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FD II or FD I ???

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justjeepn

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello all,

This is my first post. I currently lease a '05 TJ and in Jan/Feb '09 will be the pround owner of a Patriot. I am in talks with the dealership, I know the colour, features, and options I want however can't decide if FD II is neccesary. I do limited off-roading, and as my wife and I are expecting our first child soon....will probably be doing less. Also I am used to manual transmission, however my wife would prefer automatic this time .... are there any complaints about the CVT engine ??

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I've always driven automatics, and I have no issues with my FDI CVT. I suppose it depends on what you define as off-roading.

I'm most interested in how mine will fair on snowy, mountain roads, and down in the Southern Tier (ski country).
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks,

I have never driven an automatic jeep. I have a cottage in northern Ontario and am a bit concerned as well as to how it will fair on unplowed roads.

The salesman at the dealership said the CVT takes some getting used to with respect to how it changes gears, and the sound it makes while doing so ..... does that make any sence to you ?? I would have test drove one, however they only have the base models in stock at the moment.
 
#4 ·
I was originally going to purchase a 5 speed, but I ended up with the FD1 and CVT. I have only had it for 2 weeks, but I have been very pleased with both the driveabilty and fuel mileage. As others have reported, mileage seems to be better if you keep the rpm's at 2500 or less. Also at those speeds, the difference between the CVT and an automatic are minimal.

As to whether or not you need the FD1 or FDII, maybe someone else can help you with that question.
 
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#6 · (Edited)
The CVT takes some getting used to but I really like it now and it grows on you. The CVT/2.4L has plenty of pep, don't let the reviews talking about lack of power convince you otherwise. Drive one and floor it and see for yourself. As far as FDII vs FDI you have to decide what you're likely to get more use out of. The FDII offers alot of extra bang for the buck but you give up the autostick, the fuel mileage is the worst of all configurations and the slightly more aggressive gear ratios probably means a little more engine noise going down the highway.

I think either FDI or FDII perform equally well in snow and mild trail wheeling, which is all most of us will ever need. But if you find yourself getting into nastier trails alot, then FDII is probably the way to go.

NP
 
#7 ·
I have driven 33,104 miles in my FDI 5 speed and have not had problems in mud, gravel, snow, or ice. I live in the rural parts of West Central Missouri, and according to some old timers, last winter was the worst one in these here parts in the last 5 years. Not once did I get stuck or stranded. However, if I wanted a lower gear (crawl) for ascending and descending I would get the FDII.
 
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#9 ·
justjeepn said:
Thanks for all the advise. What is the Autostick ?

brndnlee2074 that patriot looks so good with the bigger tires and rims !! what is your ground clearence ??

I think FD I is all I need.
Click to expand...
The autostick let's you drive it like a manual without the clutch. Once in manual mode you just bump the shifter right to upshift and left to downshift. It's not only alot of fun to do this, it also is useful if you want to downshift for passing manuevers or engine breaking. I like to use it for low speed stop and go driving. It's easy to return to fully automatic by holding the shift lever right for a second or two.

NP
 
#11 ·
I think it comes down to what you want your Patriot to do for YOU.

If you are looking for fuel economy with light offroad duty then the FDI is likely the better choice, if you need the offroad package the FDII is a must.
 
#12 ·
You know, it really comes down to personal preference. In my opinion however, the FDII can get you out of some sticky situations as opposed to the FDI. I would suppose if you do at least 75 % street/highway miles; then stick to FDI... otherwise do FDII.
 
#13 ·
Ditto, what everyone above said.

FDII gives you full skid plates and tow hooks right off the bat.

You do sacrifice the option of getting a manual if that is what you want, and the fuel mileage is not as good as the FDI, but it isn't horrible either.

Like, PA Patriot said, it is like money in the bank.

You also get an heavy duty oil cooler and heavy duty alternator. I think you can get both of those if you get the tow prep package instead.

If the Pat was my only vehicle, I would probably go with the FDI as it is very capable and would get measurably better gas mileage. Since it isn't I went with the FDII and am very happy I did.

If you really want a manual, or the autostick than the FDI is a no brainer.

Also, I love my height adjustable seat, but you can get that with the limited also I think.

You get a few other components with the FDII, which I am sure you are capable of reading on your own.

However, the FDI, costs less to start and if you went with a manual you could probably do several thousands better, and you will get 4, 5, or more miles to the gallon which does add up.

Both good vehicles. I wouldn't mind having one of each.
 
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#14 · (Edited)
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Discussion starter · #15 ·
Hey brndnlee, is your gas tank black ?? On all the other Patriots I see the gas tank is so bright .... especially on the green one i am getting. Has anyone one else done anything to not make the gas tank so "in your face" ??
 
#16 ·
justjeepn said:
Hey brndnlee, is your gas tank black ?? On all the other Patriots I see the gas tank is so bright .... especially on the green one i am getting. Has anyone one else done anything to not make the gas tank so "in your face" ??
Click to expand...
Black muffler mod. Black grill paint, or engine block paint. There's theads and pics on here.
 
#17 ·
justjeepn said:
Hey brndnlee, is your gas tank black ?? On all the other Patriots I see the gas tank is so bright .... especially on the green one i am getting. Has anyone one else done anything to not make the gas tank so "in your face" ??
Click to expand...
justjeepn, while it may look like a gas tank, that is the factory muffler. just as rwrusso mentioned... we call it the black muffler mod.

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2694
btw, if you do this... leave the heat shield untouched mmmmkay? :p
 
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Discussion starter · #19 ·
Just to let everyone know .... I am going to the dealership tomorrow to see if there are any pats around that match what I want , or I guess order one. I've decided to go with FD I , North Plus ... with some added options. Thanks again for all the advice and info.
 
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justjeepn
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