Well, I was just as pumped as all you to get my hands on a 07 Patriot Limited, but after I test drove the Compass and took the $23,000 MSRP into consideration, I decided to get an '04 Grand Cherokee Laredo Special Edition - and I couldn't be happier. After testing, I realized that 2004 was the last year before Jeep changed everything over to the bubble futuristic look with weaker engines, so I consider this Grand Cherokee the pinnacle of Jeep's achievements. The Patriot, a Compass with a classic Cherokee body, will be weak and dissapointing if it is anything similar to what I felt when driving the Compass - especially when having to pay for the lack of depreciation.

More trunk space, the "perfect" AMC V6 engine, all the features of a limited, and not having to deal with the Nissan Murano-ish interior appearance, and avoiding paying for an overall cheaper vehicle (yes, Patriot) that is more expensive because of it's lack of depreciation - it's great.

Used the saved $$ and got a $2,000 Kenwood system with powered by Garmin GPS and iPod support...it is very, very exciting.

Here's a link (click here (http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?car_id=213076340&dealer_id=962223)), I saw it last week and it's in mint condition, especially under the hood. Has a clear title and a CarFax buy-back guarentee, so I'm picking it up today.

More trunk space, the "perfect" AMC V6 engine, all the features of a limited, and not having to deal with the Nissan Murano-ish interior appearance, and avoiding paying for an overall cheaper vehicle (yes, Patriot) that is more expensive because of it's lack of depreciation - it's great.

A couple of corrections: the AMC 6 cylinder engine is an inline-6 4.0L, not a V. And you say "lack of depreciation" when I think you mean to say your '04 Jeep has already gone thru it's depreciation. If this vehicle you speak of does indeed have a V6, it is the non-AMC 4.7L.

At first I was a little miffed at your negative Patriot comments, and I was going to tell you to run the numbers on the cost of ownership (fuel costs, tires, out-of-warranty repairs, etc.). But, I do support you for buying a 3-year old vehicle that has already seen significant depreciation. It is a very tempting option. It's certainly a smarter move if you're only looking at initial purchase value.

I'm sorry the Compass performance wasn't up to your standards. I hope more people can find it acceptable. I personally want these new Jeeps to succeed.

Gump,

If you got what you are happy with, more power to you....one comment though that you mention about 2004 G.C.'s being the last year before the bubble look with weaker engines, I didn't quite understand....

...I had a 2004 G.C. (which was a great looking vehicle by the way)and now have a 2006 G.C. so I guess I have one of those bubble looking things with a weaker engine??? (5.7L Hemi with multi-displacement)....not sure you could call that a weaker engine...I get whiplash each time I step on the gas!!!

...definitely the 4 cylinder CVT Patriot will not be able to match the power or torque of the 6 cyliner Laredo....really the Patriot vehicles are for people who don't need the towing capability of the Laredo and who want good gas mileage....

....also, definitely the interior of the G.C. is nicer, larger, and buying a good used vehicle is smart rather than buying a new car which depreciates very quickly over the first two years....

...you make some good points which others ought to consider when buying any vehicle....it really comes down to how you, personally, will be using your vehicle, how much $$ you want to spend, and what you are looking for in a vehicle....

Congrats on your new Jeep!

Don't worry I'm not going to bash you. You're getting a great vehicle at a pretty good price. Low milage too. I posted some tips on a different thread earlier today. I thought I would copy it over here to help you out.

The key to long life in any vehicle is maintenance. Change your oil and rotate your tires every 3000 miles. Check your oil level and tire pressure/condition often. Get your transmission, tranfser case and differential fluid changed every year. And check ALL your other fluids (coolant, power steering, brake, windshield washer, etc.) regularly. If you take care of your vehicle it will take care of you.

If you do the maintenance a Jeep WILL last you 300,000+ miles.

The Jeep 4.0L is bombproof! I got 293,000 miles out of my old XJ (same motor as you have in you WJ) and I beat the snot out of it. :D

Again congrats and enjoy!!!

i don't see how you could say the WK has a bubble look compared to a WJ. the WJ has been the roundest grand cherokee by far. the back of the WK looks like a brick from straight behind it (which i like).

Thanks for not flaming me, I really do like the Patriot, I just thought that this one was more tempting from a power.

What I meant about the depreciation is that since I'm getting one that is used, I don't have to pay the extra cost for having a Patriot with zero miles on it - if three year old Patriots existed, a limited Patriot would be approx. $10,000....so for $16,200 I'm looking forward to enjoying the leather, sunroof, space, power, and a mint condition AMC engine.

Let's hope I don't experience the notorious electrical issues.

Im not rich and far from it. Most people dont pay cash for new vehicles, the reason why i am willing to wait for a new 07 model is that i am not a big fan of paying interest. On older cars most interest rates are so high 8% or more the typical loan. I just dont think buying a car that has 40,000 miles is a good deal, the car is just starting to get into its "used status" and may see problems from not being original owner. When i buy a car i want to know, everything that has happened to that car from day 1. Best of luck with your G.C. sweet ride really, you did good man. Lets hear that thing bump!!!

LOL...well,

Prime US rate for a used vehicle is 6.9. I'm 21 years old and have a good credit score and was able to get 7.1 and a blank check overnighted via CapitalOne....so I think anyone can do it.

And while you're right that the rate is lower for a new vehicle (5-6%), you've forgotten that you're financing a higher principle value to begin with, so despite the lower rate, the amount of interest you'll pay and the total payment net will be much larger than a used vehicle with 1% higher interest.

Just a thought.

Congrats to you on your decision. The GC is well evolved design and a nice blend of urban luxury with some viable off-road capability. And, the 4.0 should provide years of service; I'm well over 200K on my current XJ and had about 240K on an earlier XJ when it was sold.

It's a beautiful Jeep! Congrats to you and good luck.

I wouldn't mind a Grand Cherokee, but budget just won't allow it right now. Plus we don't really need the extra space at this point. Maybe after a couple of kids, we'll feel the pinch and have the need to upgrade to something bigger.

In the mean time, I can't wait to get my hands on a Patriot! I saw a Compass in a parking lot yesterday, and it certainly looks like I can expect to be sitting up higher than in my current car. I can't wait!!

Congrats! My ole Grand was my favorite Jeep I owned so far! Good luck with it!

Diffrent Strokes for Different Folks. No problem.

I don't think anyone here has ever expected blazing speed/power to be the point of the Patriot.

FWIW, for $23K you can get a new GC with the V6, or maybe even the V8 with all the discounts. Heck I got my Commander with a V8 out the door for $25K.

For those bargain shopping wait until this fall once production is ramped up. You'll be able to get a loaded Patriot for $20K or less.

I am waiting for a lightly optioned stick-shift Patriot for a 17-18K sticker, and to buy NEW for a (rebate/discounted) $15K. That will take until at least fall, or 2008.