GF wants a Jeep

[mcgavinz26]

Hello. First time posting.

I'm a car guy. If a car that I own breaks, I fix it. My girlfriend usually leases cars (about done with the 3rd one soon) and I've talked her into buying a little older used car with the understanding that I'll just fix it and she'll be happy with the money she saves. She's always liked Jeeps. Years ago she leased a KJ and still likes the look of them. She's got about 3 months until her lease is up now on her Patriot.

When in the market for a KJ, what should I look for? She never off roads. I'd rather have a set of snow tires in the garage than a 4x4 system to fix when it breaks.

I've done a little reading up on them and notice the 4 cylinder was dropped as an option in 2006 and 07. Besides being lower on power, is there any reason not to try and find a 4 cylinder? Does the 3.7 typically last longer?

Is there anything that is typical to break down and I should keep an eye out for when inspecting a KJ?

I plan on installing a remote start and an aftermarket radio for her. Anything out of the normal difficult about either of those? I've installed multiple of both, but only on GM cars.

Any pointers about KJ's are welcome.

 

[jankerson]

It's going to depend on were you buy it and how the maintenance was kept up from the last owner.

Other than that make sure you get it checked out by a mechanic BEFORE you get it.

I would also stay away from anything that has been modified.

Like any vehicle they have their little quirks, but not ALL will be affected...

The 3.7L is a good engine that has a history of going for a very long time.

 

[Porkchop]

OEM springs are not the best on a KJ lf buying a used KJ might want to plan on replacing the springs and shocks. Also like you said buy a better set of tires if it has the original on it they didn't come with the greatest set of tires when new.

 

[Atrus]

Hello. First time posting.

I'm a car guy. If a car that I own breaks, I fix it. My girlfriend usually leases cars (about done with the 3rd one soon) and I've talked her into buying a little older used car with the understanding that I'll just fix it and she'll be happy with the money she saves. She's always liked Jeeps. Years ago she leased a KJ and still likes the look of them. She's got about 3 months until her lease is up now on her Patriot.

When in the market for a KJ, what should I look for? She never off roads. I'd rather have a set of snow tires in the garage than a 4x4 system to fix when it breaks.

I've done a little reading up on them and notice the 4 cylinder was dropped as an option in 2006 and 07. Besides being lower on power, is there any reason not to try and find a 4 cylinder? Does the 3.7 typically last longer?

Is there anything that is typical to break down and I should keep an eye out for when inspecting a KJ?

I plan on installing a remote start and an aftermarket radio for her. Anything out of the normal difficult about either of those? I've installed multiple of both, but only on GM cars.

Any pointers about KJ's are welcome.

Damn, man - I just had mine for sale, but we sold my wife's car first so the KJ is sticking around. If you posted this last week, it coulda been yours!

Honestly, I wouldn't even consider the 4 ******. The 3.7 is enough of a dog in this thing, I couldn't imagine trying to commute with less power. The KJ isn't exactly lightweight! Nothing really difficult in the remote start/radio installs - I've done both in mine with very little headache.

I'd just watch for ball joint issues. I've never had trouble with mine, but they are a source of issue for many.

 

[Atrus]

Hello. First time posting.

I'm a car guy. If a car that I own breaks, I fix it. My girlfriend usually leases cars (about done with the 3rd one soon) and I've talked her into buying a little older used car with the understanding that I'll just fix it and she'll be happy with the money she saves. She's always liked Jeeps. Years ago she leased a KJ and still likes the look of them. She's got about 3 months until her lease is up now on her Patriot.

When in the market for a KJ, what should I look for? She never off roads. I'd rather have a set of snow tires in the garage than a 4x4 system to fix when it breaks.

I've done a little reading up on them and notice the 4 cylinder was dropped as an option in 2006 and 07. Besides being lower on power, is there any reason not to try and find a 4 cylinder? Does the 3.7 typically last longer?

Is there anything that is typical to break down and I should keep an eye out for when inspecting a KJ?

I plan on installing a remote start and an aftermarket radio for her. Anything out of the normal difficult about either of those? I've installed multiple of both, but only on GM cars.

Any pointers about KJ's are welcome.

They are out there, but it'll be tougher finding a non-4wd KJ in metro Detroit IMO. If her 4wd breaks, I think you could just yank the driveshaft and front axle and keep on Jeepin' - just make sure she doesn't put it in 4wd! Maybe it'd be worth yanking the 4wd shifter handle too.,

 

[Dave]

The 3.7L is your best bet. Also, you might look for the "selec-trac" instead of the "command-trac" if she is staying on road. I say this because she can just shift it into "full-time" and run it on any pavement condition (wet, dry, snow, etc) without worrying about damaging anything. Works good in the winter when you have snow, or patchy snow with sections of dry/wet pavement sections. A good set of all-terrain tires make a world of difference in the snow.

Make sure you get 2 working transponder keys. Check in the hidden slot above the glove box for the owners manual. Run the vin# through the jeep.com website under "owners services" to check to see that any recall was done.

The KJ is a good Jeep. Like others have said, check it out good (including the 4wd system).

Let us know how you make out. There's a lot of good info and people to help on here.

Dave

 

[mcgavinz26]

Which is more common and how do I identify the select or the command trac? Thanks for the heads up.

Is it a dealer only thing to get the remotes programmed or can that be done at home? Any idea how much a new remote/key will cost if I only have one?

