I am shopping for a 4WD manual transmission Jeep for Minnesota winter driving. I have found one for sale locally that has a 2.4 L engine and 5 speed transmission, with 115,000 miles on the clock. It looks clean and straight and has aluminum alloy wheels. It looks pretty basic, including cloth seats. The price is $5200.
When I go to look at it, what should I be checking for, and what should I be asking?
Thanks.
The typical Patriot weak points are ball joints and leaky sunroofs.
You didn't say what year this Patriot is, but some (not
all but
some) of the early years have come down with rusty subframes for which FCA has extended the warranty to 10 years. (I don't know if that extension applies to a second owner). Dealer just checked the sub-frame on my 2008 and it is fine.
To check the front end, look at the tire wear. If the edges are cupped its a sign of worn ball joints. If you're looking at cupped tires then it could be a good way to negotiate the price down a little. If its coming with new rubber, that might be the seller's way of covering the problem -- but what the heck? You're getting good tires! The value should cover the cost of the ball joints.
As for the leaky sunroof, look for stains in the headlining or condensation in the dome lights. If you don't have a sunroof then you don't need to worry much about leaks.
You'll have to get under it and check the sub-frame yourself or have a trusted mechanic check it for you.
I've had none of those problems. No leaks; front end has been durable; and my sub-frame is rock solid after 8 NH winters. My 2.4 uses about a quart of oil between changes, and the original shocks are starting to show symptoms but passed inspection last week at 250,000 miles. Very few other repairs other than scheduled maintenance. We like my Patriot so much my Wife got one too, so we're a two Patriot family.
Remember, you're buying something with 115,000 miles on it. Likely the previous owner is getting rid of it for a reason, but hey, he's not asking the price of a new one, either. So expect a repair or two early on, then you should be set for awhile.
