First Jeep

[MiloshMobile]

Just bought a used 2012 Patriot Limited. I've never owned a Jeep, SUV, or 4WD vehicle of any kind before. So far I like it an haven't had any issues. It seems like (from reading in the forum) a lot of known issues with previous years don't apply to the 2012's but then again I wouldn't know. Any advice for me? Little tips or tricks? Either way, hello all!

[Terasec]

welcome,

what model did you get?
also where abouts are you from?

and enjoy your ride,

[Kenny-g]

Nope you got one of the good year's after about 2010 they improved significantly. If you have a sun roof though keep an eye for a leak. They fixed that in 2010 in most models but you never know.

I have a '12 Pat Freedom Drive II 4x4 and absolutely love it! I'm sure you will love your 4x4 too What color is it if I may ask?

*Edit: OH and a Jeep Patriot is both A.) a terrific starter 4x4 and B.) a perfect starter Jeep! Welcome to the forum.

[MiloshMobile]

Thanks! I don't have a sunroof so no worries there. I'm in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I have no idea if i have the freedom drive (or even what it is). It's black, another first for me. I like to think I'm pretty knowledgable when it comes cars but I'm totally lost in the world of Chrystler and 4x4.

[dixiedawg]

Welcome!

[Creation]

So you have the 4x4 so thats a start. On your shifter, below drive to do have a gear that has an L? If so, I believe thats the FDII

Sent from my Galaxy S III using Autoguide. Please excuse my spelling.

[MiloshMobile]

Nope, stops at D.

[PatriotMB]

Most 4x4 Patriots are FD I if you happen to see a badge on the side of your Patriot that says Trail Rated. That's FD II

[MiloshMobile]

No badge. Looks like ill be unrated in the event I end up on a trail lol. I bought it mostly to avoid death in snow/ice/sleet etc as my old car (now my summer car) is a DEATHTRAP in the winter.

[Kenny-g]

Yea the only difference betweek Freedom Drive I (FD I) and FD II patriots is the FDII's have slightly taller shocks (like less than half an inch or something ???), engine/trans skid plates and gas tank skids, tow hooks front and back, the trail rated badge, a transmission fluid cooler, lower gearing for offroading (thus the "L" question Creation asked you), and Goodyear Wrangler SR-A's. The regular 4x4's are just as capable you just have to watch out for the lack of skid plates

*Edit: heres a link from Jeep's site about "Trail Rated" Jeep's if you're curious. http://www.jeep.com/en/jeep_capabilities/trail_rated/

[MiloshMobile]

I wonder how much the skid plates are a la carte in case I ever decided to get into going offroading.

[Terasec]

Originally Posted by MiloshMobile

No badge. Looks like ill be unrated in the event I end up on a trail lol. I bought it mostly to avoid death in snow/ice/sleet etc as my old car (now my summer car) is a DEATHTRAP in the winter.

FDI should suit you fine,
FDI is also quite capable on most light trails.
if i was to upgrade an FDI i would look at more aggressive tires,
then oil cooler and higher amp alternator.
adding oil cooler and higher amp alternator will also boost your towing cap to 2000 lbs.

[dixiedawg]

You'll like the Patriot in the snow, starts out in FWD which is better than rear, and if it needs to will go to AWD. Of course you can lock the 4x4, but I've only done that once on the road.

[csowers]

Welcome to the forum, and to the Jeep family!

[MiloshMobile]

So the 4x4 is automatic and the lever is only if i want it on full time? I can see a light in the dash labeled "off road", how/when does that come into play?