[54btybdr]

Good day all, a newb question here.

I'm looking at getting a used Pat and I wanted the off-road capability including the FDII. My question is that if I'm looking at a Pat with a Trail Rated badge, can I expect it to have FDII? What is "standard" with a Trail Rated badge? (assuming that it is a legit badge and not a stick-on). Thanks!

 

[MrJeepR44]

You should be able to expect that, but a lot of people add the badge to non FDII's. Best way to check is to see if it has an L on the gear selector, AND "OFF ROAD" printed next to the L. If it does, then start it up and shift into L and turn on 4x4 lock. If 4x4, off road, and hill decent light up on the dash, its a winner

It should also have skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, and heated seats as well, but that's all stuff that could be added to a non FDII

 

[54btybdr]

Thanks for the info! Is there anything in the VIN that I should look for? I'm looking for the most "off-road capable" Patriot available.

 

[todde702]

If it has the front and rear tow hooks with factory cut holes in the bumper fascia it's more than likely a FDII. The 2007 model year had the L on the shifter for FDI and FDII models (but no Off-road label on the FDI).

The FDII really is a better value considering the equipment you get (as mentioned skid plates, tow hooks, low range, hill descent, better brake lock diff programming and also higher amp alternator and oil cooler), but it does get slightly worse fuel economy (but only by 1 mpg).

 

[jepstr67]

Also you can feel the engine skid plate. An FD2 will have a metal one, where and FD1 will be plastic. Once again though, owners can add the tow hooks and skid plates to an FD1. The best way to know is to drive it and shift into low range.

No vehicles with manual transmission will be FD2s.

 

[Murman]

If it has the front and rear tow hooks with factory cut holes in the bumper fascia it's more than likely a FDII.

Like this???

 

[todde702]

Thanks Murman, and I should add if it is a 2007-2010 model year. Apparently the 2011's can have tow hooks without FDII?

Like this???

 

[Murman]

Apparently the 2011's can have tow hooks without FDII?

I concur.

 

[jepstr67]

So what we are really saying is that by the end of production, like most Jeeps before it, they finally got it right.:doh: Taller stance, better* interior and factory installed Jeep tools as standard equipment.

*Matter of opinion.

 

[MrJeepR44]

Tow hooks are only installed on the FDI from the factory with with all-weather capability group... So I don't know if I would say they got it right. At least its an option now

 

[Murman]

Tow hooks are only installed on the FDI from the factory with with all-weather capability group... So I don't know if I would say they got it right. At least its an option now

At least I got it right...

 

[MrJeepR44]

At least I got it right...

That you did, nice choice

 

[Murman]

mrjeep44, I just rolled over 14K miles. How about you?

 

[54btybdr]

Awesome, thanks! With the info I've been able to narrow down my search just by looking at the pictures. I've got a handful now....lets hope I can make a decision by Christmas!

 

[MrJeepR44]

mrjeep44, I just rolled over 14K miles. How about you?

I'm just shy of 15k... been going on several back and forth trips to Oklahoma

Awesome, thanks! With the info I've been able to narrow down my search just by looking at the pictures. I've got a handful now....lets hope I can make a decision by Christmas!

Good luck and take lots of pictures when you get it!

 

[UA_who]

You should be able to expect that, but a lot of people add the badge to non FDII's. Best way to check is to see if it has an L on the gear selector, AND "OFF ROAD" printed next to the L. If it does, then start it up and shift into L and turn on 4x4 lock. If 4x4, off road, and hill decent light up on the dash, its a winner

It should also have skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, and heated seats as well, but that's all stuff that could be added to a non FDII

If you're looking at a used one, not all of the previous years had heated seats. My 2008 does not have them.

 

[54btybdr]

Is there much of a difference between '07 and '08 models? I've found a decently priced 2007 pat limited. I'm always weary about purchasing the first model year of any vehicle though. Thoughts?

 

[MrMischief]

Just a comment on the badge.

Last week I found a great deal on a used 2011 Jeep JK Rubicon. I go to the dealer (ford, not Jeep). Sure enough, it says Rubicon, it has the Rubicon wheels and tires. Get in it, no locker switch.

Some people go to great lengths to have the look of the top of the line vehicle, but when you get into the meat and potatoes, it's not there.

As I recall, and it may have changed or I could be wrong so don't swear by me please, if the 6th digit in the VIN is a G you have the off road CVT, which you can only get with FDII. You can also call or email Jeep the VIN and they will decode it for you to let you know exactly what you are looking at. Or at least what you SHOULD be looking at, who knows with previous owners.

 

[WJM]

I have a 2011 FDII, the 7th digit is a G. Not the 6th.

 

[UA_who]

Just a comment on the badge.

Last week I found a great deal on a used 2011 Jeep JK Rubicon. I go to the dealer (ford, not Jeep). Sure enough, it says Rubicon, it has the Rubicon wheels and tires. Get in it, no locker switch.

Some people go to great lengths to have the look of the top of the line vehicle, but when you get into the meat and potatoes, it's not there.

As I recall, and it may have changed or I could be wrong so don't swear by me please, if the 6th digit in the VIN is a G you have the off road CVT, which you can only get with FDII. You can also call or email Jeep the VIN and they will decode it for you to let you know exactly what you are looking at. Or at least what you SHOULD be looking at, who knows with previous owners.

Not sure where you got the VIN info MrMischief. My 2008 FDII doesn't have a G in it's VIN at all. 6th char is a 2.

But you are right on watching out for those used vehicles that mis-represent themselves. It's fairly common to stick on a "trail rated" badge, or "rubicon" sticker, or "SS" badge (for you Chevy guys).