billy ray

Why would you consider a Liberty and not a ZJ or WJ Grand Cherokees?

That you are considering a Liberty implies to me that you have interest in
more than just a utilitarian vehicle.

If your interest is to upgrade the vehicle for more off-road you will find
ZJ parts plentiful and ZJs went to Select-Trac as the standard autobox in, I
believe, '96.

As for your budget you can buy a lot for $16k.

--
Billy_Ray@fuseSPAM.net (Remove the SPAM)
2002 WJ Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Helping is why we are all here on RAMJ+W, or should be.
..
"philthy" <dbrider@cac.net> wrote in message
news:43A9E9C4.E9B2EC9D@cac.net...
>u can buy a dam near new liberty for 16 k
>
> coyotefred@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> I'm hoping you all can help me with a Jeep buying decision. I'm
>> trying to decide between a late 90s/early 2000s Cherokee (not the
>> Grands, just straight Cherokee) and a 2002 or 2003 Jeep Liberty.
>>
>> I'd like to spend no more than $16000, and would like to pay
>> something less than that (Santa has to pay his bills).
>>
>> This Jeep would be seeing about 75% paved/highway driving (60
>> miles/day), 15% lousy gravel, rock and "gumbo" county roads and
>> pasture 2-track (including the 4-mile gumbo stretch to my house), and a
>> little moderate "off-roading" now and then (by necessity rather
>> than choice) for hunting and fishing trips.
>>
>> I'm only looking at Cherokees and Libertys with Selec-trac, since I
>> want the option of full-time4WD for mixed driving conditions on our
>> highways during winter.
>>
>> Bottom-line I need to decide whether it is worth it to spend another
>> $5-$6000 for Liberty. For example, I can get a '99 Selec-trac
>> Cherokee in great shape with 62K miles for around $9000. Or I can
>> spend around $16,000 for a 2003 Liberty with Selec-trac.
>>
>> It seems to me that I'd be paying for lots of appearance and
>> "comfort" stuff with the Liberty that I'm not particularly
>> interested in. I actually like the simple and blocky old look of the
>> Cherokee.
>>
>> But maybe there are some reliability or performance reasons to spend
>> more for a newer Liberty rather than that '99 Cherokee. Gas mileage
>> seems about the same. I think the Liberty has a little more ground
>> clearance though.
>>
>> Any thoughts?
>

billy ray

Why would you consider a Liberty and not a ZJ or WJ Grand Cherokees?

That you are considering a Liberty implies to me that you have interest in
more than just a utilitarian vehicle.

If your interest is to upgrade the vehicle for more off-road you will find
ZJ parts plentiful and ZJs went to Select-Trac as the standard autobox in, I
believe, '96.

As for your budget you can buy a lot for $16k.

--
Billy_Ray@fuseSPAM.net (Remove the SPAM)
2002 WJ Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Helping is why we are all here on RAMJ+W, or should be.
..
"philthy" <dbrider@cac.net> wrote in message
news:43A9E9C4.E9B2EC9D@cac.net...
>u can buy a dam near new liberty for 16 k
>
> coyotefred@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> I'm hoping you all can help me with a Jeep buying decision. I'm
>> trying to decide between a late 90s/early 2000s Cherokee (not the
>> Grands, just straight Cherokee) and a 2002 or 2003 Jeep Liberty.
>>
>> I'd like to spend no more than $16000, and would like to pay
>> something less than that (Santa has to pay his bills).
>>
>> This Jeep would be seeing about 75% paved/highway driving (60
>> miles/day), 15% lousy gravel, rock and "gumbo" county roads and
>> pasture 2-track (including the 4-mile gumbo stretch to my house), and a
>> little moderate "off-roading" now and then (by necessity rather
>> than choice) for hunting and fishing trips.
>>
>> I'm only looking at Cherokees and Libertys with Selec-trac, since I
>> want the option of full-time4WD for mixed driving conditions on our
>> highways during winter.
>>
>> Bottom-line I need to decide whether it is worth it to spend another
>> $5-$6000 for Liberty. For example, I can get a '99 Selec-trac
>> Cherokee in great shape with 62K miles for around $9000. Or I can
>> spend around $16,000 for a 2003 Liberty with Selec-trac.
>>
>> It seems to me that I'd be paying for lots of appearance and
>> "comfort" stuff with the Liberty that I'm not particularly
>> interested in. I actually like the simple and blocky old look of the
>> Cherokee.
>>
>> But maybe there are some reliability or performance reasons to spend
>> more for a newer Liberty rather than that '99 Cherokee. Gas mileage
>> seems about the same. I think the Liberty has a little more ground
>> clearance though.
>>
>> Any thoughts?
>

Clap Trap

Seriously, if durability is prime, go with a Japanese offering. Toyota
in particular is terribly hard to beat. If I were to ever by something
with IFS, it would be a Toyota, hands down. Dunno if they have a
Selec-Trac equivalent though. If they don't, check out the Subaru
Outback. Good reliability and nice AWD system. No low range though.
But if you get the auto, it probably would be fine.

