While admiring my ride the other day, I noticed this dent and immediately thought of the inconsiderate people in parking lots. Then, I realized, oh no I caused the dent. Stretching the fuel hose to the filler, the filler door was forced into the side of the patriot. This left a nasty dent next to the filler door.
Also, I read a thread referring to the hood prop rod denting the hood through the catch hole. Don't be careless and set the hood on the rod end. Make sure it slips into the notch. I can vouch that this causes a dent, also.
Like distressed leather, My Patriot is quickly adding character to its look.

Sorry to hear about that man, I guess we really need to pay attention to details like those.

Thanks for the heads up. Another thing I did was to remove that plastic string which holds the gas cap in place so I can remove the whole cap when gassing up. Now it's not hanging and clanging on the paintjob every time I get gasonline.

Thanks for the heads up. Another thing I did was to remove that plastic string which holds the gas cap in place so I can remove the whole cap when gassing up. Now it's not hanging and clanging on the paintjob every time I get gasonline.

FYI. There is a little hook-like tab on the inside of the filler door that holds the gas cap tether and prevents the cap from contacting the fender.....

FYI. There is a little hook-like tab on the inside of the filler door that holds the gas cap tether and prevents the cap from contacting the fender.....

Yes, I noticed the tiny hook, but that won't be very handy in snow and -30 degree celcius... :D

Thanks for the heads up, BNoble.

I feel for you. I made the discovery this weekend that the paint chips easily.. It nothing that touchup paint won't handle but my son (3yrs) opened the door before I could get there and he hit it against the saturn. Result:
2000 Saturn - no dent or marks from this collusion (gotta love the plastic)
2007 Patriot - no longer has paint on the door corner. not visible when closed, but certainly rustable, ugghh!
I will be making sure I park on the outside edges of our driveway from now on.

Is there such a thing as door bumpers to prevent door dings for the Sport?
Susan in the Gorge.

Thanks for the heads up.

You almost have to stop looking at your Patriot with such a meticulous eye if it's your daily driver. I panicked the first time I saw a scuff on those ridiculous light tan headliners and pilars but after adding a few more small blemishes I've just about given up on keeping it show room new.

FYI. There is a little hook-like tab on the inside of the filler door that holds the gas cap tether and prevents the cap from contacting the fender.....

Is it me or does the thether just get in the way when you try to take the filler cap off.

There are door edge guards you can get. I put them on all my vehicles (at least for the front doors). You would clean the door edge with rubbing alcohol or something and then press them on (they have a glue on the inside). You can get them in different colors - or use black. Some of them might have to be cut.

You almost have to stop looking at your Patriot with such a meticulous eye if it's your daily driver. I panicked the first time I saw a scuff on those ridiculous light tan headliners and pilars but after adding a few more small blemishes I've just about given up on keeping it show room new.

Thanks Gaze. Great advice for meticulous people like me. In fact, since the first door ding (8 in total until today) and after a car hit my front bumper (fortunately with no visible damage!), you realize it is impossible to keep your car "showroom new". :)

Is it me or does the thether just get in the way when you try to take the filler cap off.

No I quit using it and disconnected it and always remove the gas cap and usually stick it up on top of the gas pump. By the way I have the optional gas cap which is coded with my Patriot key (uses the same key).

No I quit using it and disconnected it and always remove the gas cap and usually stick it up on top of the gas pump. By the way I have the optional gas cap which is coded with my Patriot key (uses the same key).

How did you obtain the key-coded gas cap? How much did it run?

How did you obtain the key-coded gas cap? How much did it run?

I bought the locking gas cap from the dealer and I remember I thought it was pretty expensive but I don't remember exactly what it was ($40, $60?). I wonder if that Mopar Parts place has them for less (thread about the shift lever)?

Thanks Gaze. Great advice for meticulous people like me. In fact, since the first door ding (8 in total until today) and after a car hit my front bumper (fortunately with no visible damage!), you realize it is impossible to keep your car "showroom new". :)

I figure you're pretty lucky: My Patriot must have took a shopping cart right in the nose while I was out at lunch yesterday ... it's just a little dimple, but because it's right smack in the middle of the bumper, I just can't get over it!

I'm going to put some heat on it to see if I can't relax out the little crease in the plastic ... after I get done buffing out somone's scratch they left for me on the rear bumper.

My wife keeps saying, "The more you try to be safe with it, the more you're going to notice the dings." Why can't it just be showroom new forever!!! :confused: