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Used Jeep Liberty Overview
The Jeep Liberty was produced for the 2002 to 2012 model years and lower mileage versions today are getting harder and harder to find. One of the main reasons is that its been reported many of them haven't aged well in terms of mechanics and reliability.
That said, they can still be found and there is still a demand for them. Just do some very careful shopping.
n 2002, the Jeep Liberty debuted as the successor to the Cherokee (this first-generation was produced until the redesign for 2008). And unlike many of its car-based SUV rivals, it was designed to competently travel off-road. With its very good suspension (independent front and solid axle rear), robust four-wheel drive systems, significant ground clearance and rack-and-pinion steering, the Liberty best fits those seeking a compact around-town SUV that also sports a go-anywhere attitude.
The 2002 model year offered either two-wheel or four-wheel drive versions and in base Sport and upscale Limited models. Features on the Limited include a sunroof, leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, navigation, an Infinity audio system and hands-free cell phone connectivity. Stability control and antilock brakes (ABS) were standard on both models, while some can also be found with the optional side curtain airbags.
Powering most of these Jeeps was a 210-horsepower 3.7 liter V6 engine that was coupled with either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. And through 2005, there was also a 150-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine available, although we wouldn't recommend this underpowered version. The four-wheel drive system also is equipped with low-range gearing for better off-road performance.
In 2003 and 2004 models, the Liberty was further refined with feature additions such as an overhead console, an available 6-disc in-dash CD player and a special Columbia Edition that came with graphite-painted 16 inch wheels and exterior trim accents, a sunroof and foglamps.
There was also a turbocharged diesel engine Liberty for the 2005 and 2006 model years. It was a 2.8 liter four-cylinder that produced 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This diesel Liberty was popular with buyers because it pretty much provided the same performance as the gas-powered V6 models but with improved gas mileage. It was discontinued due to more stringent U.S. emissions standards.
Side curtain airbags and stability control became available with the 2006 model year.
The second-generation Liberty, introduced for 2008 and produced through 2012, had an updated look and improved on-road handling and performance. In addition, passenger room was increased by adding two inches to the wheelbase. Additional luxury features were also made available, such as remote start, rain-sensing wipers, driver memory functions and a canvas power-sliding sunroof that creates a huge opening.
The available models were primarily still the base Sport and the more upscale Limited. And the one engine powering both models was a 3.7 liter V6 good for 210 horsepower. Sport models came with either a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, while the Limited was automatic only. Both models were offered with either rear or four-wheel drive.
Standard equipment on the Sport during this run included 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, automatic headlamps, stability control, traction control, a tilt steering wheel, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
Some models can also be found with optional packages. The Popular Equipment Group added cruise control, upgraded upholstery, roof rails, a cargo cover, foglamps and rear privacy glass. The Comfort Seating Group added leather upholstery, heated power front seats (6-way driver, 2-way passenger), driver memory settings and manual lumbar adjustment, while the Premium Group included remote start, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and an 8-speaker Infinity sound system.
The Limited model came standard with the Comfort Seating Group, 17-inch wheels, exterior chrome trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and the 8-speaker Infinity sound system.
Some years also saw the production of the Renegade model, which was four-wheel-drive only and generally included all-terrain tires, an enhanced 4x4 system, different exterior bodywork, skid plates, tow hooks and much of the equipment from the Popular Equipment Group.
Overall, however, we're not big fans of the Jeep Liberty. The power provided by the 3.7-liter V6 is disappointing and its fuel economy is poor for this class. The 2WD modely gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD comes in at 15 city and 21 highway. None of these figures are helped by the aged four-speed automatic. While this vehicle does have some off-road skills, there's little to recommend when used on the pavement around town. Maintenance costs have also been above average.
The Liberty's interior is also not up to what is expected from a small SUV. The look is fairly bland, the quality of materials is lower-grade, the seats are flat and the steering wheel doesn't telescope. It's maximum cargo capacity is about average at 64 cubic feet.
That said, they are less expensive in the second-hand market as compared to rivals and they can also make sense for those who will use it primarily as an off-road vehicle.
How To Buy At The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Liberty at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Jeep, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Jeep. This works just phenomenally well.
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