Even though I'll dis the libby every chance I get, it would be just fine
for what you want. If you go that route though, at least spring for the
diesel.



coyotefred@gmail.com wrote:
> I respect what you're saying, but at this point my main prinicple is to
> find a durable, reliable vehicle that can do what I want for something
> I can afford--whatever the pedigree :) I want a competent full-time
> 4wd system for the mixed ice/snow/dry pavement conditions I sometimes
> find myself driving in, but there also plenty of times when I want the
> added traction of traditional part-time 4wd and 4low. If you want all
> three options in the same rig that removes a bunch of possible choices
> from the list--at least for vehicles in my price range :)
>

Clap Trap

Seriously, if durability is prime, go with a Japanese offering. Toyota
in particular is terribly hard to beat. If I were to ever by something
with IFS, it would be a Toyota, hands down. Dunno if they have a
Selec-Trac equivalent though. If they don't, check out the Subaru
Outback. Good reliability and nice AWD system. No low range though.
But if you get the auto, it probably would be fine.

Even though I'll dis the libby every chance I get, it would be just fine
for what you want. If you go that route though, at least spring for the
diesel.



coyotefred@gmail.com wrote:
> I respect what you're saying, but at this point my main prinicple is to
> find a durable, reliable vehicle that can do what I want for something
> I can afford--whatever the pedigree :) I want a competent full-time
> 4wd system for the mixed ice/snow/dry pavement conditions I sometimes
> find myself driving in, but there also plenty of times when I want the
> added traction of traditional part-time 4wd and 4low. If you want all
> three options in the same rig that removes a bunch of possible choices
> from the list--at least for vehicles in my price range :)
>

Clap Trap

Seriously, if durability is prime, go with a Japanese offering. Toyota
in particular is terribly hard to beat. If I were to ever by something
with IFS, it would be a Toyota, hands down. Dunno if they have a
Selec-Trac equivalent though. If they don't, check out the Subaru
Outback. Good reliability and nice AWD system. No low range though.
But if you get the auto, it probably would be fine.

Even though I'll dis the libby every chance I get, it would be just fine
for what you want. If you go that route though, at least spring for the
diesel.



coyotefred@gmail.com wrote:
> I respect what you're saying, but at this point my main prinicple is to
> find a durable, reliable vehicle that can do what I want for something
> I can afford--whatever the pedigree :) I want a competent full-time
> 4wd system for the mixed ice/snow/dry pavement conditions I sometimes
> find myself driving in, but there also plenty of times when I want the
> added traction of traditional part-time 4wd and 4low. If you want all
> three options in the same rig that removes a bunch of possible choices
> from the list--at least for vehicles in my price range :)
>

Turner Morgan

I've owned both. I started out with an '89 Cherokee (new), then a '99
Cherokee (new), my wife traded in her Intrepid on an '02 Liberty (new) and,
after the 4.0L in the '99 broke a connecting rod and punched a hole in the
crankcase, I went out and got an '05 Grand Cherokee (new).

Opinion: Despite what you may or will hear, the Liberty is a Jeep. It is
rugged and capable of doing "Jeep things." Just because it does not have
flat fenders and round headlights. . . The only drawback is that the
Liberty seems a bit top heavy, like it has the wheels spaced too narrow for
its height. Parked side-by-side with the '99 Cherokee, the Liberty was
taller!

Also opinion: Don't put too much weight in my '99 throwing a rod. That
could happen to any engine any time.

In my For What It's Worth Department: On the advice of the salesman when I
bought my Grand I donated the '99 to a charitable organization. The
vehicle, with *no* engine brought $2500 at auction! Not bad for a machine
with >104K miles and no motor!

Bottom line: Either vehicle will do for your stated use. You might be
happier right now with the Cherokee for, as an earlier poster stated,
accessories and parts are easier to come by for the Cherokee only because
the Cherokee has been around longer than the Liberty. But, I think the
Liberty is going to catch up and catch on (my opinion, again).

