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Jeep Liberty Diesel

11441 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 6:40 AM

You are in the Jeep Liberty and Jeep Liberty Diesel Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jeep Liberty, Biodiesel, Diesel, SUV

Messages Page 769 of 1145

#7672 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [tony67ss] by pttrillium

Sep 04, 2006 (9:49 am)

Replying to: tony67ss (Sep 04, 2006 6:03 am)
I tend to look on the positive side of things and with rare exceptions, things turn out that way.
 
1. Future parts: Manufacturers are required to stock replacement parts for I think 9 years after a model is discontinued. I owned a Merkur XR4ti (loved it) and had no trouble getting parts for it. I bought it new in 1986 and sold it in 1994. Rarely is it engine stuff that goes wrong, it's usually something like a window lift or brake problem or some weird computer thing. Keep in mind that even with the diesel engine, the vast quantity of parts for the Liberty are the same as on the gas engine version. And there are zillions on the road. Getting a new injector in 2012 won't be the problem you might imagine.
2. I don't know enough about Florida law but federally, if something complies with the law in 2006 then it is held to 2006 standards. If you want to register a 2006 vehicle in 2009 they can't hold you to 2009 standards.
3. Look up the posts on resale on this board and others. The actual numbers are positive for a diesel holding it's value better than a gasser. However, the resale on Libertys isn't as good as say, a Honda. Future support? Based on the issues on this board, it appears as if this varies by dealer. I would say that the variance between Jeep dealers is breathtakingly wide and some are absolutely horrible while others are competent. I think the fact that DCX has to certify that some are five star dealerships is evidence of a really bad business problem they have and some of these guys don't deserve to be selling cars at all. Compare this with the standards Acura dealers are held to and you get a picture for what DCX is up against. Choose your dealer carefully and don't give your subsequent service business to a crummy one.
 
The drivetrain warranty is longer than the regular warranty, I believe 100,000 miles on the diesel engine on the 2006 ones. So why worry?
 
By 2008-9 the Liberty won't seem as much an oddity. We are going to see CRD diesels (not the VM Motori engine-they'll be Mercedes derived, but badged CRDs nonetheless) in Grand Cherokees and also the Commander. The Liberty won't seem weird at all, just ahead of it's time by 24 months. Mercedes will reintroduce diesel in more vehicles and we'll see more from BMW and Audi before 2010. While the country won't suddenly go diesel, about 10-15 percent could be that way by 2010. SUVs are ideal for Clean Diesel engines, the power bump you get on the low end makes a diesel SUV much more fun to drive than a gasser, IMHO. Offroad performance with all that low end torque is r e a l l y f u n.
 
I don't believe the Liberty is a white elephant. I would like to know what other people think!! Disagree with me, but tell me why, I'd like to be educated as much as anyone else here, that's why I keep reading.
 
Good luck with your decision.
 
 

#7673 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [tony67ss] by winter2

Sep 04, 2006 (9:54 am)

Replying to: tony67ss (Sep 04, 2006 6:03 am)
Tony,
 
The engine will be discontinued in this country because DCX will not invest the money to make it emissions legal. The engine will continue to be available in Europe for sometime to come so parts should be a non-issue.
 
The only issue we will all have is finding a good competent diesel tech and a dealer with a really good service department.
 
I have moved to Florida from Maryland and am looking for a good dealer in the Delray Beach area. Any suggestions welcome.

#7674 of 11441 Re: Tire feathering [tired_old_dave] by tired_old_dave

Sep 04, 2006 (10:03 am)

Replying to: tired_old_dave (Sep 03, 2006 4:53 pm)
Wheel back on the rear of crd. Talked to a very knowledgeable woman at a parts store. I and the betterhalf (we) are not alone. She has heard a lot of problems with the liberty (she's not biased since she understands the cherokee and wrangler and mechanicals more than some males).
 
Without investigating fully, it appears if the crd was to have an upper anti-rattle spring - it didn't have one. Wasn't supposed to or selling dealership mechanic didn't put it back on at the 2k mile grinding noise from hell fix. The anti-rattle slider? slid out and cut grooves in the back of the mag wheel.
 
