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tydingo

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm interested in the Jeep Patriot and I was wondering if anybody here would be able to give me advice on if it would be a good vehicle choice for me and my SO.

We live in a rural area and he has an hour long commute to work on a poorly maintained highway that has lots of cracks, bumps, and potholes, and often even has debris that has fallen off the back of trucks.

I get motion sickness very easily, so when I am riding with him the bumps really get to me, and this road has really beaten up the car we currently have, and lead to costly repairs.

It's come time for us to find a new vehicle, so for all those reasons, the ground clearance, suspension, and ruggedness of a Jeep seem appealing to me.

We're not looking to go off-road or make any modifications, we don't need a lot of power. We just want something that will be reliable, durable, and comfortable in our situation. Well... I also honestly really love the retro look of it, but practicality is much more important for us. We're a young couple and we don't have a lot of money.

Would the Patriot be suitable for us? Are there any other vehicles, either from Jeep or other makes, that have a similar height and suspension that are as affordable as a Patriot?
 
#2 ·
Welcome! There are few vehicles as cost effective as a Patriot. My Wife and I have had two Patriots with a total of 400,000 miles on them. The Patriot's strong points are what you're looking for. My Wife commutes on a stretch of paved road that's really rough for maybe 25 miles. Our old Saturn Ion simply couldn't handle it. No way it would even approach the speed limit. Frost heaves and pot holes were just too much. The Patriots handle that road just fine. (Thankfully the DOT got around to resurfacing it this year). Both our Patriots are FWD that get about 30MPG. Wife's is a 2.0 5-spd and does consistently over 30MPG, mine was the 2.4 CVT and got about 2MPG less. Both have been reliable vehicles. Even with FWD they are great in the snow and we get plenty here.

Problems:
1) Some Patriots (not mine) have had ball-joint problems. I'd think mine would have considering the roads I travel, but so far so good.
2) Early years of the Patriots were known for leaky sunroofs. There are several threads on here about that. I didn't have a sunroof. :)
3) My CVT failed twice. Once at 110,000, the second time at 270,000 miles. Both were covered under warranty. I suggest if you get the CVT that you ignore the owners manual and change the fluid every 50,000 miles. You'll be glad you did.
4) Rust. Most Patriots are rock solid but some have had rusty subframes. Get under there and look before you buy, or better yet have a trusted mechanic check for you. FCA extended the warranty to 10 years but only for the original owner! You won't be covered.

Would I buy another? Absolutely. In fact we did. We liked the 2008 so much we bought a 2014. If they were still making them I'd have bought another, but alas, I had to get a Jeep Compass instead. At 300,000 miles I had doubts about its reliability, but in all honesty it never let me down in the 10 years I owned it.
 
#3 ·
I used to own a 2007 Toyota Yaris, compared to that the Patriot handles the bumps much better in terms of comfort. I also feel like no matter what bump I encounter, the Patriot is going to drive away unscathed. That being said the Jeep Patriot doesn't ride like a luxury vehicle, in terms of durability over potholes it's a safe bet, in terms of ride comfort I find the suspension to be a little stiff, but that's just my opinion. It will be noticeably different over a car, but in the small SUV class the Jeep Patriot was built leaning more towards durability vs ride comfort. Even though I would choose the Patriot time and again because it's a great vehicle built to suit a lot of needs, and the ride comfort is in no way bad. It's just if you have a medical condition like car sickness you might want to test drive the Patriot alongside a Honda CRV or maybe a Subaru Forester or even a Toyota Rav 4 depending on your budget. I've never rode in them but from my research they seem more comfort orientated. That being said I think the Patriot is the best bang for your buck, will feel a lot better over bumps than a car, but it might be wise to test drive it and then try a few of the other options I mentioned to see what suits you best. It's not fun to get car sick and it would be a shame if you purchased a vehicle that didn't help mitigate that. Best of luck!
 
#4 ·
I just got a 2015 sport 5-speed about a month ago. My previous vehicle was a 2005 CR-V automatic.

I really like the stiff ride. It's fun to drive and surprisingly solid.

The gas mileage is better than the CR-V (likely because of the manual trans).
 