Good luck,

Turner

<coyotefred@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1135196278.220181.306370@o13g2000cwo.googlegr oups.com...
>
> I'm hoping you all can help me with a Jeep buying decision. I'm
> trying to decide between a late 90s/early 2000s Cherokee (not the
> Grands, just straight Cherokee) and a 2002 or 2003 Jeep Liberty.
>
> I'd like to spend no more than $16000, and would like to pay
> something less than that (Santa has to pay his bills).
>
> This Jeep would be seeing about 75% paved/highway driving (60
> miles/day), 15% lousy gravel, rock and "gumbo" county roads and
> pasture 2-track (including the 4-mile gumbo stretch to my house), and a
> little moderate "off-roading" now and then (by necessity rather
> than choice) for hunting and fishing trips.
>
> I'm only looking at Cherokees and Libertys with Selec-trac, since I
> want the option of full-time4WD for mixed driving conditions on our
> highways during winter.
>
> Bottom-line I need to decide whether it is worth it to spend another
> $5-$6000 for Liberty. For example, I can get a '99 Selec-trac
> Cherokee in great shape with 62K miles for around $9000. Or I can
> spend around $16,000 for a 2003 Liberty with Selec-trac.
>
> It seems to me that I'd be paying for lots of appearance and
> "comfort" stuff with the Liberty that I'm not particularly
> interested in. I actually like the simple and blocky old look of the
> Cherokee.
>
> But maybe there are some reliability or performance reasons to spend
> more for a newer Liberty rather than that '99 Cherokee. Gas mileage
> seems about the same. I think the Liberty has a little more ground
> clearance though.
>
> Any thoughts?
>

Turner Morgan

I've owned both. I started out with an '89 Cherokee (new), then a '99
Cherokee (new), my wife traded in her Intrepid on an '02 Liberty (new) and,
after the 4.0L in the '99 broke a connecting rod and punched a hole in the
crankcase, I went out and got an '05 Grand Cherokee (new).

Opinion: Despite what you may or will hear, the Liberty is a Jeep. It is
rugged and capable of doing "Jeep things." Just because it does not have
flat fenders and round headlights. . . The only drawback is that the
Liberty seems a bit top heavy, like it has the wheels spaced too narrow for
its height. Parked side-by-side with the '99 Cherokee, the Liberty was
taller!

Also opinion: Don't put too much weight in my '99 throwing a rod. That
could happen to any engine any time.

In my For What It's Worth Department: On the advice of the salesman when I
bought my Grand I donated the '99 to a charitable organization. The
vehicle, with *no* engine brought $2500 at auction! Not bad for a machine
with >104K miles and no motor!

Bottom line: Either vehicle will do for your stated use. You might be
happier right now with the Cherokee for, as an earlier poster stated,
accessories and parts are easier to come by for the Cherokee only because
the Cherokee has been around longer than the Liberty. But, I think the
Liberty is going to catch up and catch on (my opinion, again).

Good luck,

Turner

<coyotefred@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1135196278.220181.306370@o13g2000cwo.googlegr oups.com...
>
> I'm hoping you all can help me with a Jeep buying decision. I'm
> trying to decide between a late 90s/early 2000s Cherokee (not the
> Grands, just straight Cherokee) and a 2002 or 2003 Jeep Liberty.
>
> I'd like to spend no more than $16000, and would like to pay
> something less than that (Santa has to pay his bills).
>
> This Jeep would be seeing about 75% paved/highway driving (60
> miles/day), 15% lousy gravel, rock and "gumbo" county roads and
> pasture 2-track (including the 4-mile gumbo stretch to my house), and a
> little moderate "off-roading" now and then (by necessity rather
> than choice) for hunting and fishing trips.
>
> I'm only looking at Cherokees and Libertys with Selec-trac, since I
> want the option of full-time4WD for mixed driving conditions on our
> highways during winter.
>
> Bottom-line I need to decide whether it is worth it to spend another
> $5-$6000 for Liberty. For example, I can get a '99 Selec-trac
> Cherokee in great shape with 62K miles for around $9000. Or I can
> spend around $16,000 for a 2003 Liberty with Selec-trac.
>
> It seems to me that I'd be paying for lots of appearance and
> "comfort" stuff with the Liberty that I'm not particularly
> interested in. I actually like the simple and blocky old look of the
> Cherokee.
>
> But maybe there are some reliability or performance reasons to spend
> more for a newer Liberty rather than that '99 Cherokee. Gas mileage
> seems about the same. I think the Liberty has a little more ground
> clearance though.
>
> Any thoughts?
>

Turner Morgan

I've owned both. I started out with an '89 Cherokee (new), then a '99
Cherokee (new), my wife traded in her Intrepid on an '02 Liberty (new) and,
after the 4.0L in the '99 broke a connecting rod and punched a hole in the
crankcase, I went out and got an '05 Grand Cherokee (new).

