What to look for when buying used?

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globber99

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Hi so I'm new to the forum and have been looking at picking up a liberty. I'm going to look at a manual 04 Renegade on Saturday. The car has only 105k miles. I was wondering if there is anythings in particular I should pay attention to? Any tell tale signs that would alert me to any real issues with the car. You guys know what I mean, any and all help/info that you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks you in advance.
 

Jbergun

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Check the fluids obviously look in the coolant tank see what color it is. These jeeps are supposed to use HOAT coolant which is not colored from what i have seen. Check the undercarriage for rust anything excessive i would walk away the top tail light is a known rust spot. Check the top right corner on the radiator. If it is cracked atleast negotiate to get it cheaper. If the coolant is brown or clay colored negotiate for better price. If you see any signs of an over heated engine walk away. Sign like coolant srayage dries white under the hood or oil spray. The 3.7l engine is very reliable until it gets over heated.
 

globber99

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Good to know, thank you.

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globber99

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So they are asking 5600, but I'm shooting for the 4000 to 4500 range. Is he closer to a fair price or am I? Honestly 4600 is pretty much the limit I'm gonna go on a 12 year old car.

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Jbergun

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I paid 5500 for my 2002 3 years ago and she had 100k. Like i said if she is clean as could be coolant is good and not green or red or whatever he is pretty close. 5000 grand is fair anything less than that is a deal. I would go with what i said there is almost always rust underneath and unless it is a jeep dealer they got the wrong coolant in there. Universal is not for this jeep its HOAT and what i got is like clear ish gold. So almost no color to it. Use that stuff to your advantage. You should be able to get it for 4800 if you point out the right stuff.
 

globber99

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Another thing he claims its a 6 speed but I thought they didn't start putting the 6 speed in until 05 or 06

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Jbergun

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You could even measure the ride height and claim its sagged down already too far from stock and you will have to do suspension work too. Which isnt completely true but its not a lie. On top of all the recent recalls. There is alot in your corner if you know how to play the cards. I didnt play them right i needed a new truck and my girl was speakin to me.
 

Jbergun

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You would have to search the forum on that i have no idea about the manuals. Mime is 4 speed auto with overdrive.
 

Jbergun

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Oh i forgot to mention get her up to decent speed and hit the brakes not hard just feel to see if she shakes mine did and i got lucky it was just warped rotors. I would only feel it when i was going faster than 40mph.
 

globber99

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I really appreciate all the info, whats the stock ride height supposed to sit at? I mean even if its spot on I'll probably say its an inch or so short.

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Jbergun

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19" and i was wrong on the coolant mopar HOAT is red i never seen it before but i read it in a post here.
 

HoosierJeeper

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Make sure it shifts into 4WD good. Check the doors and by the 3rd brake light for rust.
 

globber99

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Well I got the car for 4200. It's pretty clean so I'm not disappointed at all. The leather on the driver seat isn't in the best of shape and the passenger side window only goes down half way. But coolant looked good ****** is smooth, 4 wheel drive hi and lo works great.

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Jbergun

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My leather on the driver side is wreck i got some caltrend neoseupreme seat covers on ebay custom fit is perfect.
 

Jbergun

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And the window search the forum i am pretty sure thats the regulator but i never had the problem so i dont know. Great deal 105k there are a few guys on here pushing 300k.
 

globber99

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Yeah so the window comes down about 7 or 8 inches, then this cord pops up from inside the door all the way towards the front and keeps going up as long as I'm rolling the window down. I think if ibopen the door up I'll be able to see what's going on.

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