#5 ·
If you can stand the looks, maybe consider a Kia Soul? My adult son has one. It is affordable and it is noticeably better in build quality and has a stellar reliability record. It has a slightly softer suspension for decent ride quality in this size class. A larger sedan or light duty pickup truck is (almost) always going to handle bad roads more comfortably.

My Patriot is going on 6 years old, 80,000 miles, and has been relatively trouble free. I enjoy it as a farm vehicle. The engine is pretty bullet proof as is the newer 6 speed transmission. I would not describe it as especially rugged. The suspension parts look rather small compared to a sedan or pick up truck. It is built on the Caliber platform, after all. It is affordable because it is built as an entry level vehicle regarding trim and amenities. Don't buy one if you cannot accept that.

Go for a good long test drive to see if it meets your comfort demands. Good luck!!
 
#6 ·
tydingo said:
We live in a rural area and he has an hour long commute to work on a poorly maintained highway that has lots of cracks, bumps, and potholes, and often even has debris that has fallen off the back of trucks.

I get motion sickness very easily, so when I am riding with him the bumps really get to me, and this road has really beaten up the car we currently have, and lead to costly repairs.

We're not looking to go off-road or make any modifications, we don't need a lot of power. We just want something that will be reliable, durable, and comfortable in our situation. Well... I also honestly really love the retro look of it, but practicality is much more important for us. We're a young couple and we don't have a lot of money.
Click to expand...
I would say NO, make sure you search here for the most issues experienced with members. I live in the city which I have access to a mechanic in case anything goes wrong or the dealer (last resort) I got my Patriot at 30k, and there was some things I had to change out CVT fluid (whining) , plugs, etc Some regular and some preventative. It sounds like you would subjecting the Patriot to some roads that will take its toll on it. You have to remember the Patriot is a lower end vehicle and the suspension amongst other things will cost money if you have to get it repaired. I am chasing sounds when I make left and right hand turns that I cant seem to find the cause of, and I was just under the vehicle. I also think I have dreaded CVT whine again....Just make sure you research the Patriot and especially years as some are have the sub-frame falling apart due to rust and Chrysler is aware of this issue...
 
#7 ·
tydingo said:
I'm interested in the Jeep Patriot and I was wondering if anybody here would be able to give me advice on if it would be a good vehicle choice for me and my SO.

We live in a rural area and he has an hour long commute to work on a poorly maintained highway that has lots of cracks, bumps, and potholes, and often even has debris that has fallen off the back of trucks.

I get motion sickness very easily, so when I am riding with him the bumps really get to me, and this road has really beaten up the car we currently have, and lead to costly repairs.

It's come time for us to find a new vehicle, so for all those reasons, the ground clearance, suspension, and ruggedness of a Jeep seem appealing to me.

We're not looking to go off-road or make any modifications, we don't need a lot of power. We just want something that will be reliable, durable, and comfortable in our situation. Well... I also honestly really love the retro look of it, but practicality is much more important for us. We're a young couple and we don't have a lot of money.

Would the Patriot be suitable for us? Are there any other vehicles, either from Jeep or other makes, that have a similar height and suspension that are as affordable as a Patriot?
Click to expand...
I say yes. As long as you drive safely is what matters. Those potholes, roadrail bumps and such , make sure you go slower over them. Im a delivery driver and put on maybe 500 miles a week and have been doing this over a year, no issues. Of course youve got to keep it maintaince. CVt fluid/filter change is important and more like at 60 k and not waiting to 120 k miles.
 
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#8 ·
My 2014 Altitude is not a smooth ride and the OEM tires did not help as being noisy and too thin (being replaced this week). Very touchy braking/steering and the suspension is rough with the cabin being pretty noisy from the outside. I don't mind it as I like to feel the road (including most every crack, bump, and pothole) so do not expect to get the smooth quiet ride of a Mercedes!

There was a reason I bought this low end budget friendly grocery getter for the wife :D
 
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#9 ·
Wow, lots of hate here. But these are facts that you will need to decide on. My '15 Pat and my previous '13 Pat were stiff, bucked and not the greatest on gas. But you know what, I knew all that going in because that is what a Jeep is all about. ??
 
