looking to buy a jeep liberty used and wanted to know how many miles is too much when buying a used jeep and how long it will last me. im looking at '05 with 45k on them
The number of miles is somewhat insignificant in comparison to how well it was cared for over those miles. So look at maintenance history more than anything else. (Using things like common sense to realize the difference between say 45K miles and 145K).
It will last you as long as you make it last you. Once again, the most important thing is how well you maintain it and whether or not you keep up on repairs. There are no vehicles that don’t require regular maintenance and occasional repair. There is also no clear way to say exactly what it means to say that a car is somehow “dead.” The only question about what you are willing to fix and for how much $$.
Two concrete suggestions - use Consumer Reports to check up on the general reliability of the vehicle type you’re looking at, and have a mechanic you trust look over anything that you’re going to buy before you buy it.
It depends upon what you’re asking it to do and how much money you’re willing to put into it to that end. They are, with some options, pretty decent off road. Otherwise, there are much better choices with better longevity out there. if you’re looking for a road car, I’d advise to move on.
Have you taken a look at Consumer Reports’ rating of the Liberty?
In the category of small SUVs, they tested 26 vehicles, and the Liberty was rated…#26, dead last.
CR awards “points” for different qualities in the Overall Road Test Score, with the best in the category–the Forester–garnering 84 points. The Liberty earned 27 points.
CR’s description of the Liberty is as follows:
The Liberty, based on the unimpressive Dodge Nitro, is noisy, cramped, and outdated. Most 4WD models have a part-time system, but the optional SelecTrac can remain engaged in 4WD mode indefinitely. Handling is clumsy, but overall secure. The noisy 3.7 liter V6 feels lethargic, and is thirsty, returning just 16 mpg overall. We found the cabin rather narrow and access awkward. Unlike the Nitro, the Liberty is suitable for off-road duty, and has a ride that is steadier. ESC and ABS are standard. Reliability has been below average.
Are you sure that you want one of these vehicles?
This is why I ALWAYS follow the recommendations of Consumer Reports: whenever I HAVEN’T listened, I’ve ended up with terrible cars! (please don’t get me started about my Dodge Aires wagon! Ugh!)
It also depends on what the previsou owner did with it.
I saw a Liberty going up the highway this week with a boat that was very clearly too big for the Jeep. I gave him plenty of room. I would not want to buy that one.
And oversize tires can accelerate wear on a drivetrain. The added resistance to acceleration due to the increased rotating masses and the added constant load due to increased rolling resistance can wear a drivetrain something fierce.
talk to guys who have owned em, and driven em for 3 or 4 years. see what they say, but of course only guys you trust not to pull yer leg.
You get a 50/50 warranty. Fifty seconds or fifty feet. Really, don’t buy such a low quality/reliability vehicle. The 05 Liberty looks like one of the better Jeeps but after 50,000 miles there is too much guesswork in the clockwork.