Getting from Point A

Jeepster · May 6, 2010

I have just begun my search for my next vehicle--hopefully a Jeep Patriot. I like the look, gas mileage, and safety features/ratings. I will be pricing an automatic, FWD with the sunroof.

As I prepare for my first test drive, I am also wondering about best time of year to buy. I'm not in a hurry and I am thinking that near the end of the year there would be good incentives to clear out 2010 models.

Questions:
> Are any changes anticipated in the Patriot for 2011 that would make it worthwhile to wait for that model year vs the 2010?

> Are current Patriot owners realizing the gas mileage reported online (21/city; 25/highway)?

> For the Chicago area, any suggestions for the dealer you'd recommend for best pricing?

All current owners: Any other things I should know as I head toward Point B?Thanks!

drfranky · May 6, 2010

Based on your criteria (fuel economy, safety, rating, FWD, auto), there are better alternative than a Jeep, but that's my personal opinion.

As for the 2011, don't expect big changes since the model is going away in 2012.

Ignatz · May 6, 2010

Your vehicle seems a lot like mine, except I don't have the sunroof. :smiley_thumbs_up: I absolutely love mine!

To answer your questions, the Patriot is scheduled to end production after 2011, so I doubt there are many changes in the offing. You can read Jeep news at Allpar.com and find out about all things Chrysler. Historically, I've usually waited till the new models are out and then shopped for a deal on a leftover. Often there are unpublicized rebates or dealer deals, just to get the old ones off the lot. The downside is that you lose a year of depreciation, but since I keep mine till they're pretty tired, the trade-in value is a useless figure to me.

With FWD you should be able to demolish the advertised MPG figures. There are several MPG threads, but if you drive easy and mostly highway, you should get over 30MPG. I average about 29 summer, 28 winter. Under no conditions have I ever had a tankful under 26MPG and the one time it was that low Ignatz was fully loaded (wife, me & stuff for our camp) and had the canoe on the roof (see avatar).

A word of advice. I've never had the problem with leaking, but it seems to be a problem for many -- there are several threads about it. I'd be sure your Patriot has been parked outside and its raining the day you test drive it. Not a problem for me and I've been in plenty of rain/snow etc, but some have an issue, so be sure.

You'll love it. After 2 years, I find its still growing on me

jepstr67 · May 6, 2010

You will get the best deal on a new one that has been on the lot after next years model comes out. For example there may be some 2010's around in February of 2011. They will likely have a couple hundred miles on them from test driving. It sounds like you are after one that has the options the way they like to build them and put them on dealer lots. I wanted some odd options, or lack there of, so I had to order mine. You should have good luck finding one like you want especially if you are willing to take several different colors.

If you keep your RPMs at or under 2000 when you accelerate, it will be easy to exceed the 25 MPG rating with an FD1 automatic. There is a learning curve with the CVT transmission. Once you master it you will like it.

JodyV · May 14, 2010

servicing

The one thing that suprised me was the service intervals, very close together, with oil changes like the stuff's going out of fashion.

I really should have looked into this aspect a bit deeper before taking the plunge (glad I did though, still in my honeymoon period mind you) :smiley_thumbs_up:

dixiedawg · May 14, 2010

Heck I have the 4wd FD2 and average 25MPG in the summer.

End of month, end of quarter, typically good times to buy. The dealer has to pay the factory each month they have the car on the lot. And has been said, once the new models hit the lot the previous year's models can be better buys, as long as you plan to hold on to it for a long time.

Watch the incentives from Jeep/Chrysler, cash rebates and lower interest rates can help in the timing to get a good deal.

Tell the dealer what you want to pay, and let them work towards that. Don;t settle for less than you want, in the vehicle and the price. If they want to sell, they will get there.

todde702 · May 14, 2010

I would add, since you're in Chicago, get the 4x4 to handle the winters. You may not need it often, but when you do you'll be so glad you have it. These things really are little tanks through the wet stuff. The price difference and the fuel mileage difference is going to be very small between the two.

I have the 26E 4x4 Sport and average 22mpg city driving easy (and I don't drive like a grandma to do it).

dixiedawg · May 17, 2010

4x4 usually holds it's value too, good advice Todde.

Getting from Point A

Jeepster

drfranky

Ignatz

jepstr67

JodyV

dixiedawg

todde702

dixiedawg

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