#10 ·
One comment on the rough roads. While Ive subjected our Patriots to some rough roads I've had no premature front-end problems. If you should, the wisdom on here is to get some good aftermarket parts and not the OEMs.
 
#11 ·
Reality is not hate :)
My Patriot however gets great gas mileage in the 33MPG range on road trips.
 
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#12 · (Edited)
croat said:
Reality is not hate :)
My Patriot however gets great gas mileage in the 33MPG range on road trips.
Click to expand...
Agreed! If anything, our biased attraction to our Pats results in us holding back a bit and carefully choosing our words. Most other sites pummel Chrysler/FCA and judge the Patriot on its early woes before the 2011+ refresh and improvements. I quietly smirk as I enjoy my Patriot and unspent $$$ accumulate wealth in my 401K (always followed by the required "knock on wood", LOL).

On the other hand, blind Toyota/Honda loyalists are reluctant to admit truth about their beloved vehicles. A VERY expensive recall was just announced for Subaru - Toyota to remedy breaking engine valve springs: https://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2018/11/toyota_subaru_recall_more_than.html OUCH!
 
#13 · (Edited)
Treegrower said:
Agreed! If anything, our biased attraction to our Pats results in us holding back a bit and carefully choosing our words. Most other sites pummel Chrysler/FCA and judge the Patriot on its early woes before the 2011+ refresh and improvements. I quietly smirk as I enjoy my Patriot and unspent $$$ accumulate wealth in my 401K (always followed by the required "knock on wood", LOL).

On the other hand, blind Toyota/Honda loyalists are reluctant to admit truth about their beloved vehicles. A VERY expensive recall was just announced for Subaru - Toyota to remedy breaking engine valve springs: https://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2018/11/toyota_subaru_recall_more_than.html OUCH!
Click to expand...
How blind are they? At least they issued a recall? At least that recall will fix the issue, while Chrysler/FCA know about the subframe and CVT issues and just the let the consumer, eat the cost. Please do explain the 2011+ refresh and improvements? CVT issues still happening, I do expect the subframe issue to effect some as the material and metals used are still poor, the platform is a carry over from the pre 2011 models and the only things changed are the bumpers and some other interior changes....I think thats the problem that a biased opinion of a company that isn't fixing issues is ok, when its not. If I am going to throw away money Id rather throw it in a Euro SUV which will hold value
 
#14 · (Edited)
I see someone is upset at FCA over the CVT/Subframe issues (I've not experienced either).

Also my luxury German SUV is holding is value great ..... about $3,000 as of today while my Patriot is still valued at almost the same exact price of what I paid 4 years ago new! lol :D

Haa - edit, just looked at CL and found 2 near similar cars like mine, sight differences but very close as well as my price estimate from KBB. Got my Patriot in 2014 for $14,000 exact.

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/d/mercedes-benz-ml320/6731806611.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/d/2014-jeep-patriot/6714210280.html
 
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#15 · (Edited)
@ AZJeepGuy ^^^^ Please open my links that support my facts.


I am commenting on other brand loyalists/consumers, not on the manufacturers themselves. But I will reply to some of your comments.

Improvements to the Patriot platform actually began the year after Chrysler was acquired by Fiat. My source is a professional mechanic friend that works at a Jeep dealer and attends annual manufacturer training at various locations across the country. He commented that he noticed a huge improvement in general quality control post Fiat takeover. The very first changes were to the GEMA engine when Chrylser bought out the manufacturing rights from Hyundai/Mitsubishi in 2009 (https://www.revolvy.com/page/Global-Engine-Alliance). I don't remember the exact details, but he told me that FCA made needed improvements to various systems (block, head) that couldn't be done during the GEMA world engine alliance days. The 2011 refresh went beyond cosmetics. Suspension changes are noted by looking at new part numbers pre vs. post 2011 (i.e. check out the strut assemblies). In 2014 the Hyundai 6F24 automatic transmission was added to the platform. I postponed my Patriot purchase for the new transmission and would have not bought one with the JATCO unit.

