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Question: Thinking about buying a jeep liberty, please tell me your opinions,experiences and suggestions?

(Posted by: M T on 2010-07-25 19:19:32)

Is it a tough, strong car? Who is it good for? Is it safe? Gas mileage? Over all rating? Thanks much its a 2002

Posted by: dick car guy on 2010-07-25, 20:13:52

Jeep never had a good repair history, and it did not get any better since chrysler bought it, and there has been some recent comments about the performance of the jeep liberty in particular, as with any used vehicle, always take it for a test drive for at least 30 to 40 minutes, and I like to test drive any used vehicle cold, after sitting overnight, Often times an engine or transmission problem just beginning will show up cold but go away when warm, for example a possible engine problem may be knocking or rattling or big clouds of blue smoke, upon start up, but after that first warm up is ok the rest of the day, a example of a bad transmission, the car may not even move when cold, until warmed up for 5 or ten minutes. but a wheels off mechanical inspection is the best protection against a crap car, and ask your mechanic his honest opinion, He spends his days working on broken cars, and sees the same things break on the same models over and over. also a mechanical inspection can save you money, if the mechanic oks the car, but finds minor problems, get a written estimate and try to negotiate the price down some.

Posted by: Two Smoking Guns on 2010-07-25, 19:23:43

What year? I have the handsome cousin, Dodge Nitro, they are ok. Mileage is from 16-22, they have a good crash rating, we had a friend with an 02 0r 03 that went about 200,000 miles.

Posted by: Greg P on 2010-07-25, 19:31:39

Anything Jeep makes is good however keep in mind that Jeep is owned by Chrysler and I believe both Jeep Liberty and Jeep Patriot and or Jeep Compass are built on the frame of the Dodge Avenger and these are probably least capable as far as off roading and overall handling of all the Jeep models hence the lower price tags. If you want real Jeep traction you may want to look a Wrangler or a Grand Cherokee. Beware that Wranglers are not built the same as most other cars; the doors are very flimsy, they are not well insulated in cold temps and don't offer much protection; for the driver and passengers because of their flimsy doors....

Posted by: the_buccaru on 2010-07-25, 20:12:28

I think Greg has it wrong. I am pretty sure that the Liberty is built with a more off road oriented chassis with high a and low transfer case. That would make it much more capable off road than a compass. They are a good compromise if you want off road ability. Like Wranglers they can be thirsty.