Ask Oppo: What Jeep Should We Get

"Somethin' 'bout a truck" (somethin-bout-a-truck) 02/10/2016 at 09:08 • Filed to: 4x4, Jeep, Patriot, Liberty, Jeepers, Jeep Life, SUV, Off-Road, Off Road, Family Car

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Hello, Oppo. Just wondering if anyone has real world experience with a few of the used SUV’s we are considering. And first let me start, I’m not asking so I can read your 4 paragraph rant about how none of these have the interior build quality of your 1996 M3 because I don’t care.

Also, before I start. We currently own a Ford Focus. We live in northern Indiana and most winters it gets pretty rough to drive around. We have snows on the Focus (I call it the Snocus) but we easily to drive it anywhere as soon as there we get a couple of inches of snow built up. The worst is all of the frozen snow that hits the lower parts of the bumper (terrible sounds). So we are looking for more ground clearance, more space, and 4x4. Last but not least this will the main family vehicle for some years to come.

Enter Jeep. We both have always wanted a Jeep. Now we are considering two different Jeeps.

Looks like a great little truck.

Jeep Patriot:

Pros: Pretty good reliability for a Jeep. Right size. 4x4. Good ground clearance. Good gas mileage.

Cons: Some of the older ones are not as nice as the newer versions with updated interiors and that black trim on the outside (my favorite version). From what I read the CVT is the dumps, but I have not had the chance to drive one.

Yes please.

Jeep Liberty:

Pros: More ground clearance. 4x4. More space. v6. Good looks.

Cons: Not sure how reliable they are. (I’ve seen some for sale with high mileage) Some reports of poor build quality with sun roofs and the SkySlider.

Let me know what you think!

Nibby > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:11

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Both make me vomit, having both. Get a Grand Cherokee.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Nibby 02/10/2016 at 09:14

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Fair. But some of the Grand’s seem to have some reliability issues as you get into the early to mid 2000's.

CalzoneGolem > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:14

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I’ve always been under the impression that these two vehicles are the worst Jeeps.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:15

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I’d try to find an updated Patriot with 4x4 and the 6-speed auto. As long as it doesn’t have Freedom Drive II (I think) it gets a conventional auto over the CVT. Plus it’ll have a vastly better interior over the Liberty, get way better gas mileage (thank to little 4 pot and not having a 4-speed auto), and is the better looking of the two (IMO)

On another note: trust me, these blow an E36 M3 out of the water for build quality.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 02/10/2016 at 09:16

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That’s what I’m hoping to find. I do like that setup quite a bit. Thanks!

iSureWilll > CalzoneGolem 02/10/2016 at 09:17

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That’s what I’ve heard as well although no first hand experience with them. I’ve heard they are the least “Jeep” of the Jeeps although more than likely they are the least expensive used Jeeps too. Maybe an early 2000's Cherokee with the 4.0 I6 would be a better fit?

OPPOsaurus WRX > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:18

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i cant say whether the Jeep CVTs are good or not but I’d actually chose a CVT over a regular auto if forced with that choice.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > OPPOsaurus WRX 02/10/2016 at 09:19

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Why would you choose to go that way instead of the regular auto?

JR1 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:20

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Check Edmunds.com/kbb.com the customer reviews of the Patriot are pretty poor mostly because of that transmission. I would go with the Liberty because it has actual off-road capabilities. But that is just me.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:21

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also that patriot is begging for a two tone paint job. I know thats just the photo, but if the body was a dark blue and the top was a light blue it would look pretty nice

vondon302 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:21

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Just say no to skyslider and the 3.7 is junk. My 2008 liberty fell apart at 65000. I think the first gen is a little more reliable but ugly. I know a few people with the patriot and they seem to like it but that cvt ugh. I’m not helping am I?

Steve in Manhattan > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:25

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The answer is Volvo.

acarr260 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:26

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I’ve owned a Cherokee Sport and a Grand Cherokee. The 4.0 I6 is a great motor. It’s not great on gas though. The Liberty V6 has some well-known issues. If I were to get one of those, I would look for the rare CRD (diesel) motor.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > OPPOsaurus WRX 02/10/2016 at 09:27

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That would be amazing!!

Somethin' 'bout a truck > iSureWilll 02/10/2016 at 09:29

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I mean, I don’t live in Colorado so I don’t need a trail beast. So an entry level Jeep is still a great Jeep in my opionion. Not like a Renegade is a bad choice, but we are buying used.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > vondon302 02/10/2016 at 09:30

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Thank you! It does!

