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Patriot has arrived Downunder !

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bjflick

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
After months of waiting I received a call from Jeep dealer this afternoon advising they received the first 3 Patriots in Sydney, Australia. Availability is not until later in month - I think.

Have organised for a test drive tomorrow afternoon so will have more details on model options, pricing and delivery to post. Looks like we get the European Sport and Limited 4x4 models without the Trail Rated model. A little disappointed at this but if that is the only choice. Pretty much decided on the 4x4 Limited, CVT - Steel Blue Metallic.

Hopefully it drives great and I can place an order. Be nice to be driving one of the first available down here.

I would like to thank this great community for providing details, comments and insight into the Patriot. It has certainly helped me learn alot about this vehicle before even seeing one ! Well done guys.

BJF
 
#2 ·
Sounds great! You should really love it, just let it get broken in before judging the gas mileage, it will get better after some mileage gets put on it. Let us know how you like it!
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
johnda,

Thanks for comments. A question - I had considered the Subaru Outback & noticed you are upgrading from a Subaru to a Patriot. To me the Patriot is that bit larger and more solid, plus has the Jeep history. I would be interested in your desision on why not going Suburu again ? Thanks.
 
#4 ·
Hi bjflick. My Subaru Outback is a 97 with 75,000 miles on it. Never had a problem and the car is in excellent condition, in fact I'm giving it to my son-in-law when I get the Patriot. The Sub has been an absolute tank! solid as a rock. Why the change? Well, in 2000 I retired and moved away from the dealer where I bought the car (Northcoast Subaru, Glen Cove, NY) They were/are an excellent dealership. I bought my daughter's Outback from them and we have been dealing with them for many years. Unfortunately, where I moved to, the Subaru dealer (Subaru,porsche,VW) dealer has a terrible reputation and the two times I had it serviced there I was NOT happy with the service. The Jeep dealership, on the other hand has an excellent reputation and folks around here really rave about the service. So I'm buying the Jeep. I LIKE the Patriot and hope it's as solid as the Subaru was for me, but it's the dealership that made the sale!
 
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
johnda - thank you for your thoughtful comments. Much appreciated and confirms my decision to buy from the Jeep dealership here. They have been very helpful so far even though they admit only having the Patriot on the lot for only a day they are still learning about it.

I test drove the Patriot for the first time this afternoon and was VERY impressed. Actually more than I thought I would be. Initially the Patriot seemed a little smaller (not as tall) than I thought it would be from just seeing the photos. Not really a problem.

The Patriot felt very solid and responsive on the road. My main concern was with the CVT after reading a number of somewhat negative reviews from the US and some Australian motoring journalists - but the CVT was very good & nothing like the negative comments I have read. It did (or will) take a little getting used to compared to a standard manual and the Auto Stick option seemed it will be very useful. Have decided to move away from 5 speed manual - traffic is getting too bad here.

I am seeing the dealer again tomorrow to see what they will come up with on a trade-in price on my Honda CRV and decide on any other options to add to the Limited 4x4 and hence the final price. In Australian dollars they are quoting $40,685 including delivery, our state taxes, compulsory injury insurance & registration (the taxes & rego etc total about $2200 here) This makes the Patriot Limited about US$31,000 give or take based on the current exchange rate. More than the US price as we also have import duties. Still very good value for what is included in the Patriot. The dealer can't give any firm delivery timeframe yet as Australian Chrysler Jeep have not told them.

Hopefully after the discussion tomorrow I will have a firm change over price and idea of delivery time - then I can place the order. Really looking forward to driving this new Jeep around. It is quite different comapared to what is offered in this class here. Jeeppatriot.com and the people on here have been a great help in educating on this great little SUV - thank you.
 
#7 ·
Hi Bjflick,

My dealer only has one Patriot on the lot at the present time, a loaded 2007 Limited with FDI. The price is $24,500, so I guess there's about 6,500 US dollars extra import cost to you folks. I would have gone for that car, except it's white and my wife really wants me to get red, which I also like, so I'll be ordering mine.