Atrus, that would have been a nice short trip I'm not against driving to pick up a good deal on a car. My last 3 cars came from Wisconsin, Florida and Pennsylvania. I really wouldn't mind a road trip if I can find it before winter is in full effect. I've actually been searching out of state as it is because our roads are so ******* suspensions and interior rattles that I wanted to find something with an easier life up to this point. And salt... can't say enough bad things about how much salt the cars get here.

I'm also trying to stick with only cars under 100k miles too.

 

[Atrus]

Which is more common and how do I identify the select or the command trac? Thanks for the heads up.

Is it a dealer only thing to get the remotes programmed or can that be done at home? Any idea how much a new remote/key will cost if I only have one?

Atrus, that would have been a nice short trip I'm not against driving to pick up a good deal on a car. My last 3 cars came from Wisconsin, Florida and Pennsylvania. I really wouldn't mind a road trip if I can find it before winter is in full effect. I've actually been searching out of state as it is because our roads are so ******* suspensions and interior rattles that I wanted to find something with an easier life up to this point. And salt... can't say enough bad things about how much salt the cars get here.

I'm also trying to stick with only cars under 100k miles too.

I have 91k And VERY corrosion free.

You can program more keys IF you have two working keys. I currently have 3 working keys on mine as I don't like the integrated fob deal. I use a grey-headed key with the remote start fob.

 

[mcgavinz26]

You can program more keys IF you have two working keys. I currently have 3 working keys on mine as I don't like the integrated fob deal. I use a grey-headed key with the remote start fob.

Thats odd. Is there a write up/how-to on this you can point me at? Seems strange that you need both.

What happens if you only have one and want more?

 

[VAhlene]

My local ace hardware did a key fob for me, I didn't have two keys just one, bought it that way and got a spare made.

 

[Atrus]

Owner's manual.

2005 Jeep Liberty - Program Keyless Remote - JeepForum.com

 

[Atrus]

Oh, as for command trac vs selec trac.

CommandTrack will have 2WD-PT4WD-N-4Lo

SelecTrack will have 2WD-PT4WD-FT4WD-N-4Lo

Overall, CommandTrac is more popular, especially on the Sport models. You'll find the SelecTrac mostly in the Limiteds, but I am not sure if SelecTrac or CommandTrac was more popular in the Limited.

 

[Atrus]

My local ace hardware did a key fob for me, I didn't have two keys just one, bought it that way and got a spare made.

Spare for the door or ignition?

 

[mcgavinz26]

So how rough is any of the basic tune up type stuff? If things go good I would imagine getting a car with 80k or 90k miles on it and keeping it for another 60k or more. If its like other cars I've done that with, it means shocks/struts, plugs, wires, lots of oil changes, and more. Is there any of that stuff thats worse to do on this jeep than a normal car?

Is there somewhere I can get an electronic copy of the Jeep Service Manual?

 

[tommudd]

Plugs are super easy to swap out, just use good copper core don't get those fancy other ones as the KJs don't like them, 3.7s don't have plug wires so you don't have to change them
Yes by 65-70,000 miles you need to upgrade the suspension since by then most have sagged about an inch and stock suspension IMO is done by 20,000 miles

 

[jankerson]

So how rough is any of the basic tune up type stuff? If things go good I would imagine getting a car with 80k or 90k miles on it and keeping it for another 60k or more.

I would expect it to go for another 100K or more with proper maintenance.

Read that some 3.7's are still on the road with over 300K.

 

[tommudd]

Yes buddys 03 is over 222,000 and no issues, mines at 192,000 uses no oil between changes , still runs like it did when I bought it new .

 

[E.T.]

Good luck...I've had all kinds of problems with mine since I got it a few years ago. Bought it with about 99K miles and it now has 109K. Since then, I had to get the heat fixed, a new radiator, a complete brake job, muffler replaced, front "premium" speaker blown and today I found out the AC compressor is shot (with is well over $1000 to fix). I also just took it in for a recall because they said it's possible the airbags may deploy for no reason. Maybe I've just had a run of bad luck, but I haven't been thrilled with my Jeep lately.

Definitely get the 3.7L. I can't imagine a 4-****** in this thing.

 

[u2slow]

Oh, as for command trac vs selec trac.

CommandTrack will have 2WD-PT4WD-N-4Lo

SelecTrack will have 2WD-PT4WD-FT4WD-N-4Lo

Overall, CommandTrac is more popular, especially on the Sport models. You'll find the SelecTrac mostly in the Limiteds, but I am not sure if SelecTrac or CommandTrac was more popular in the Limited.

I don't think you get a choice of t-case with the manual trans (i.e. command trac only). Kind of a no-brainer since my little lady demanded stick shift. :icon_cool:

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Oh, as for command trac vs selec trac.

CommandTrack will have 2WD-PT4WD-N-4Lo

SelecTrack will have 2WD-PT4WD-FT4WD-N-4Lo

Overall, CommandTrac is more popular, especially on the Sport models. You'll find the SelecTrac mostly in the Limiteds, but I am not sure if SelecTrac or CommandTrac was more popular in the Limited.

I think the Command Trac says 2WD 4HI N 4LO...

For Limiteds, if it has leather it'll probably have Selec Trac, if it has cloth it'll probably have Command Trac. That's not a hard and fast rule (I don't know exactly how they were grouped) but I've yet to see a KJ Limited that has cloth and Selec Trac or one with leather and Command Trac.