Opinion: Despite what you may or will hear, the Liberty is a Jeep. It is
rugged and capable of doing "Jeep things." Just because it does not have
flat fenders and round headlights. . . The only drawback is that the
Liberty seems a bit top heavy, like it has the wheels spaced too narrow for
its height. Parked side-by-side with the '99 Cherokee, the Liberty was
taller!

Also opinion: Don't put too much weight in my '99 throwing a rod. That
could happen to any engine any time.

In my For What It's Worth Department: On the advice of the salesman when I
bought my Grand I donated the '99 to a charitable organization. The
vehicle, with *no* engine brought $2500 at auction! Not bad for a machine
with >104K miles and no motor!

Bottom line: Either vehicle will do for your stated use. You might be
happier right now with the Cherokee for, as an earlier poster stated,
accessories and parts are easier to come by for the Cherokee only because
the Cherokee has been around longer than the Liberty. But, I think the
Liberty is going to catch up and catch on (my opinion, again).

Good luck,

Turner

<coyotefred@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1135196278.220181.306370@o13g2000cwo.googlegr oups.com...
>
> I'm hoping you all can help me with a Jeep buying decision. I'm
> trying to decide between a late 90s/early 2000s Cherokee (not the
> Grands, just straight Cherokee) and a 2002 or 2003 Jeep Liberty.
>
> I'd like to spend no more than $16000, and would like to pay
> something less than that (Santa has to pay his bills).
>
> This Jeep would be seeing about 75% paved/highway driving (60
> miles/day), 15% lousy gravel, rock and "gumbo" county roads and
> pasture 2-track (including the 4-mile gumbo stretch to my house), and a
> little moderate "off-roading" now and then (by necessity rather
> than choice) for hunting and fishing trips.
>
> I'm only looking at Cherokees and Libertys with Selec-trac, since I
> want the option of full-time4WD for mixed driving conditions on our
> highways during winter.
>
> Bottom-line I need to decide whether it is worth it to spend another
> $5-$6000 for Liberty. For example, I can get a '99 Selec-trac
> Cherokee in great shape with 62K miles for around $9000. Or I can
> spend around $16,000 for a 2003 Liberty with Selec-trac.
>
> It seems to me that I'd be paying for lots of appearance and
> "comfort" stuff with the Liberty that I'm not particularly
> interested in. I actually like the simple and blocky old look of the
> Cherokee.
>
> But maybe there are some reliability or performance reasons to spend
> more for a newer Liberty rather than that '99 Cherokee. Gas mileage
> seems about the same. I think the Liberty has a little more ground
> clearance though.
>
> Any thoughts?
>

Brandonb

I agree, I bought my 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited WJ (with selec-trac)
with every possible amenity except heated seats (including sunroof,
leather, dual power seats, etc) with <70k miles for $12k earlier this
year. The original sales tag was still in it at $35,500. Its a DAMN nice
vehicle for an affordable price. It also handles snow, ice, and gravel
better than my Tahoe ever did, and almost laughably so. If you look
around you could probably find a better deal on an XJ, ZJ, or KJ. Or
even a WJ if so inclined. It all depends on your needs.

Brandonb


billy ray wrote:
> Why would you consider a Liberty and not a ZJ or WJ Grand Cherokees?
>
> That you are considering a Liberty implies to me that you have interest in
> more than just a utilitarian vehicle.
>
> If your interest is to upgrade the vehicle for more off-road you will find
> ZJ parts plentiful and ZJs went to Select-Trac as the standard autobox in, I
> believe, '96.
>
> As for your budget you can buy a lot for $16k.
>

Brandonb

I agree, I bought my 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited WJ (with selec-trac)
with every possible amenity except heated seats (including sunroof,
leather, dual power seats, etc) with <70k miles for $12k earlier this
year. The original sales tag was still in it at $35,500. Its a DAMN nice
vehicle for an affordable price. It also handles snow, ice, and gravel
better than my Tahoe ever did, and almost laughably so. If you look
around you could probably find a better deal on an XJ, ZJ, or KJ. Or
even a WJ if so inclined. It all depends on your needs.

Brandonb


billy ray wrote:
> Why would you consider a Liberty and not a ZJ or WJ Grand Cherokees?
>
> That you are considering a Liberty implies to me that you have interest in
> more than just a utilitarian vehicle.
>
> If your interest is to upgrade the vehicle for more off-road you will find
> ZJ parts plentiful and ZJs went to Select-Trac as the standard autobox in, I
> believe, '96.
>
> As for your budget you can buy a lot for $16k.
>