Sorry, convertibles, but this article isn't for you. This isn't one for the compact car buffs either, those tiny parking spaces are for the birds. It's time to focus on one of the most controversial vehicles around, the Jeep Liberty.
Of course, folks have a thousand questions about this ride, like "Is the Jeep Liberty expensive to insure?" This guide will get to that question and more, but it's time to answer some other more pressing concerns.
A Bit of Background on the Jeep Liberty
The Jeep Liberty goes back to 2002 when Jeep was looking to put out something to replace the Cherokee. It took off, with a new generation of Liberty vehicles coming out in 2008.
Chrysler wanted to focus on building on the success of the Cherokee by adding more features. In fact, the Liberty line was the first Jeep collection to feature rack-and-pinion steering, something that hadn't been done with the lines before.
What makes the Jeep Liberty so sought after?
For many car fans, the Jeep Liberty represented an exciting new era for Jeeps, with a wide range of technical features sought after during that time frame. Of course, we take features like onboard entertainment systems and navigation panels for granted now, but those were hot features when the Liberty first came out.
The second generation of Liberty vehicles focused on expanding towing capacity, which played well with weekend campers and outdoorsy types that didn't need to pull a full trailer to get out into the wilderness.
You couldn't use onboard tech to find your iPhone, but there were still enough bells and whistles to keep things interesting.
Pros of the Jeep Liberty
One of the strongest reasons to look at a Jeep Liberty is the independent front suspension. It transformed the driving experience of the Jeep line, making it much easier for folks to hit the road with power, not just style.
The first generation of Jeep Liberty SUVs included an option to have a 3.7 V-6 engine, machinery screaming power under the hood.
The second generation of Jeep Liberty vehicles took the power up to the next level, adding options for manual transmission. Stick shift fans looked forward to having finer control over the SUV experience, and manual Liberty cars are still sought after to this day.
It's an Easy 'Cash Car'
Another strong reason to look at the Jeep Liberty is it's easy to pick up if you're looking for a cash car, or a more affordable, often used vehicle you buy with cash instead of financing. Sure, used vehicles have their issues, but in a pinch, they can be strong magnets for saving money without sacrificing quality.
This is why it's so important to understand what can go wrong in a Jeep Liberty and make plans on how to address any potential issues. If you already have a mechanic you trust, they can work with you to build a maintenance plan to help protect your cash investment.
Cons of the Jeep Liberty
One of the strongest cons or disadvantages of the Jeep Liberty would have to be the electrical issues. The Liberty's electrical system is run by a totally integrated power module (TIPM), which has created drivability problems for the vehicle.
Faulty TIPMs can cause gauges to put out faulty information or even make drivers be unable to start the vehicle.
Multiple electrical components are known to cause problems in Liberty models, including the wireless control module and the body control module. Does car insurance cover electrical faults like these? Not usually.
Emissions Issues
Emissions regulations changed during the rise of the Jeep Liberty, and the Jeep line didn't adjust well enough or fast enough to meet those new conditions. This is what led to the vehicle line being fully discounted in 2012.
Chrysler went back to the Jeep Cherokee, figuring it would just continue to make improvements on the line. Liberty enthusiasts were left with after-market parts and plenty of shops still offering to work on the vehicles.
Insuring the Jeep Liberty
While it isn't a given, most insurance professionals will admit it's much easier to insure an older vehicle than a newer one. Something like the Jeep Liberty is great for people who are buying cars with cash but want to still get the lowest premium possible on car insurance.
Multiple factors come into play when talking about auto insurance premiums, but the cost of repairing a vehicle has to be one of the top factors. While repairs are often needed for the Jeep Liberty, not all of them are expensive.
For example, a bad window regulator can keep the Liberty doors from opening properly. This is only a $200 repair, not counting the variable labor involved in taking care of things, far from the costliest repair around.
The Verdict
Finding a happy compromise is necessary when it comes to buying used vehicles. The Jeep Liberty is no exception to this rule. Indeed, this SUV isn't for everyone. The total cost of ownership is going to be higher because the Liberty does have known problems that aren't covered by recalls.
This means interested buyers will have to make adjustments to their car maintenance budget if they choose to go with the Liberty. But this doesn't mean those problems are guaranteed to happen.
It just means that prospective owners should make arrangements for the possibility of problems in the future.
Taking Action on a Purchase
Buying a Jeep Liberty can be a good idea. Many Jeep enthusiasts have Liberty vehicles that are well maintained, especially in light of the issues. Unfortunately, the line was discontinued in 2012, making it impossible to get a new Jeep Liberty.
Still, the buzz around them is strong enough that if the right one is available at the right price, it makes sense to at least go check it out. On the other hand, if you're looking for a vehicle that has fewer known issues, there's nothing wrong with skipping the Jeep Liberty.
The concerns over emissions and the long list of electrical issues are two strong reasons to consider other vehicles. Looking at safety reports, recalls, and other key information before committing to any car is always a wise decision.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and helping others make effective car-buying decisions.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
