Kootenanny

Hi, everyone. New guy here.

I'm considering purchasing a Jeep LIberty--looking at a 2006 with 6-spd manual and 90,000 km on the clock. I know nothing about these vehicles, so I have a few questions.

My primary concern is fuel mileage. My previous vehicle used about 12 L/100 km (mostly BC interior mountain highways, in all kinds of weather), and I'd hope to at least come close to that. What kind of real-world mileage do you folks get?

Second question is the 4WD and traction control system. My previous vehicle (2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara) had a full-time AWD system that provided 45% torque to the front wheels at all times, and an electronic stability system (ESP) that used differential wheel braking to help keep things under control. It worked very well; I'm wondering if the Liberty has anything like the Suzuki's ESP?

Also, I'm reading about "window regulator" problems. How endemic are these problems? I've seen the Steiger Performance page of repair kits...

Anything else in particular that I should be looking at? I did try a test drive earlier today, but...I went around the block once (literally!) then back to the dealer, as I thought I smelled coolant. Salesman turned on the heater to full, definitely smelled coolant, so he asked me to postpone the test drive until they've had a chance to fix it. Hmmm...

Oh, and one last thing...I thought the Liberty was a unibody, but the salesman assures me it's body-on-frame. I'm sure he's correct, but...is he?

Anyway, thanks for any information!

Bern

My wife loves her 07.Mileage is 11.5- 12.2 lt per 100 without driving for economy.110-125 kph highway.That's combined average.Chrysler came out with extended warranties on the regulators.Check for the 06.We only had 1 stop working.

Kootenanny

Well, I did get to demo the Jeep Liberty yesterday (2006 Sport, 6-spd manual).

I quite liked the ride--I like that tight, truckish feel. I like the high driving position. The vehicle seems nimble as well--the steering is nice (rack & pinion AFAIK). I took it onto a very slippery, ice-covered gravel road, where I discovered that the stability control system does work, both in 2WD and 4WD.

The vehicle has "command-trac," so it is strictly 2WD, 4Hi, or 4Low--no "full-time" 4WD mode (the salesman seems a bit confused...at first, he told me that "part time" meant I could drive it on pavement, or only "part-time" on loose surfaces, even though the owners manual clearly states otherwise; the then told me he's taken Jeeps on 8-hour highway drives in 4X4 mode with no problems...hmmm...I did try a tight turn on dry pavement in 4X4 mode, and it bounced and jerked just like my old Dodge 4X4 truck did...).

I really liked that, in top gear at speed, the rpm was only 2/3 of what my previous vehicle (Suzuki GV) was turning, which should help with fuel mileage.

I'm a bit concerned about the lack of airbags--there is definitely no drivers side airbag, and the salesman tells me there is no side curtain airbag either (for what that's worth). I never thought I'd be concerned about airbags, but that was before my head-on...

Anyway, of all the vehicles I've looked at so far, the Jeep Liberty is hands-down the best. I've also driven a Hummer H3 (nice, but underpowered and poor visibility, and I've heard they have poor fuel mileage). However, if I can find another GV, that'd probably be my choice...I'm familiar with them, and for the driving I do (which is mostly highway with the odd gravel road, but I see a lot of snow and slippery conditions) I don't really need the Jeep's superior off-road ability.

LibertyTC

The KJ jeep liberty is a uni body not a on frame.
The command trac is meant for slippery surfaces only, and damage can occur if used on dry pavement and especially while turning if not on a loose surface.
I did not buy the Jeep for fuel mileage. I get maybe 14 mpg in town and 20 on highway, (less in BC mountains) but I am lifted and skids etc. It is a brick that weighs 4400 + lbs dry.
Mine is 2004 Rocky Mountain Edition is probably 4900lbs full fuel with gear.
With 37,000 miles I have had to replace the rear lower control arm bushings as the jeep would jump a bit to right when accelerating, and left when gas off at highway speeds.
Also today the front steering gear (rack) bushings had to be replaced as you could see the movement in the steering rack moving sideways and up, since oil got into bushings from oil filter changes done wrong.
Overall they are a very solid vehicle that can take you places with ease. Look for a limited with more options like leather seats, heated mirrors etc. I do not have ABS/Traction control/TPS/ just the basics the way I like it. Traction control can limit your ability to power out, if off road etc.
Air bags are standard in drivers located in steering wheel cover, and passenger side dash panel.
The KJ is a fairly sturdy IFS vehicle BUT... the stock springs and shocks are generally compressed and offer a pretty poor ride. You can measure from the center of hub to beginning of flare and if under 19 inch up front or less than 4-5 fingers wide between tire & flare it's time for new suspension as in a OME and Bilstein lifted set up. Now that the lift is completed, using the best including the spider trax wheel spacers, my jeep handles like a sports truck.

Your salesman is a NOOB and you can obtain from the VIN# a factory build list at any dealer for free. USE IT before you buy- & get BCAA inspection.

Kootenanny

Thanks, guys, for the info.

Found another Grand Vitara, and bought it. I was seriously considering the Liberty, but...well, I already have lots of stuff that'll bolt right onto the GV (roof rails, tow hitch, and a complete set of tires mounted on rims, as well as some interior stuff) so it was the "logical" choice.

I'll come back to the forum if/when I ever actually get a Jeep.