Hi all, I got a 2016 Patriot Sport 4WD with 2.4L/Manual back in December with 76K, and only one owner. No accidents, no salvage, no floods, carfax looked clean.
I was a bit hesitant on it since I saw on some YouTube videos that Patriots are not quite reliable but figured out I'd give it a try since CVTs seem to catch all the flak. Plus, it passed VA safety inspection, so I figured everything was OK. I'm also somewhat mechanically apt so I thought this could be a fun vehicle to teach myself some maintenance techniques. The only thing I complained to the dealership about was the fact that the front tires were cupped and rumble quite a bit while on the road, and it also seems my tires are quite noisy themselves (Sumitomo Ice Edge).
One day in mid-January I noticed some engine power loss while trying to climb the curb from the street into the driveway - it just wouldn't do it. Plus I saw some smoke coming out of the tailpipe and a burnt plastic smell. I let it rest for a bit and tried to go up the driveway again, which did normally, but the burnt plastic smell persisted for 2 or 3 more days.
I got one of those testers used to detect exhaust gases in the coolant (to check for blown head gasket) and it came out negative. I drove the Pat for another week and it didn't really give me any problems, other than the fact that I felt I should treat it with care. Gas mileage wasn't very good though.
I checked the condition of the oil and it was pretty dirty, so I thought an oil change was in order since I don't think they did one at the dealership prior to me taking ownership. I bought a jug of Mobil 1, corresponding oil filter and also bought new spark plugs (platinum NGKs) and got to work. Performance was improved significantly, gas mileage improved as well and I was one happy camper due to the fact that it was an easy operatoin. I'm getting between 18-20 mpg city and 20-24 mpg highway.
One week later, I started getting the ABS/4WD!/ESC combo, so I took it to AutoZone (my scanner can't do ABS) and they told me it was the FR wheel speed sensor. I bought it and waited until the weekend to perform that one. It's a huge pain to work on that side due to how cramped it all is, but I performed the sensor change successfully.
And a week after the sensor change, I started feeling the clutch a bit weird and some funny engagement on 1st gear. Could be the throw bearing or a matter of adjusting the clutch/cables. Clutch engages correctly and drives quite well on the other gears. I also went back to AutoZone for a new engine air filter and changed it myself. Easy does it.
So now, I'm saving up some money for some other things I'd like to do to my Pat:
Cheers!
I was a bit hesitant on it since I saw on some YouTube videos that Patriots are not quite reliable but figured out I'd give it a try since CVTs seem to catch all the flak. Plus, it passed VA safety inspection, so I figured everything was OK. I'm also somewhat mechanically apt so I thought this could be a fun vehicle to teach myself some maintenance techniques. The only thing I complained to the dealership about was the fact that the front tires were cupped and rumble quite a bit while on the road, and it also seems my tires are quite noisy themselves (Sumitomo Ice Edge).
One day in mid-January I noticed some engine power loss while trying to climb the curb from the street into the driveway - it just wouldn't do it. Plus I saw some smoke coming out of the tailpipe and a burnt plastic smell. I let it rest for a bit and tried to go up the driveway again, which did normally, but the burnt plastic smell persisted for 2 or 3 more days.
I got one of those testers used to detect exhaust gases in the coolant (to check for blown head gasket) and it came out negative. I drove the Pat for another week and it didn't really give me any problems, other than the fact that I felt I should treat it with care. Gas mileage wasn't very good though.
I checked the condition of the oil and it was pretty dirty, so I thought an oil change was in order since I don't think they did one at the dealership prior to me taking ownership. I bought a jug of Mobil 1, corresponding oil filter and also bought new spark plugs (platinum NGKs) and got to work. Performance was improved significantly, gas mileage improved as well and I was one happy camper due to the fact that it was an easy operatoin. I'm getting between 18-20 mpg city and 20-24 mpg highway.
One week later, I started getting the ABS/4WD!/ESC combo, so I took it to AutoZone (my scanner can't do ABS) and they told me it was the FR wheel speed sensor. I bought it and waited until the weekend to perform that one. It's a huge pain to work on that side due to how cramped it all is, but I performed the sensor change successfully.
And a week after the sensor change, I started feeling the clutch a bit weird and some funny engagement on 1st gear. Could be the throw bearing or a matter of adjusting the clutch/cables. Clutch engages correctly and drives quite well on the other gears. I also went back to AutoZone for a new engine air filter and changed it myself. Easy does it.
So now, I'm saving up some money for some other things I'd like to do to my Pat:
- Have that clutch/funny engagement issue checked and repaired. I don't think it's critical but I'd like to have this checked as soon as possible.
- Change those tires and get an alignment (I don't feel it's misaligned, but I'm wary of this given that the tires are cupped). I'm also thinking about changing to all-season car tires since I don't go off-road, but I do drive on the highway quite a bit and enjoy a quiet ride.
- Add one of those aftermarket head units with Android Auto.
- Change rotors and brake pads. Still have some life left, but I'd like to be on the safe side.
- Add seat covers, having heard that seat material quality is not so good.
Cheers!