Somethin' 'bout a truck > acarr260 02/10/2016 at 09:30

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Did they put the Diesel in the second gen?

Ash78, voting early and often > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:31

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I was shopping these two a while back, and all signs kept pointing to a well-optioned Patriot instead of a Liberty. The Liberty was sort of the worst of both worlds — BOF roughness and thirstiness, but without the size, flexibility, and utilitarian good looks of the older Cherokee it replaced. If you’re specifically going offroading, then sure.

The Patriot may be a Dodge Caliber underneath, but who cares — sounds like it’ll fit the bill for your needs.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:32

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I owned the generation before the liberty you’re showing above (aka the bubble liberty) and we now own a Jeep Commander.

Things that I know to look out for on the Liberty. Window motors. when you look at the trucks make sure the windows are all moving up and down at a good speed (if one’s slow- it’s gonna die). And since I have the same motor in the Commander as you would on that liberty, it’s my second 3.7L V6 now, they are fine motors, but they CAN get gunked up. Stay vigilant on oil changes every 3000 no matter what people tell you on them. 3000 vs 5000 = 1 extra oil change a year and you can sleep easy. Worth it.

With the liberty we had the biggest expense other than window motors (every one went out, they ended up recalling it eventually but I couldn’t get my money back because I didn’t have receipts) was the ECU went out on it once. After the ECU was replaced we felt the trans shifted hard and jeep couldn’t figure it out with reflashes.

Commander has been awesome for 30,000 miles, biggest issue has been a rusted out oil pan.

I would recommend the Liberty between the two, I’m not a fan of the baby jeeps (sorry, it’s what we call them). We also lifted the Commander 2" this summer for more fun.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:34

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The 2012 Jeep Liberty finally hit the mark for reliability, or at least that generation did.

IIRC, Axles up through ‘07 were a problem.

The update did a lot for the car.

Keep in Mind the Dodge Nitro was a Jeep Liberty, so if you want to broaden your shopping net.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:34

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I know you say you want a jeep, but the liberty isn’t all that.....Jeep-y. It’s very similar to the dodge nitro which is......meh. Very bland, very passable SUVs, both of them, just nothing special IMO. Be that as it may, the patriot is even less jeep-y if that’s what you value. But have you considered getting something like an early 2000s toyota 4 runner? A little worse on gas than the patriot but toyota build quality and very rock solid reliability in bad weather. Plus it can be fun to do truck things with it since it’s a proper 4x4.

Or how about a mitsubishi outlander? Or a suzuki grand vitara? I would imagine their reliability and build quality to be as good or better. Try and do some test drives of those if you can, see what you think.

Mattbob > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:35

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I drive my XJ in the winter. Not the best ride or mileage, but the 4.0 is super reliable, and I’m not worried about the odd bump and scrape or run in with a ditch. The complaint about poor build quality on the liberty, I think is just a chrysler thing. Not much you can do about it. What are your priorities with this thing? Reliability? Comfort?

OPPOsaurus WRX > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:38

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its a little weird at points, especially under hard acceleration. It holds the high RPM and makes it sound like its going to explode but its actually holding the most powerful ratio. I think it makes accelerating smoother as ther is no increase or decrease in the rate of acceleration. In theory they are supposed to be more efficient. (i dont know if thats true or not) I dont really know a lot about how they are vs regular autos. I like the new tech (that doesn;t make it better i just like it more) I think its easier to hold the power right at the edge of traction ( which with a FWD V6 minivan, its not hard to get slippage)

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:40

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What is your price point? The Patriot is basically a Compass, which is the shittiest thing on four wheels ever built. I’ve never driven a Liberty, however I have spent a decent amount of time in a Dodge Nitro, which is essentially the same. It was okay, not that comfortable or great looking but it sufficed.

If this was my dollar, I’d be looking at a Explorer/Tahoe or, if you have the cash, 4Runner.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 02/10/2016 at 09:41

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I’ve looked at 4Runners but so many have really high miles. I’m not sure how much I trust those as our main family car then. I will check the Mitsu and Suzuki though!

Somethin' 'bout a truck > JR1 02/10/2016 at 09:47

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Yeah, I’ve noticed that. Liberty is great for that reason, but it has some poor reviews as well...

