
I'd rather be dragging a club than clubbing in drag
05 TJ mildly enhanced • 08 Buell XB12XT • 08 Santa Cruz Superlight

Offline FiEND

  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 3775
  • Wrecking Ball
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2009, 08:29:01 AM »
yep, they work well as station wagons too... not quite as good as cherokees but close :D
1Wide2High
ILV2FRT
'97 TJ [sold]
'17 JK Rubicon

Offline 01sahara

  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 2892
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #8 on: August 12, 2009, 08:51:37 AM »
yep, they work well as station wagons too... not quite as good as cherokees but close :D

I have the new style 2008 as a DD and its great.
Super Winch, 33" MT, 2 1/2" lift , CB, Flat Fender
http://melaman2.com/cartoons/singles/george-jungle.html

Offline blaker

  • Baby Wheeler
  • Posts: 77
    • http://www.snojet.com
Re: Liberty for a daily driver?
« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2009, 01:54:37 PM »
Thanks for all the info. I'm really glad to hear there haven't been any catastrophic failures or anything like that. I guess it's about time to start test driving.