I cannot agree more with you that the JATCO CVT debacle of Nissan and Jeep is unforgiveable: https://www.google.com/search?clien...0.131.1175.9j4......0....1..gws-wiz.......0j0i71j0i67j33i160j33i299.a4xkQMj3-vQ

The subframe issue? I agree that Jeep and MANY other mfg. (Toyota, GM,...) need to own up to these problems: https://www.google.com/search?clien...0790.11404..11866...0.0..0.92.258.3......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71.0YCASzYhezY
A Ford example: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/04/07/ford-recall-fusion-escape/7427299/


"a biased opinion of a company that isn't fixing issues" - On this comment I need to call you out for apparently having your head in the sand (no insult intended). If you spend some time on other forums of vehicles experiencing serious recalls, you will note that ALL of the companies do not easily roll over to expose their soft underbellies when a vehicle defect is brought up.

The examples are too numerous to list, but here are just a few:

- Subaru fiercely fought the accusations that their new 2011 engine was an oil burner. They initially blamed consumers. https://jalopnik.com/subaru-settles-lawsuit-over-oil-burning-cars-1752805682
- Toyota's defense goes way back to sludged engines of the 1990's and continues. https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/toyo.../Blotter/toyota-pay-12b-hiding-deadly-unintended-acceleration/story?id=22972214
- Do you forget how GM fought the ignition switch accusations?
- Honda's serious engine VCM problem denial: https://www.google.com/search?q=Honda+denies+vcm+problem&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1
- Euro reliability???? You are not aware of Volkswagon's denial of tampering with diesel engine regulations: https://www.bostonglobe.com/busines...lkswagen-denied-deception-epa-for-nearly-year/PvO8P2rQnPDdeFkBxBgI0J/story.html
- BMW ...https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/bmw-headquarters-raided-over-alleged-diesel-emissions-cheating/ This one is still in the early allegation stage...

That Jeep/FCA does the same thing as all other companies does not mean I condone it. I agree with you that ALL companies need to take responsibility of their mistakes. I disagree with your comments that imply that FCA is worse than others.
 
#16 ·
croat said:
I see someone is upset at FCA over the CVT/Subframe issues (I've not experienced either).

Also my luxury German SUV is holding is value great ..... about $3,000 as of today while my Patriot is still valued at almost the same exact price of what I paid 4 years ago new! lol :D

Haa - edit, just looked at CL and found 2 near similar cars like mine, sight differences but very close as well as my price estimate from KBB. Got my Patriot in 2014 for $14,000 exact.

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/d/mercedes-benz-ml320/6731806611.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/d/2014-jeep-patriot/6714210280.html
Click to expand...
You're comparing a 2001 Benz to a 2014? Wow your logic is all there, I guess you expect $14k for a 2001 Benz? CVT issues are known fact, no wonder FCA offered a lifetime warranty on the self grinding trans....The members that took up that special, I would say they are lucky
 
#17 · (Edited)
Treegrower said:
@ AZJeepGuy ^^^^ Please open my links that support my facts.


I am commenting on other brand loyalists/consumers, not on the manufacturers themselves. But I will reply to some of your comments.

Improvements to the Patriot platform actually began the year after Chrysler was acquired by Fiat. My source is a professional mechanic friend that works at a Jeep dealer and attends annual manufacturer training at various locations across the country. He commented that he noticed a huge improvement in general quality control post Fiat takeover. The very first changes were to the GEMA engine when Chrylser bought out the manufacturing rights from Hyundai/Mitsubishi in 2009 (https://www.revolvy.com/page/Global-Engine-Alliance). I don't remember the exact details, but he told me that FCA made needed improvements to various systems (block, head) that couldn't be done during the GEMA world engine alliance days. The 2011 refresh went beyond cosmetics. Suspension changes are noted by looking at new part numbers pre vs. post 2011 (i.e. check out the strut assemblies). In 2014 the Hyundai 6F24 automatic transmission was added to the platform. I postponed my Patriot purchase for the new transmission and would have not bought one with the JATCO unit.