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Mattbob 02/10/2016 at 09:49

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We will need something reliable and newer as it will be our primary family vehicle. I would like something more comfortable with more saftey features than the older XJ just becasue it’s going to be my wifes primary vehicle.

acarr260 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:49

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I’m not sure. Here in Indiana, the CRD versions are hard to find, and they fetch a premium.

nerd_racing > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:50

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Vehicross

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/what-happened-…

Somethin' 'bout a truck > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/10/2016 at 09:52

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$10-12k. I’m not a fan of the Compass, but I appreciate the differences between it and the Patriot.

Mattbob > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:53

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That’s reasonable. The lack of ABS on my XJ is pretty sketchy at times. Have you looked at maybe a used grand cherokee? I have not heard anything bad about their reliability.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > acarr260 02/10/2016 at 09:53

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Yes they do! I’ve only seen one in the wild. They are nice but I would prefer the newer gen.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Ash78, voting early and often 02/10/2016 at 09:55

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So what did you end up getting?

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Steve in Manhattan 02/10/2016 at 09:55

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I do love volvos.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 02/10/2016 at 09:56

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See, that’s the rub. I would love to add a small lift or level to whatever we get. With the Patriot I know I’m stuck. If we had the need I would look at a Commander. Those are really nice.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 02/10/2016 at 09:57

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Thank you, that helps!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:57

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Since you’re not worried about interior quality, I suggest any of the GMT360 vehicles. The Atlas is one of the best engines GM has made in a while, it will be more reliable than either of those Jeeps, it’s a proper 4X4 w/ full time 4WD mode, it will get better gas mileage than the Liberty, they are decent to drive, and they are super comfortable. This is coming from someone who absolutely loaths GM.

E92M3 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:58

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Are you kidding me? My 1996 M3 has better interior materials than either of these!

I like the Patriot better. Looks pretty good with the right set of OEM wheels. I’m not a fan of the Liberty’s looks, but I could see how the extra room would be beneficial.

Party-vi > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:58

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You asked for Jeep advice, yet you mentioned a Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro as choices. Buy a Fiat (Renegade) instead. Or, get a real Jeep .

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 02/10/2016 at 09:59

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These have been on the radar as well. Had no idea about the Atlas motor until a post on here a week or two ago. I’m not a big GM fan, but I trust the motors they build a lot more.

CAR_IS_MI > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 09:59

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Liberty > Patriot.

The Patriot feels like its trying too hard to be an SUV built on a cars chassis by a manufacturer that has never made a car and does not fully comprehend what a car is.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:00

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I rescind my previous recommendations after reading more posts, since it sounds like you don’t need a “large” SUV, just something good in the deep snow. Subaru Forester should be on your radar. Mine had no trouble with the ~30inches we had a few weeks ago.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > E92M3 02/10/2016 at 10:01

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I knew someone would say it! I just wanted real advice because I know an M3 is amazing, just not what we need. When I have room for a third car I would love an M3!

Somethin' 'bout a truck > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/10/2016 at 10:02

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What year is your Forester? I love Subaru but I’ve heard some bad stories about the heads and the repairs around 100k.

Ash78, voting early and often > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:04

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Nothing...we had another kid and the wife got an Odyssey :D

That doesn’t mean I haven’t fully pursued other cars along the way. Dream big!

Nibbles > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:04

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The Liberty is more of an offroader where the Patriot is a lifted Caliber.
The Liberty is RWD native where the Patriot is FWD.
The Liberty comes with a 3.7 PowerTech V6 (210 hp, 235hp) and 4-speed 42RFE auto (Shared with the Wrangler), the Patriot comes with either a 158hp 2.0 or 173hp 2.4 World inline-4 and a 6-speed Hyundai automatic (Or a Jatco [Nissan] CVT)
The Liberty has a transfer case; the Patriot’s Freedom Drive I is an AWD setup with a low-speed 50/50 split availability and Freedom Drive II is not unlike Freedom Drive I except it uses the CVT to lock it into a 19:1 ratio
The Liberty is not a Focus and the Patriot is not a Focus
The Liberty is still used in fleet applications and is considered a decently reliable vehicle; the Patriot is, well, still used in fleet applications and is considered a decently reliable vehicle.
The Liberty, owing to its Cherokee roots, still performs and consumes fuel like a Jeep where the Patriot, owing to its Mitsubishi roots, can perform somewhat like a Jeep but consumes somewhat less.

