So I returned my 2008 Patriot NE Trail Rated near the end of the lease for a 2010 Liberty NE. So far I am happy but I have to say I am missing my Roit a bit.

I think the biggest thing I am missing is a Liberty forum that is as well run as this one. Clear sections for discussions and a community that explores there Jeep and wants to share that info. So if you know of a good Jeep Liberty forum, let me know.

Currently I am looking for good information about installing skid plates, taking apart the dash and looking to see how people have moded their Liberty for ideas.

Thanks

I'm interested to know how you like the Liberty vs Patriot, please share your thoughts with us. Thanks

I like(d) my '08 Patriot and I almost bought a '10. The biggest issue I had was it was under powered...now saying that I know it was a 4 banger and it did well for a 4 banger, I just wanted a 6. I thought for a 4 banger I should get better gas milage, I was getting City: 14L/100 and Highway 9.7L/100. I know the Liberty is going to be higher but I think on average I am getting 15L/100...(don't quote this number).

The Liberty has more storage room and sits higher. I also like the thin dash broad that brings the windshield closer, true I am having issues finding a good place to attach my TomTom but if I decide to attach it to the windshield it will be easy to access unlike the Pat.

I test drove a '09 liberty and it did feel like a bigger brother to the Patriot. The two things that I would redesign right away on the Liberty is the shifter, they placed it to the far right of the large center console so it is a real reach to shift. The second is I would install a foot rest for the left foot.

In getting around the snow I have not had major issues with either however I knew my Patriot well and at this point I would says I had less issues with it. I'm not sure if this is due to the transmission type or the power difference between the 4 and the 6. I find ESP is kicking in more on the Liberty then it ever did on the Patriot. Truth be told I like to slide a little (maybe more than a little) around open parking lots, I think I just have to remember to bypass the ESP in the Liberty before have a little fun, the Pat had a bigger tolerance.

I have no problem recommending the '08 Patriot or the '10 Liberty both are solid. The time I owned the Pat there were only 4 parts that needs to be replaced and non affectted the drive-ability.

As for community, Pat owners love their Pats and are willing to share experiences and tips. I'm still looking for that for the Liberty.

Hope this answers your question.

I just turn the ESP off in the Patriot when it snows. I don't like my vehicle thinking for itself. I know how to control my vehicle and I don't like it trying to control itself.

The two things that I would redesign right away on the Liberty is the shifter, they placed it to the far right of the large center console so it is a real reach to shift. The second is I would install a foot rest for the left foot.

My 2008 Patriot is in the shop at the moment (rain leak & drivetrain grinding noise; getting both looked at while still under warranty), so I rented a car for the week, and I ended up with a 4WD Liberty. I've only driven it for about 20 minutes this evening, but the two items you mentioned above were EXACTLY the same thoughts I had after driving the Liberty.

Have you tried LostJeeps?

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/posting.php?mode=newtopic&f=6

Thanks Hoosier, LostJeeps looks to be the best so far.

I had this one bookmarked for some time...suitable for ALL Jeep owners...including Liberty and Pats!!

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f28/ for LIBERTY

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f98/ for Compass/Patriot