buying a 3rd gen liberty

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 6:55 pm

hey all, new to here and looking at buying a 3rd gen liberty ( 2001 ) and want to know what common problems faults things to look out for, as this is the first awd / boxer motor car that i want to buy and has to be reliable for a daily driver i don't want to be rebuilding drive lines etc. all useful input is appreciated, thanks.

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 11:31 pm

Hi and Welcome Shooter

I'd like to say there really isn't many issues with the Gen3 Liberty but it really depends on the model and grade of Gen3 you're interested in.

I've only seen the usual wear and tear problems but also the electronic issues with the ECU system. Nothing serious though.

Road tests and independant safety checks are always the best way to get done before buying.

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Mon May 02, 2011 9:22 am

thanks, well as low as possible k's for the year about 180k max, clean granny spec RX, i was wondering how the drive line holds up with the awd system.

what are the usual electronic / ECU issues ?! fixable or just niggly things you have to watch and maintain?!

I think the best route would be to put an offer on one that's clean and well maintained and buy it under the conditions it fully passes an inspection.

What would you think a fair price would be for a 2001-2003 RX with less than 180k in not mint but clean condition ?! so far redbook is giving me 6.5 - 8K and from what I've seen its been about 8-10K .....

Post by **Alex** » Mon May 02, 2011 11:01 am

8-10k for an average gen3 is about right.

my gen3 has been faultless apart from in the last few months. Main issue being the knock sensor, $130 from ebay fixed and back to faultless driving.

its a common thing for the knock sensor to die after about 10years/200,000km for them by the looks of it.

no driveline issues, she blew a cv boot about a year ago (expected after almost 200 000km and 10years also)

main thing is, like any car, if its been serviced properly id have absolutely no probs recommending one to you, id expect to be getting way over 300 000km out of my girl.

the one thing you may hear is head gasket issues with the 2.5L, this was in the gen2 and was resolved in the gen3.

goodluck and go for it.

alex

bobbyjimmy · Post by **bobbyjimmy** » Tue May 03, 2011 8:24 am

Alex wrote: the one thing you may hear is head gasket issues with the 2.5L, this was in the gen2 and was resolved in the gen3.

Ahhh, not really. I'd still check, then double check them.

Post by **Alex** » Tue May 03, 2011 9:54 am

bobbyjimmy wrote:Ahhh, not really. I'd still check, then double check them.

never heard of gen3 head gasket issues. Ever. (not to the extent of the gen2) they may go due to normal wear and tear, but not prematurely at 150k like the gen2

alex