Looking into getting my first Liberty 05

[J33P]

Hello guys,

About a week ago i was out with my friend in his nee to him Jeep that he had just brought. After about an hour he finally let me drive and i felt like king of the roads and apart from that the comfort was out standing. I started asking him loads of questions but he was clueless, i would say he new less then me haha. Now i have my heart set on one, but did he just get lucky? being his seems to be very well looked after. What i could do with is a few things i should be looking out for when buying a 2005 Liberty from, anything that is common in the 05 model? Also what would you say a good price range was? The prices online range massively. I would like to give the seller a decent amount so we are both happy in the end. This is new for me so i am really excited feeling like a child at Christmas again.. Looking forward to speaking to you all!!

Thanks
http://www.easyprices.com/cars-bikes-parts

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[turblediesel]

They all have their problems. Most of the problems have happened to someone here. Pick one without rust or a blown overheated engine.

 

[fastcarsspeed]

I think it really depends on mileage. I have a 02 Limited that is very very clean but high miles at 287k. I paid 900 for it and had to put tires, muffler, tailpipe, lower control arm and a couple sensors.

I just picked up an 05 for 217k miles that is dirty inside and has an issue with the shifter/trans and the interlock switch in the column. I paid 400 for this one. I would think you should be able to stay under 5k with an 05 depending on mileage. In my area they are anywhere from 2k to 4500 under 180k miles it seems.

Again as someone else said they all need some work it seems but for the most part these things are easy to fix.

 

[GunnerSchenck]

I don't know.... they may have their problems but, when I first got mine seemed every person that got in it, got out surprised and impressed.. hell I've ripped past by buddy while he was stuck in mud with his lifted 04 dakota. And he has a 318/4wd.. I'm a 2wd liberty.. if that didn't make me feel better about owning a 2wd jeep.. nothings gunna lol.

That being said, I say heck yeah do it! It will come with its hidden quirks, but every previously owned vehicle will. Just in this case, it'll be an easy to work on vehicle that will give a lot back to you as long as you take care of it correctly. And to keep on track with that, you'll have this wonderful forum to help you out!
I've used a forum for every car I own, even my 77 Volare has a forum (whoda thunk).. and this one is by far the most helpful.. maybe the most argumentative as well, but that's because it's full of people with knowledge and experience surrounding the Jeep you'll come to know and love.
Keep on Jeepin and good luck in your treasure hunt!!

 

[J33P]

The blown engine is a good start... But that is just how i felt when i got out of my friends Jeep, surprised and impressed. And this is what i am looking for something that is easy to work on reliable and it will put a smile on my face every time i get in it!!. The millage is a lot higher than i expected to still be in good condition... Sweet some good information guys. Is it ok if i pick a few motors out and you guys tell me if its worth a viewing?? i don't know weather they are bull****ing or not..

Thanks guys

 

[HoosierJeeper]

We'd be happy to help you pick out your next favorite vehicle!

 

[GunnerSchenck]

Happy to help any way I can.
As for the high mileage still being good condition, you'd be surprised what you can get out of these.. there's a high mileage thread somewhere on here and have seen a few people pictures on there who are well upward of 300k with their original motor. then you'll always have those people blowing motors at 90k though.
My jeep still surprises me every now and again.. but I'm only to 200k (bought at 85k), determined to get to that 300k mark but that's a couple years down the road I hope

 

[J33P]

These just seem like win-win vehicles!!! Is there anything bad about them?? I am doing some research on the Liberty's now there are a few too choose from. Be back soon!!

 

[GunnerSchenck]

All in maintenance upkeep.. the example I used prior the guy is well above 300k but is on his second transmission.
And anything bad? If someone were to ask me what I didn't like about my jeep....
1.) Where the window switch is, is well... awkward to say the least, but you get used to it.
2.) Our window regulators kinda suck. And they're part of the motor assembly so must be replaced as one... pretty quick and simple to change. Also not all people have this issue, just most.. and if you or those that ride with you smoke, or consistently mess with the window, I'd bet on one going..
3.) Automatic liberties come with 1 of 2 transmissions, and one is easily more durable than the other.
4.) Not so great on gas, but not bad enough for me to complain... well now that I'm not driving 1,200 miles a week on college commutes anymore. (Killed a taurus, mustang, and Volvo s60 on this commute and only the Jeep has survived)
5.) It's 2wd, so.. get a 4wd one and ensure its properly functioning before purchasing.
6.) Not sure if it's the angle of the windshield, but I've had rocks break 3 (mopar, ppg glass, and now still running the chipped safelite glass lol) so far.. all within a 3 inch radius just below the rear view mirror. Could just be coincidence though.

As for the Liberty overall, you'll want to make sure that oil and cooling systems are regularly monitored and maintained. Alot of 3.7s quickly end up with valvetrain issues if the oil is not filled at all times and changed on a regular interval.
And these engines HATE to overheat.. if you see the temp gauge go red, no more driving.. get it fixed immediately or park it until you can.
Only takes one nice overheat with these things for all heck to break loose.. well of course that's any engine, but seems to be especially relevant to these engines..

All that being said, I won't pretend to have babied it just because I kept up on the maintanence(as I'm sure others on here can relate to).. she's been through some rough scenarios and never let me down.*knocks on wood*

I'd call them a... win-tie vehicle.