Liberty 2004 made top ten list of worst vehicles. Can the 2005 claim that honor also. No answers please.

#7675 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [tony67ss] by zachinmi

Sep 04, 2006 (11:09 am)

Replying to: tony67ss (Sep 04, 2006 6:03 am)
I see posts from pttrillium and winter2 have addressed the support issues, and I agree with their statements. I like my CRD, but if you're going to be overseas for a while I might hesitate as I don't know how long it will take to get italian engine parts for a Jeep shipped to SE Asia or wherever you might be. If you're posted in Europe I wouldn't hesitate at all.
 
One thing to consider - you need synthetic 0w40 or 5w40 oil with a diesel rating (CF or higher) in the CRD. Is that available where you are?
 
Apart from parts, who is the mechanic to work on it? The diesel system probably requires someone with diesel-specific knowledge. Do you have on-base mechanics? Are they trained only on gas engines or on diesel also? I would think someone who can handle a truck diesel could work on this engine, but I won't say the same for someone who only knows car gasoline engines.
 
Other comment - 25k seems like a lot even for a well equipped model. I bought a decently equipped Sport in January for closer to 20k, and that was before they were discontinued. I don't know what kind of deals you can expect as overseas military but 25k doesn't sound like anything special to me.

#7676 of 11441 Re: Speedometer reading too fast [agresearch] by tidester

Sep 04, 2006 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: agresearch (Sep 04, 2006 6:48 am)
I wasn't sure which system the OP was using but surely I had older systems in mind. More modern systems do indeed use high sampling rates with four or more channels to partially offset the significant errors in civilian GPS.
 
Here's what I was thinking: GPS and Speed Measurements
 
Another consideration is that speedometers are often calibrated to display a slightly higher speed than the actual speed for reasons of legal cover.
 
In any case, the milepost technique is tried and true.
 
tidester, host

#7677 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [tony67ss] by zachinmi by willysjeep

Sep 04, 2006 (1:04 pm)

I got my Jeep CRD KJ in 2005 and have really liked it despite some problems. The thing cruises well.
 
The most recent problem which I've had was the yellow light on the dahboard for potential engine problems was lighting intermittently. I took it to the dealer and they hookede it up to their machine. The codes received were indecypherable to the folks at the dealer. They told me to bring it in if the yellow light comes on again. Dealer support has been good.
 
The yellow light did come on again. The engine began to run like it was running on three cylinders. Of course it happened on a Saturday night when no dealer would be available for assistance. I poked around myself and reseated the plug that that "talks" to the fuel injection computer. The Jeep ran fine after messing with the plug and has run well for the last three weeks. So you may expect the yellow check engine light to come on if you procure a CRD Jeep. I wouldn't let a few problems like the "lemon" light (check engine light) stop you from buying a CRD Jeep.
 
Note that maintenance is somewhat less frequent for a diesel Jeep than a gas Jeep. This is nice. Note also that mileage is a bit better. This is nice. Diesel engines are supposed to last a long time. This also may be nice.
 
The Jeep does have a turbocharger so in Florida you will have to watch for overheating very carefully. Failure of a turbocharger leads to an extremely expensive repair. Expensive repairs are not nice.
 
I request that you let the forum know what you've decided. It will be interesting.

#7678 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [pttrillium] by farout

Sep 04, 2006 (1:39 pm)

