Jeep Liberty as a TOAD?

[ED GARDELS]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "scoggins_jim"
<scoggins.j@a...> wrote:
>
Jim- You might consider a Honda CRV. I have towed one for four
years. You can tow either auto or manual(mine is auto). It gets way
over 20 mi/gal and is around 20k.
Ed gardels 89sp
Arlington Tx


> 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
>