I am a very happy UK Patriot owner. 2.2L diesel engine, 4WD FDI. 10 years old and 113,000 miles on the clock.
Two previous owners before 60K when I bought it.
In my 50K of driving this car, I've had few problems, although one relatively costly and surprising one - the starter motor went at 85K. Luckily it went at my work yard when I was in no rush at the time. Thank God it wasn't in the wilderness of the Scottish highlands where I have taken my Patriot twice in 3 years!
Only other main problem was an ABS wheel speed sensor went just after I bought the car, which shocked me as the car lurched at a low speed while about to stop at traffic lights. Sensor replaced under warranty and nothing like this since.
Other small issues:
1. Tracking - for the first year or so I was convinced the Patriot had a tracking problem I could not solve. Had multiple garages look at it, track it, diagnose it etc, car still generally pulls left, but I am so used to it now it really is no problem. And tyres seem to wear fairly typically.
2. Clutch squawk - clutch has been "squawking" since about 70K with progressive frequency when pulling away when stopped and at "bite point" in first gear. Happens more so facing uphill when more bite is needed. Whether my clutch will go soon remains to be seen.
3. Possible slow water pump leak - coolant seemed to be draining faster than usual two years ago during a hot summer. Discovered wrong coolant for vehicle was likely in the coolant reservoir though mechanics said this typically shouldn't be an issue. Regardless - coolant extracted, bled, and new correct coolant topped up. Very slow decrease in the last year or two, doesn't worry me. Though I have coolant on hand to be safe.
Other than that, replaced brake pads/discs the other year as routine maintenance. Have new AT tyres on car but tyres don't wear quickly.
Patriot smells a tad increasingly oily these days and have seen a few leaks here and there, but keeps driving.
Engine has been retuned professionally to increase HP from 160 to 200. Great acceleration.
Other than the above ongoing niggles, generally reliable, fun to drive, economical, practical, fairly good off-road in light-moderate mud and great in snow with the right tyres. Have taken on off-road circuits with defenders, wranglers, XJs and more, a number of times, and never got stuck. Wounded a touch each time but never stuck and always lives to fight another day. Hope it lasts me to 200K!
