[Midgear]

* Excuse the long read!! *

I will be the PROUD owner of a 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 by September 10th. I have already laid the money down and signed the papers, so now it's just a matter of time. They are installing tires on it and checking out a "clunk" in the front end whenever I ran over bumps during the test drive. It was a really small clunking sound, like a loose tie rod or something, I'm willing to fix it.

Is there anything special I should do / check on the liberty once it's in my posession? This Jeep had to have been garage kept, never seen mud in its life, and owned by the elderly, because it looks brand spankin' new and theres not a scratch on the paint. Engine bay looks new, interior looks new, nice tint on the windows, the only flaws that I found were the front tires being bald, the driver seat is slightly torn from entry / exit from the seat, and it looks like the previous owner either backed into a pole or a tree as theres a small dent right next to the spare tire and its beginning to develop a bit of rust.

Other than that, this thing looks like it just rolled off the assembly line, It also looks like it's sittin about an inch or so lower than the liberty it was next to on the lot.. both had the same tire and wheel size, hell I don't know.

I cannot wait to get into this Jeep, especially considering what I drive right now.

My current vehicle is a 99' Oldsmobile Alero, and the problems I'm having with it are nothing short of hideous. Power everything DOESN'T WORK (windows, locks, mirrors, ABS, traction control) The dash is shot cause the vynal peeled and it pissed me off so I tore all the vynal off the dash, the rear bumper FLEW OFF the car as I was driving down the highway, I put exhaust on it because I'm an idiot and now wish I never did, it's rated at somewhere around 22 - 28?? MPG on the highway, but during a 100 mile trip I burn nearly an entire tank of gas (I know the Liberty is going to inhale gasoline, I'm not buying it for fuel efficiency)

So all in all, the Jeep is going to be a real change for me, and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of it again. I loved having power windows and locks again, and I also loved the ride.. oh god the ride.. it rode like a rolls royce compared to my car. I damn near mowed over the curb going around a corner because of the sharp turning radius! This thing can turn! It handled so well. I normally have to creep up into my driveway because of how low my car sits, I just barreled up in there with the Jeep to show my parents (I'm 21 years of age and still live with them.. I know I fail.) I also loved the feeling of sitting up higher.. I felt like I was "up there with everyone else" instead of being the lesser one sitting really low.

I look forward to being a happy little camper on this forum and soaking up all kinds of information from you guys and gals.

[Lynn11]

The connections and computer sometimes get a little rusted out, maybe check that. Otherwise enjoy!

[R U STUCK]

Tie rod ends went bad on them. And problems with the back power windows coming down and not going back up were the common problems with them. Engine was sound and it came with the command trac 4WD system. The same system that is used in the TJ's.

[jamesdart]

i never thought very highly of the liberty, but i was in the market for some kind of used 4 door station wagon/ suv and i came across an 02 liberty needing a little work for cheap, i checked it out and bought it. it was exactly what i was looking for. ive had it almost 2 years and ive come to really like it. i love how compact it is, but it is actually pretty comfortable. i have a box in the back that takes up the whole cargo area for my tools, which kind of sucks, but i added some crossbars on the roof and haul all kinds of stuff up there. it really is a practical little suv. gas isnto sooo bad coming from a full size 2500 daily driver.