Hi All,
Well, the Plymouth minivan is on it's last legs and this time it's replacement is going to be a Patriot. The biggest question is whether the CVT is worth the extra expense and potential problems or whether I should just get the manual tranny? Driving will be mostly highways and country roads.
Ralph

So far, the CVT seems great. The one problem is that when you accelerate the RPM's stay at 6000RPM's while the two pulley's adjust to increase your speeds.

I'm opting for the Manual version but only because I think it'll keep me interested in driving a little more. (I've got an auto right now...)

BTW: welcome to the boards!

There's a silver Patriot in Ottawa at Capital Dodge Jeep on Carling Ave. Not sure where you live but I thought I pass that along. Looks good in person!

I decided to go with the standart transmission for many reasons,with the stick you get much better control of the vehicle [advatage on the offroad trails],it usualy never breaks,it's lighter and requires much less maintanance and it's much more fun to drive.Unless you are going to use your Patriot for city deliveries and will be sitting in the traffici all day that go ahead and get the 5 speed standart.It shifts very nicely I just ordered one standart Patriot last monday. Good luck. Belveder