Calling Jeepers: Need Help with first Purchase

[electronman1729]

Thanks all for the great help and info. I looked at a wrangler tonight at a dealer but the suspension felt really soft. Looked real clean but felt the deal too good to be true. I might just but a stock wrangler and modify my self.
Ill keep everyone posted om what happens.

If any one has a stock wrangler they want to get rid of PM me.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

Looked real clean but felt the deal too good to be true. I might just but a stock wrangler and modify my self.

Definitely do that. Better to learn yourself and start from scratch than fix someone else's problems. $0.02

Aside: I think the beloved black (obviously used) TJ Sahara I bought was stolen at one point. I accidentally started it with my YJ key and, "What the hey…?" I could start it with the key half-way in, I could take the key out while driving it, etc.
Replaced that.

How hardcore of trails do you wish to go on? For the less than hardcore, the Liberty is just as capable and will save you a lot of money. If you are looking at really hardcore trails, then you may want to consider solid front axle rigs.

Maybe not this, IMHO.
I remember being on a Jeep Jamboree in Tellico when they first came out and the guides just could not get those things over ANY of the trails out there. Man, they were whining.

[rockhound]

the Liberty is just as capable .

that a good one............

you guys make me me laugh everyday.................

[streetglideok]

that a good one............

you guys make me me laugh everyday.................

Typical responses from those who don't read what I type in its entirety. For most trails that are less than hardcore, not real hard to grasp there is it? OP already stated about lifting, etc, and with that said, that puts the KJ on par with others, for less investment, and it rides better. I could say more, but it's like I'm talking to a liberal, why waste my time?

[Bailey Guns]

I don't really have any constructive input or advice...mostly because I guess I don't understand the whole "Jeep thing". If I were looking for something not new, I'd go with one of the original Broncos...late 60s or early 70s model. I've owned 2 or 3 and always liked them. But I don't do major mechanical work. When I put the money down, I want something that works...not something I have to constantly fix or tweak. I also like the old Land Cruisers.

[rockhound]

Typical responses from those who don't read what I type in its entirety. For most trails that are less than hardcore, not real hard to grasp there is it? OP already stated about lifting, etc, and with that said, that puts the KJ on par with others, for less investment, and it rides better. I could say more, but it's like I'm talking to a liberal, why waste my time?

in colorado even the mildest of trails can turn into a difficult trails, i have done hundred and hundreds of miles of offroading on everything from penrose to boreas pass, a simple outing to go fishing can turn into a major headache with a snow storm or rain a snow filed that has not melted yet a smal rock slide from early spring thaw or whatever, dont get butt hurt, but saying that mall crawler can be just as capable even on less than hardcore trails is crazy, go prepared,

a bone stock cherokee will walk circles around that thing even if you modify it, the aftermarket support is not there either.

one other item to consider is that everyone i know that enjoys their offroad experience will continue to grow their rig and its offroad capability. the other platforms have way more support from vendors for parts and accessories.

[blacklabel]

A Liberty, not ideal by any means and not something that I would recommend, with a decent lift, good tires and proper protection is a fine mild rig. My 05 got us around just fine. I'd prefer an XJ or Wrangler of course but a Liberty can be fun.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Buy a Suzuki samurai. It's a cheap thing, you wouldn't understand.

[meatman]

Don't forget about the full size Jeeps (SJ's) including the Wagoneer, Cherokee, and J-trucks. They're a bit more comfortable than the CJ's and can be just as capable (though larger).

[Zundfolge]

As for the Liberty, I wouldn't recommend that thing as an in-town grocery getter. I've known 3 people that bought them and ALL of them have had constant trouble with them and none of the offroaded them either. Its just not the most quality item Jeep ever made (note that these were all KJs, not the new KK so maybe they aren't crap).