In my eyes - Given all this, your best bet for a family-oriented soft-roader with some ground clearance, reliability and economy would be the Patriot. I’d love to say that the Liberty is a nice SUV but really it’s not. It rides rough, interior bits will likely be rattling and squeaking and you will not enjoy the fuel economy which, by the way, is as bad as my V8 4x4 pickup. The Patriot will suit your needs better and don’t worry your mind too much about that CVT - it’s actually a pretty good unit. Go into the drives with your mind open (and don’t long for the shift feel) and you may just find the CVT to be not just liveable, but likeable.

In the end, neither of these are a Focus. Having been a Focus owner a few times over, I can state you will be pleased with the transition.

BigBlock440 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:05

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The Liberty is the 02-12 Cherokee and more Jeep-y than the squinty eyed KK Cherokee. My sister used to have an 04(?), it was fine. I wasn’t too crazy with the interior layout (mainly the center window switches), and it’s got all the qualities of an SUV (including gas mileage). I rented a patriot once, it was fine. Gas mileage low 20's through town, seemed roomier than the Compass I’ve been in.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Ash78, voting early and often 02/10/2016 at 10:09

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That makes sense! I know, I dream about new cars on the daily!

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Nibbles 02/10/2016 at 10:10

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I mean the Focus is a great car. But we have the newest gen with the aweful tranny issues. I don’t want to run out of warrnty and have it go out again (twice fixed). We need something bigger as well.

Nibbles > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:11

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(You can lift a Patriot, actually doesn’t look too bad)

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Nibbles 02/10/2016 at 10:12

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I had no clue. That looks great! Those tires look amazing!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:13

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I miss ours as a daily, and I drive a 4Runner. Granted it’s a crudely modified 4Runner, but still, the Trailblazer is an excellent highway cruiser. It’s quicker than you’d think as well.

Nibbles > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:13

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The 4200 Atlas I6 is bar-none the best engine GM had built for truck/SUV applications in ages. It will far outlast the TrailBlazer or Envoy (or Rainier or Bravada) it’s installed in.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:14

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Blargh. The old HG fear-mongoring. I have a ‘10 XT which is bigger inside though the 05-08 ones are better to drive.

The short on head gaskets: yes, you’ll probably be replacing them. They tend to start to leak anywhere between 80-100k miles, though some never leak at all. Most leaks are minor and give you lots of miles to save up. At a dealer, you’re looking at about $2500 out the door, but it also includes everything that also needs to be changed around that time. The timing belt service is due at 105k and spark plugs on a 2.5i are due at 30k intervals, so 110k. Plus coolant and oil and water pump and accessory belts. I’ve heard of indy shops charging closer to $1800-2k.

Or you can get a turbo, they don’t have HG issues (though timing belt is still due at 105k and plugs at 120k).

Nibbles > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:16

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The Focus is a great car (for what it is). I’ve owned a few of ‘em. Doesn’t matter how great they are though, you’ll be happy to be out of it :)

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 02/10/2016 at 10:21

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Nice! 4Runners are really great trucks. Trailblazers seem like they could fit the bill pretty well. And they look great with a leveling kit.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:22

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Oh I know they are, as I plan to keep mine forever, but it’s a terrible daily driver.

MuchWagon > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:25

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These newfangled “Jeeps” don’t sit right with me.

Find a used XJ Cherokee that hasn’t been wheeled.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/10/2016 at 10:25

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Really? Had no idea that the turbo motors didn’t have that issue. Honestly for all the work that’s not a bad price. Just not something I want to hit right after I would get one. I think a forester would be great for us for a long time. I will be honest in that I had pretty much wrote them off unless I went brand new all becasue of the heads.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > MuchWagon 02/10/2016 at 10:26

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So, do the impossible?

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 10:33

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If you do look at a few, ask the owner if it ever drips oil onto the garage floor (or look for spots) or feel up the oil filter, located underneath the car on the passenger side amongst the exhaust, for slickness. Small oil drips are the first signs of a leaky gasket.

I’ve had several Subies, and they’ve only ever needed regular maintenance (and my wife’s 08 2.5i needed HGs at 85k). Post-07 engines have a lower rate of HG failure than the earlier ones.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/10/2016 at 10:47

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I will add them to my list. I think these could be a great alternative. The AWD systems are great and they seem pretty roomy. Thanks!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Nibbles 02/10/2016 at 11:21

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WAT

I had no idea you could do that

Nibbles > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 02/10/2016 at 11:22

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I kno rite?!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 11:23

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Wasn’t aware about the info Nibbles provided. That’s crazy

The Liberty is a good little truck. Like someone else said about the Nitro, it’s the same thing - though you could get the Nitro with an even bigger V6, the 4.0L was available. I have no experience with them though.