Replying to: pttrillium (Sep 04, 2006 9:49 am)
pttrillium: We bought our 2005 Sport CRD Sept.29 05. With in 1 week the diesel rose about 50 cents above reg gas. We traded our 2005 Liberty Limited 3.7 in on the CRD. So we made a very serious venture to get the CRD. After buying it I felt over come by being totally unfamiliar with diesel. There was a lot of conflicting information that was hard to digest. Use Cetane boosters, no use anti gel cetane boosters, no use 15-45 oil, no use 10-30 oil, and so on and so forth. Then reading some very unfortunate buyers complain about various problems. I was really thinking we made a mistake. However, I started calling major dealers that sold large numbers of Jeep Liberty CRD's. I found one dealer in Toledo Ohio, that their Tec also helps in the factory when they have a problem with a stubborn CRD. He has been to Italy, and knows his stuff, even been trained in the factory. I also e-mailed the factory two times for information. So I feel I am caught up enough to be comfortable with our CRD. Id not do any of the work myself. I am blessed to have a excellent dealership and a top notch tec to do my CRD work. So I now am confident we are doing good by the CRD.
    Each person has to make up your own mind if this would be a wise choice for you.
    Our CRD has 19,400 miles in it. I am changing oil every 8,000 miles, I use Shell Rotella 5-40 w Synsethic oil. I do not fit either the A or B schedule, so I sorta split the two. I am under the miles for the schedule A but above the B. I do not use additives, I don't drive it any different than I would a gas Liberty, with the exceptions of letting the engine cool down for a couple of minuets after a long ride. I try not to go over 3,000 rpm except when more power is required. I drive conservatively only because I am not is a huge rush. We go pretty much by the speed limit. Saves money on tickets too.
    I am glad we put on the 100,000 mile extended service contract warranty. Max. care 0 deduct able. With all this I can say I am pleased at 19,400 miles. It costs me 11.7 cents a mile for fuel. I get 22 to 26.1 mpg. Never been on a trip so far.
    Use caution, ask questions, and might even ask the good LORD what His will is for ya.
 
Farout

#7679 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [pttrillium] by vtdog

Sep 04, 2006 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: pttrillium (Sep 04, 2006 9:49 am)
ptill'm
 
My experience is this: bought in 4/05. Now have 33k miles, only 1 repair, EGR, beyond normal maint. I change oil 9k (split between a/b service) and use dealer (0-40) oil. I use no additives and start car in winter (coldest -12F) without use of plug in heater. I treat CRD as a car, nothing more, nothing less. It has given me good service (so far) and is "fun" to drive. My usual mpg is around 25 with 80% hiway at 70-75mph. I just finished a 1200 mile trip to northern quebec which included over 300 mi on dirt roads/trails in full time 4wd. CRD performed flawlessly in all conditions. Even during that segment of trip, I still got 22mpg. To give you a good difference between the CRD and other SUVs, my buddy with an explorer had to buy 5 gal of gas from the trip outfitter in order to make it back to main road. At 312 mi I still had plenty of fuel for the trip out.
 
Yes the car has its quirks and you do see alot of whining about every squeak and rattle here, but in the main, it has been good to me. I know its a Liberty and I do not expect 300,000 miles just cause it has a diesel. Anyone who does is on drugs.
 
So, buy it if you want, but be real in expectation: it is rugged, but not indestructible, nor will you get jetta tdi mileage.

#7680 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [vtdog] by farout

Sep 04, 2006 (8:24 pm)

Replying to: vtdog (Sep 04, 2006 5:03 pm)
vtdog: You and I agree and are almost the same as the way we drive. Except here is we do 70-75 around the lake, we would be in the lake! I personally think additives with this engine might offer some little help, but not enough to notice, except in your wallet!
   By what I read the Jetta TDI has a lot more problems then our CRD will ever think of having!
 
Farout

#7681 of 11441 Re: Advice! with purchase [pttrillium] by tony67ss

Sep 05, 2006 (2:40 am)

Replying to: pttrillium (Sep 04, 2006 9:49 am)
Wow,pttrillium, thanks for all the info. I understand a lot more about what you are saying. The only thing, I have looked for information on the drivetrain warrenty and have not found anything. If it is 100,000 miles on the diesel, then I have no worries at all. I guess that was what I was worried about was engine problems..it seems I just need to find a competent mechanic/delaership when I return from overseas. Where do I find info about a star rating?
once again, thank you very much.
I will respond to everyone else now as well.
And we have decided to get the car..

Messages Page 769 of 1145

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