I cannot agree more with you that the JATCO CVT debacle of Nissan and Jeep is unforgiveable: https://www.google.com/search?clien...0.131.1175.9j4......0....1..gws-wiz.......0j0i71j0i67j33i160j33i299.a4xkQMj3-vQ

The subframe issue? I agree that Jeep and MANY other mfg. (Toyota, GM,...) need to own up to these problems: https://www.google.com/search?clien...0790.11404..11866...0.0..0.92.258.3......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71.0YCASzYhezY
A Ford example: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/04/07/ford-recall-fusion-escape/7427299/


"a biased opinion of a company that isn't fixing issues" - On this comment I need to call you out for apparently having your head in the sand (no insult intended). If you spend some time on other forums of vehicles experiencing serious recalls, you will note that ALL of the companies do not easily roll over to expose their soft underbellies when a vehicle defect is brought up.

The examples are too numerous to list, but here are just a few:

- Subaru fiercely fought the accusations that their new 2011 engine was an oil burner. They initially blamed consumers. https://jalopnik.com/subaru-settles-lawsuit-over-oil-burning-cars-1752805682
- Toyota's defense goes way back to sludged engines of the 1990's and continues. https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/toyo.../Blotter/toyota-pay-12b-hiding-deadly-unintended-acceleration/story?id=22972214
- Do you forget how GM fought the ignition switch accusations?
- Honda's serious engine VCM problem denial: https://www.google.com/search?q=Honda+denies+vcm+problem&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1
- Euro reliability???? You are not aware of Volkswagon's denial of tampering with diesel engine regulations: https://www.bostonglobe.com/busines...lkswagen-denied-deception-epa-for-nearly-year/PvO8P2rQnPDdeFkBxBgI0J/story.html
- BMW ...https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/bmw-headquarters-raided-over-alleged-diesel-emissions-cheating/ This one is still in the early allegation stage...

That Jeep/FCA does the same thing as all other companies does not mean I condone it. I agree with you that ALL companies need to take responsibility of their mistakes. I disagree with your comments that imply that FCA is worse than others.
Click to expand...
Geez how many members have stated the pushback they have received from having the lifetime warranty and wanting repairs done ? You bring up issues that are not related to a dangerous subframe rotting or how the CVT slows down at any given speed if it overheats, which some of the members have experienced. Every manufacture is going to have some sort of defect that they will need to be recalled, the difference is knowing that there are serious issues and recalling "expensive" repairs, or sitting back and just letting the public rot...FCA is bad as Chevy...Both do a dis-service to their consumer base when items need to be repaired. The OP asked if they should buy a Patriot and they have little money, opinion stated, maybe he will take your diesel emission fraud into thoughts on other manufactures....Maybe he will check out the subframe thread that keeps growing everyday....
 
#18 ·
Why are you seemingly so argumentative and negative, been noticing that?

You were saying you would rather invest money into a European SUV - was showing you that my European luxury SUV has little value while my 2014 Jeep has the same if not more value than when I bought it - I'd rather invest money into my Jeep over my Euro SUV.

AzJeepGuy said:
You're comparing a 2001 Benz to a 2014? Wow your logic is all there, I guess you expect $14k for a 2001 Benz? CVT issues are known fact, no wonder FCA offered a lifetime warranty on the self grinding trans....The members that took up that special, I would say they are lucky
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#19 ·
croat said:
Why are you seemingly so argumentative and negative, been noticing that?

You were saying you would rather invest money into a European SUV - was showing you that my European luxury SUV has little value while my 2014 Jeep has the same if not more value than when I bought it - I'd rather invest money into my Jeep over my Euro SUV.
Click to expand...
2001 Benz $3k vs a 2014 Patriot worth $14500 on craigslist, I mean I should agree with you, right? :icon_rolleyes:
 
#20 ·
AzJeepGuy said:
croat said:
Why are you seemingly so argumentative and negative, been noticing that?

You were saying you would rather invest money into a European SUV - was showing you that my European luxury SUV has little value while my 2014 Jeep has the same if not more value than when I bought it - I'd rather invest money into my Jeep over my Euro SUV.
Click to expand...
2001 Benz $3k vs a 2014 Patriot worth $14500 on craigslist, I mean I should agree with you, right? <img src="http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Icon Rolleyes" class="inlineimg" />
Click to expand...
Patriot hands down. ?
 
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