The 3.7L I’m very used to.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Nibbles 02/10/2016 at 11:25

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Those tires are knobby as hell too.

WOULD rally

Nibbles > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 02/10/2016 at 11:29

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I can’t imagine the 2.4, much less the 2.0, being able to rotate those with aplomb

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Nibbles 02/10/2016 at 11:31

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HELLCAT SWAP

Nibbles > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 02/10/2016 at 11:32

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I find your ideas intriguing and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Ram_Riot_6 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 11:33

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I currently own a 2007 Patriot that I have now had for almost 7 years. I have the CVT that I actually like it since it is ridiculously smooth with no gear changes and returns fantastic gas mileage. I have only one repair in the time I’ve had it as the fuel pump died last year at 90k miles. Feel free to ask me any questions about it!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Nibbles 02/10/2016 at 11:35

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Hahaha

Man as insanity as that would be, I think you’d be better off because of weight savings throwing something like an SRT4 motor in as opposed to a giant ass V8.

But god damn does it sound fun.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Ram_Riot_6 02/10/2016 at 11:48

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That’s great! Do you have the 4x4 model or just FWD? How is it for a daily? Do you do much traveling/camping with it? What don’t you like about it?

and 100 more > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 11:58

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Hi, my currently DD for the last 5 years or so has been a 2008 Patriot. I might be able to offer some insight.

So, my first question is, does it really HAVE to be a Jeep?

I don’t say this to disparage the brand, but as an owner who frequents Patriot-focused forums, there are so many people who buy a Patriot/Compass (same car, for all intents and purposes, aside from looks) because it is a “Jeep” and it is not expensive, and walk away cursing the Jeep brand for making “shitty cars that can’t even offroad”... mind you, they will buy a FWD model with stock 205-width all-season tires and the CVT (more on that in a bit).

When you buy a “Jeep”, often, you have certain expectations that will NOT be met by a Patriot - full stop.

I will tell you that the Patriot is a mostly-efficient, mostly-reliable, 5-door wagon, which in the 4WD trims, is great in snow (provided you have decent snow tires), and is a competent trail runner. It has a fair amount of room in the cargo and passenger areas (PLENTY of headroom), and the interior of the post-facelift models is much nicer than the hard-plastic utilitarian original design.

One of the problem areas is the front ball joints. Most OEM kits fail at about 40k, even the non-OEM ones from Moog are having some quality issues lately. They’re easy enough to replace on your own (I did mine at about 100k), and not super expensive.

Also watch out for rear camber arm bushings that fail. Again, this is a problem that many have; I’ve been lucky in this regard.

The Patriot CVT is... Well, it’s not loved, by anyone. Some people have had zero problems with it, and most of the people who HAVE had problems with it will tell you Satan himself had a place on the assembly line and shat it into the engine compartment of every Patriot that rolled thru. I can’t speak to the CVT ownership experience personally; I have the 5-speed manual, which has been thru one clutch, one slave cylinder, and one master cylinder. It doesn’t offer a smooth shift, but it’s not vague, and I’ve been told that some Redline MTL will improve shift quality immensely. I haven’t had the coin to experience that myself. I have it on good authority that the 6-speed automatic that came out in 2014 was a vast improvement over the CVT. I have the FWD model; it’s quick around town, and utilizes the 172hp fairly well, but you just run out of ponies after awhile.

I have heard from many people (who aren’t looking for a Wrangler-experience) that they often surprised by how capable the 4WD-trim Patriot is. It’s a unibody on MacPherson struts, but it does pretty well despite that. It’s biggest off-road nemesis is it’s own BLD system. Brake Lock Differentials eschew the traditional limited slip diff for a standard open diff, and then use a computer and the ABS system to modulate the brakes, simulating a limited-slip diff experience. By and large, it gets the job done, but in practice, the computer simply isn’t advanced enough for this task, and often gets confused by the inputs, and simply clamps down all wheels, putting it into what we owners call “moo mode”, where the smallish engine struggles to provide enough torque to overcome it’s own braking.

