What do you know about the Jeep Patriot?

me

[1rudeboy]

I'm thinking of buying one with the Freedom Drive II 4WD package. Seems a little underpowered, though.

But I won't be hauling, or doing any serious off-roading.

[Paladin2]

I have some car/truck hauling and plowing I want to do and am pretty much at the stage to buy my last new vehicle.

There aren't too many vehicles that meet my simple requirements (4 doors, 4x4, Turbo-Diesel, manual trans). I don't drive too many miles per year and have a number of other vehicles to finish using up. It'd be fun to have rather than turning my $$$ over to Bronco. I still need to get a proper sized compound to be able to store all this stuff. I'd move quickly on a Wrangler that met the requirements though (we have two FSJ's and a '95 4-banger Wrangler).

[Paladin2]

2 feet and 2 pedals or 2 feet and 3 pedals?

Rarely does one need to have three feet in a three pedal vehicle, but recognize that there has long been a heel and toe technique to handle the situation.

[Paladin2]

Red paint is actually my 5th vehicular requirement.

Looks nice (and very useful - I'm sure the dog(s) approve)).

[762X51]

I don't think the Wrangler is at the head of the model list for introduction, but should they ever make one with a manual, I'd be in line for the second year of production.

Actually I think they've made them for several years just unfortunately every one that comes off the line is put on a boat and sent elsewhere. Check out the Jeep International site and you'll see what I mean. In the U.K. you can get the 2.8L diesel in just about every configuration of Wrangler. My wife drives a 2005 Liberty with the 2.8L diesel and she really likes it. The thing pulls like a locomotive.

[TwelveOfTwenty]

Remember that video of the Chrysler workers boozin’ and dopin’ during their lunch breaks? Remember how, after they were fired, the UAW forced Chrysler to hire them back? That by itself is enough to convince me never to buy another Chrysler product.

[Snowy]

I had to get a vehicle to transport my search and rescue dog, gear, and our two kayaks (the reason for the rack). I have custom leather saddlebags in the back as well as a Molle system on the back door to attach a first aid kit and another bag of stuff. There’s also a Streamlight flashlight that’s on constant charge with an extra battery. That’s only some of the stuff in there. Never thought I’d love a vehicle as much as this Jeep. It is so much fun to buy for! :)

[llevrok]

I didn’t know Patton had cankles. But I digress......

[KC Burke]

In the same class of vehicle is the Nissan Xterrra. I bought one recently as a compromise for price under/between a wrangler, a pick-up or a full size SUV.

It seems to stick a fair balance in features and characteristics. It is all in personal preference so I do a lot of test driving in making decisions. I have had it two months and the usage lived up to the test drive and the price was cheap.

I drive on pre-graded construction sites every day.

[Caipirabob]

Go here and buy a used RAV4 instead.

[EricT.]

Gotta buy American, sorry . . . or the car won’t survive the employee parking lot.

So you work with FR member Cringing Negativism Network?

[Neidermeyer]

After your post I looked it up and it IS a Commander ... each door panel is about $500 and it IS a manufacturing defect that Chrysler has decided not to acknowledge or cover under any warranty.

[RegulatorCountry]

It’s not the best choice of a car-based SUV, the so-called “cute ute.”

The Honda CRV and Acura variant, or the Subaru Forester are the best choices. Second best would be the Ford Escape, although the ‘13 is all new so I’d tend to want to wait a year to see how it pans out.

The Honda has stellar resale, very well regarded, good vehicle. The Subaru holds value well too and is built in Indiana with an Indiana-shaped permanent sticker on the inside side glass touting that fact, “Crafted In Indiana.”

I love the Boxer flat four engine in a Sube, sounds nice, smooth and balanced for a four, capable of a whole lot more hp than factory tune, very tough little engines. Stay away from the turbo unless you’re a complete stickler on oil changes and all scheduled maintenance, though. If you’re not, get the normally aspirated Limited, it has dual exhaust in addition to the leather, alloys and such.

[dfwgator]

I don’t buy UAW-Made garbage.

[1rudeboy]

LOL—depending on his mood, I either work for the Chicoms or I am a Chicom.

[TNoldman]

Buy only Ford - the only TRUE American Auto Company. Ford took no bailout.

[Only1choice____Freedom]

Originally Posted by DropItLow most hardcore jeep guys will get stick because it gives you precise control over gearing and clutch engagement. I say go with the stick if you’re not going to commute anywhere and do some off roading.

Mine is a stick and i love it. I get caught in traffic and it hurts after a while but it is worth it.

If you ever hit a rock in the tranny, a stick will keep going and get you there. An auto will just leak and be useless. I have never been stranded in a stick but several times in a tranny.

[steve86]

http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1/page_54667_1891/aaa_tan_jeep_commander_interior_door_handle_repair.html

[Paladin2]

I wuz refering to the US (even though I missed the availability of a diesel in the Liberty
).

[Neidermeyer]

That wasn’t available when his broke , will advise him to sue in small claims . he paid over $2000 just to be able to get in and out of that car..

[762X51]

I wuz refering to the US (even though I missed the availability of a diesel in the Liberty

Yes, I know you were. My point was there's no need to wait until the second year of production since they've already been making them for years.