2002 Liberty a good buy?

[javatrooper]

Looking at a 2002 Liberty that has a shot engine. Are these rigs prone to problems or would this be a good ride to buy and put back on the road? It only has 125,000 and the engine is bad already. Anything I should be looking at specifically when I check it out. Any help would be real helpful. Also, any better engine to swap into it? Thanks

[dagwan11]

Don't even waste your time buying a Liberty unless you just have money to burn. If I had known now what a POS my 2005 Liberty was, I would have never bought it. The customer service and maintenance from Chrysler is absolute crap.

[dagwan11]

Don't even waste your time buying a Liberty unless you just have money to burn. If I had known now what a POS my 2005 Liberty was, I would have never bought it. The customer service and maintenance from Chrysler is absolute crap.

[dagwan11]

Don't even waste your time with this vehicle. In fact, run away from it...quick.

[2000izusu]

mines doing great and i have had it 5 years now! i plan on having it another 6-7 years.

[dagwan11]

You must have been extremely lucky. Must have been a day when the workers weren't drunk or high on drugs.....

[2000izusu]

we just got back from taking the liberty on 3000 mile (round trip) vacation. she did great. got 22 mpg (all highway).

[javatrooper]

Thanks for the input. dagwan11, what were the problems with yours?

[dagwan11]

Besides the super crappy customer service(from Chrysler and local service departments) and the total lack of troubleshooting ability(with all the tech data, can't figure out any problem the vehicle exhibits), and the pitiful workmanship(everything rattles, noisy, window motor cables break all the time)...it's a good vehicle. I would never buy one again.

[mojodojo2k]

I have a 2002 liberty (3.7liter, 4x4, AT) with 127,000 miles & the only major problem I've had with it is a cam shaft sensor had to be replaced about 3,000 miles ago. Other than that the engine is pretty solid...just drive normal, do your regular oil changes & I have never had a problem! I do however have some interior electrical problems (electric side mirrors don't work, passenger seat doesn't tilt) but these things can happen on any car/truck!

I like my Jeep Liberty & can say it has treated me well over the years. I also live in the town where they are built....Toledo, OH! But seriously most Chrysler products are crap & yes I've heard bad stories about the older Jeep Libertys. But like I stated before, I bought the car brand new, I drive the car like a normal person (no speeding, swerving, hard braking) about 30 miles a day & have not had a serious problem other than the sensor issue! Swear-ta-god!

[dagwan11]

Originally Posted by javatrooper

Looking at a 2002 Liberty that has a shot engine. Are these rigs prone to problems or would this be a good ride to buy and put back on the road? It only has 125,000 and the engine is bad already. Anything I should be looking at specifically when I check it out. Any help would be real helpful. Also, any better engine to swap into it? Thanks

If you have that much money to burn, the time and you really want the vehicle, go for it. The basically styling isn't the problem, it's more electrical/mechanical problems more than anything else.

[2000izusu]

Originally Posted by dagwan11

it's more electrical/mechanical problems more than anything else.

my 06 is still doing great! not ONE electrical problem in the 5 year ownership. now mechanical problems (on the other hand) i confess! i had to clean the throttle body and put spark plugs in it. it really broke the bank too, with the spark plugs being $1.75 each, and the throttle body service being free (i already had a can of cleaner on the shelf!)

[weav6900]

I bought my 2002 in October of 2001.It's only got about 70,000 miles on it,but I've had very few problems.Beside the usual recalls,the only major problem I had was flooding in the passenger compartment due to a too short air conditioner drain pipe.Chrysler fixed it and replaced the carpet.I've heard some major horror stories about engine problems,but have not experienced any of them.I've replaced some PCV valves and vacuum lines due to dry rot(which I think is ridiculous in an 8 year old vehicle),but otherwise I've been pretty happy with it.