There’s an issue w/ the sunroof drains clogging, and I have experienced an intermittent leak in the seal around the rear hatch.

At 123k, I have only just started to experience some interior rattles.

Also, there’s a rare issue w/ the intake manifold flapper valves that can ONLY be resolved by a dealership, to the tune of $1,200. That was painful.

All that being said, it has been a solid daily driver for me. It survived a cross-country move with 4 passengers and a cat, a loaded cargo hold, and a giant roof-top carrier, and still got about 22 mpg overall. I average about 22 mpg on my commute, and will get about 24-25 on long highway runs. It’s not luxurious, it’s not an off-roader, and it’s not a hot-hatch. But if your expectations are to get in a car and drive the same route every day, regardless of weather conditions, and NOT spend a ton of cash, then the Patriot is not a bad choice at all.

All that being said; if you’re after a Jeep simply because of the Jeep name, you will likely regret getting a Patriot. The Patriot could be a million times better than it is, and you’d still regret it, because it’s not what people perceive as a “Jeep”. For that, you want a Wrangler.

Ram_Riot_6 > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 12:00

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I have the FWD model and it is a fantastic daily. Since I began tracking gas mileage I’ve averaged a bit over 27 mpg over 50000 miles and reached a maximum of almost 34 mpg. I’ve driven it for 6 hours straight a few times and have no complaints for long distances in it. I have not taken mine camping but you can fit a twin air mattress in the back with the rear seats down and the front seats pushed forward. It has been off paved roads a few times, but never anything that any other SUV couldn’t do. Road noise is higher than I’d like though tolerable, but later models have more sound insulation as I have no insulation in the doors on mine. Most of my other complaints are fixed on newer models like carpeted cargo area and unattractive headrests. You should check at jeeppatriot.com to see other owners opinions, problems encountered, and things they’ve done to their Patriots. I’d also say to avoid getting one with a sunroof as they are known to leak. Not all leak, but the occurrence is much higher than it should be.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > and 100 more 02/10/2016 at 12:19

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I’m not going to get a Wrangler. As cool as they are I don’t need or want it right now. I want something reliable, economical with good ground clearance and the ability to go anywhere. I didn’t appreciate the Patriot at first, but it’s growing on me. It seems like it would be better than a regular crossover, but not quite as big of a hit in MPG as a full BOF SUV. (I love BOF SUV’s though) For me, the Patriot seems like an underappreciated SUV that can do more than most while not taking the driving dynamic penalty of the BOF’s.

Basically, I appreciate what it can do and respect what it can’t.

MuchWagon > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 14:08

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Why not? It’s been done before.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/10/2016 at 15:24

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I’ve never driven either, but I’d pick the Patriot. It’s a more nimble vehicle, and I feel it’d be more enjoyable to drive. You could also keep the focus and get a $650 Craigslist special 1995 grand Cherokee?

Somethin' 'bout a truck > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 02/10/2016 at 16:25

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Yeah, I agree. That seems to sound like a better combo to me than anything. And I would love to get a beater, but I can’t have more than two cars at the moment. But if I could that would be a ton of fun to pick up!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/11/2016 at 02:07

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my friend just got a running and driving ‘93 Cherokee for $300. that's nothing

Somethin' 'bout a truck > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 02/11/2016 at 06:44

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That’s incredible! What plans does he have for it?

MuchWagon > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/11/2016 at 16:48

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http://oppositelock.kinja.com/can-you-buy-a-…

Somethin' 'bout a truck > MuchWagon 02/11/2016 at 16:55

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I knew it was coming! Thanks for posting, that Jeep looks really good!

MuchWagon > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/11/2016 at 17:43

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That one is $300! Auto trader has tons of XJs that look decent, if you believe that mileage is only a number.

I can honestly say my 93 YJ had problems, but the only one I would attribute to mileage was the rebuilding of the tranny at around 110k IIRC. Everything else was fiddly stuff caused mainly by age, and a late model XJ was likely built better than any YJ.

Jecca > Somethin' 'bout a truck 03/24/2018 at 21:43

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I have driven both the Patriot and the Liberty, however, I always go back to the grand cherokee laredo. My first one was a 1996 Laredo. From the moment I sat in it I was in love! Lol I moved up to the 02 Laredo and now drive a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. In my personal opinion. The grand cherokee is the best of the Jeep world. Personally, the Liberty and the Patriot just can’t compare!!!! Good luck and happy jeeping!!!!!