Jeep Liberty as a TOAD?

[Al]

Hi Jim,
We are looking at purchasing a Jeep Libery Diesel as well. We
are hoping to find a rental company to do a weekend rental to test
drive it over several hundred miles to make sure the ride is going
to be confortable. We need a toad replacement so that is why were
are looking at the liberty. One question I have is do I need four
wheel drive to be able to pull? Please keep the group informed. We
are seeing 2006 pricing in the low 21k. Maybe Jay will be able to
give us a better deal. If you talk to him, let him know we are in
the market as well.

Al & Kathy Johnson
'96 BMC "Currently at Coachcraft by MacDonald"
Mandeville, La

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "scoggins_jim"
<scoggins.j@a...> wrote:
>
> I am considering buying an 06 Liberty diesel and have a few
questions
> > of you. The vehicle will be used as a TOAD behind a motor coach.
I
> > have been towing a 91 Wrangler and am more than satisfied
regarding
> > the ease of use as a tow vehicle. I have no intention to use it
for
> > serious off roading: Snow and mud will usually be the worst case.
> > Power line trails and logging roads will be used occassionally.
> >
> > I understand brand loyalty but please try to be intellectually
honest
> > with your answers. If my questions are redundant please refer me
to
> > the appropriate sites.
> >
> > Q1. Many all wheel drive vehicles are restricted from being
towed 4
> > wheels down. This does not appear to be the case in Jeep. What
pros
> > and cons are there regarding the two choices: Select-Trac and
> > Command-Trac.
> > It seems that the Command Trac might be a simple system with less
> > moving parts.
> >
> > Q2. Other than the amenities, are there any substantive
differences
> > between the Sport and LE. Stated otherwise, is there something
in the
> > LE that it of such over-riding importance, performance wide,
that is
> > worth the extra expense and weight.
> >
> > Q3. Do you all see any need for the skid plates. I sense, given
the
> > way I screw things up, they could be handy after I have gotten
in
> > over my head.
> >
> > Q4. I have been unable to find any real information on the diesel
> > engine. I understand it is of Euro linage but who and where.
Rumor
> > mill says built in Italy. Have there been any real issues with
this
> > engine?
> >
> > Q5. I have been lurking and skulking about on this web site
trying to
> > get some insight on issues. There seems to be some goofy items:
Water
> > spots on seats, weird lighting issues, moaning brakes, etc.
Other some
> > ball joint issues I have not seen anything really bad. Everyone
seems
> > happy with engines and drive trains. Is this the case, or are
there
> > drive train issues I have not picked up on. By he way, does a
heay
> > applicaon of Scoch Guard, solve the seat spotting problem.
> >
> > Q6. Are there any of you that have owned both a diesel and gas
> > Liberties? Comments?
> >
> > Q7. What are the maintenance intervals and is there anything
really
> > unusual? I am familiar with diesel engines as I have a Power
Stroke in
> > a Ford, a Kabota in a farm tractor and a Cummins in a Bluebird,
but
> > have no experience with small automotive applications. I
understand
> > that 4 wheel drive is a little more intensive service wise, but
I am
> > asking about anything that is really unusual.
> >
> > Q8. My take is the Sport might be a better choice for me in that
there
> > are fewer ammenities to cause nit-noid problems. Comments?
> >
> > Thank you for your responses in advance and for bearing with a
newbe
> > wanabe.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Jim Scoggins
>