New Guy Seeking Buying Guidance

[bwflorida]

New here, hoping this is the right forum for this question.
Have decided to buy a KJ to replace my beloved 96 XJ that I sold last year.
Am retired, don't have a lot to spend, so am looking at the 2002 KJs.
I found a fully loaded 4WD 2002 Limited with below average miles that's in my price range (under 6K).
Are the 2002s a safe buy, or should I be looking for another year?
Thanks!

 

[Porkchop]

Take it to a qualified mechanic that knows libertys first as they have specifics that need to be checked in the early dates but yes some prefer the early date KJs.

 

[TheBlueKJ]

They've got the better trans the 45RFE

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

ThunderbirdJunkie's '02 was forged in the depths of Valhalla by Surtr, the Norse god of fire, from iron ore mined from the bowels of Mt Vesuvius by the indentured souls of those slain by Viking warriors.

It was a pretty good Jeep that got run harder than it was ever designed to.

Sent from ThunderbirdJunkie's mind because the Matrix is real, Neo.

 

[yellocoyote]

Mine has been pretty solid (other than the things I did to it). p: It's currently pushing 212K miles. If I were to replace my current KJ, I'd look for another '02.

 

[Dave]

Welcome bw.

As others have said, an 02 would be a good year. Have it checked out good like others have said.

Dave

 

[bwflorida]

Welcome bw. As others have said, an 02 would be a good year. Have it checked out good like others have said. Dave

Thanks, Dave. I ended up buying a 2003 KJ Sport. Found it at a local GM Dealer when I took my wife's car in for service. Only 84,500 miles, super clean. Had it for a couple of weeks now, runs great so far, just hoping there aren't any hidden defects. Compared to the two XJs I owned previously, it's the best Jeep so far.

 

[TheBlueKJ]

Looking good!

 

[Dave]

Welcome to the world of KJ's.

Dave

 

[wheeee32]

That's a clean 03. Congrads.

 

[martin_metal_88]

Hm that's a sexy KJ. I love that color. wait, I love all KJ color
Welcome in the bandwagon and enjoy that little pearl you have.
ho and, post a lot of pic