It’s an inferno red, ’05 Jeep Liberty CRD with 32,000 miles on the clock. It was purchased because of its fuel economy potential, long-lasting VM Motori diesel under the hood, and because it’s four-wheel drive. And it’s not mine.
However, I was successfully able to convert my fiancée into a diesel owner, and we may do a few things in the future to squeeze as many mpg’s out of the tank as possible. Off-roading is not the goal here, longevity and fuel economy will be. Of course, time will tell which modifications the Jeep receives: mods will be based on the fiancée’s approval, and when I can finagle it away from her :)
Brushing up on my Jeep nomenclature, I believe it’s a first-generation KJ. It utilizes rack and pinion steering, too (which I thought was rare for Jeeps).
It’s a pretty comfortable little dude, has a simple interior (which I like), and has that signature little purr small displacement diesels are known for. I must’ve left it idling in my driveway 10 whole minutes when we got it home—just listening to it.
In case you didn’t know, below is a refresher on some of the CRD Liberty’s specs. I can't wait to learn more about them...
Engine
Manufacturer: VM Motori
Displacement: 2.8L, 2768cc
Configuration: inline-4, dual overhead cam, 4-valve
Injection: common-rail (23,000+psi, or 1600 bar)
Turbocharger: Variable geometry
Horsepower: 160 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft
Transmission
Model: 545RFE, five-speed automatic w/double Overdrive
1st Gear: 3.00:1
2nd Gear: 1.67:1 (upshift ratio)
2nd Prime: 1.50:1 (kick-down ratio)
3rd Gear: 1.00:1
4th Gear: 0.75:1
5th Gear: 0.67:1
Reverse: 3.00:1
Transfer Case
Manufacturer: New Venture Gear
Model: NV242 Selec-Trac
Modes: 2-Hi, part time 4-Hi, 4-Hi, and 4-Lo
Mileage so far: 21 mpg (without knowing exactly how full the tank was leaving the dealer—better numbers coming…)