I'm looking to have my 08 ordered by the end of next week. The ONLY glitch here is we are closing on a property deal on Tuesday, the buyer is a Hedge Fund manager and is rich. I hope he's STILL rich by Tuesday!:icon_rolleyes:

I'm sure you will really love the Patriot, I have been very impressed with it and the overall package it gives you, a true multipurpose trail buddy and family car. Let us know what you get, mate. G'day!
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Yes, 2.0L CRD is an available option - not sure when actually available. There are no demonstration cars yet. Details are still very light on here. Dealer said this is a A$4000 additional cost. Had considered the CRD but with the extra $$ and uncertainty of delivery will probably go with 2.4l petrol engine. Will ask dealer tomorrow and post when there are more details.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
G'day johnda,
Good luck with the property settlement next week. The Hedge Fund mananger has probably seen better weeks. I work in finance / investment down here and the last week or so has been.... interesting. Most clients are not panicking yet though.

Sounds like we will be ordering our Patriots at about the same time. I am sure we will love this car. Let me know how it goes. Cheers, mate.
 
#10 ·
I'll let you know, for sure! I plan to order mine on Wednesday or Thursday, God willing.

Cheers, mate!
 
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Discussion starter · #11 ·
Johnda, I went ahead and ordered the Patriot yesterday. The dealer was very good and really came to the party with a good price for trade in and Patriot. After the 2nd test drive the Patriot just got better & better to drive. Delivery will be by end of the month the dealer assures me. Will post details in new thread & also a couple of questions for the group.

Good luck withyour order next week & thanks for your help, mate.
 
#12 ·
just wondering, is the Patriot called Patriot in Australia, I was there 3 years ago, and noticed that what is called the Liberty here in the states, was called Cherokee downunder.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Jeffrow75, yes Jeep is marketing it as the Patriot down here. All other Jeep models except the Liberty are the same name as the US. Think the problem with the Liberty name was that Suburu sell a sedan down here called the Liberty (and had the name first), hence Jeep left the Cherokee name for downunder. Actually not sure which name I prefer -I like the Liberty name, but Cherokee is classic Jeep which I guess is why they use it here.
 
#14 ·
DarbyWalters said:
Are they going to bring the "CRD" version downunder? I would definitely find out first!
Click to expand...
The Diesel in Australia only comes in a 6 Speed Manual. I test drove it and didn't like it much. If it was an auto like the Diesel Dodge Nitro then I probably would have gone for it purely for fuel consumption.

I have ordered the 2.4L Petrol with CVT and the autostick is standard here is Aus already. Interesting to note that the Build date on my Patriot is May 2007 which places it technically as a 2007 US model. But I thought the 2007 US model didn't come with Autostick yet??

Anyone else in Australia that has a Patriot yet? Whats your build dates? I wonder if the ones built after July 2007 will be better as its an 2008 US model?

Mossy
 
#15 ·
Hi Mossy.

BJFLICK just got his Patriot. He's going to be getting up some pictures for us. Your model, if it has autostick, has to be a 2008 model. I've never heard of a 2007 model with it, but I'm in the states so perhaps it could be different down under. Happy trails to you, Mate!
 
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Discussion starter · #16 · (Edited)
John & Mossey,

The Patriot I picked up is a 2007 model - manufactured April 27. I think the European models had the Auto Stick in the 07 models, which is what Jeep sent down to Australia. The Auto Stick started in the US with the 2008 model from what I can gather.

Mossy, be interested to compare notes when your Patriot arrives. You mentioned Monday ?

I will get those photos up ASAP. Did not get a chance today.
Brad
 
#17 ·
bjflick said:
John & Mossey,

The Patriot I picked up is a 2007 model - manufactured April 27. I think the European models had the Auto Stick in the 07 models, which is what Jeep sent down to Australia. The Auto Stick started in the US with the 2008 model from what I can gather.

Mossy, be interested to compare notes when your Patriot arrives. Has the dealer given you a delivery date yet ?

I will get those photos up ASAP. Did not get a chance today.
Brad
Click to expand...
Interesting yours is April. As I said mine is May and I thought that seemed a little old! I don't really understand how what the compliance date means as that is August 2007. Does that mean it landed in Australia and was labelled in August?

I get it tomorrow or possible Tuesday. Will let you know. Would be good to see some of your photos. I'll post some too when I get it.

Shame about the sound system not having the AUX jack is Australia hey?! Would have been handy to hook up the Laptop for sound when watching a DVD or even an MP3 player.

I wanted the Boston Acoustics speakers with the tailgate speakers but the dealer could only find 2 in Australia and I didn't want the colour choices. Plus they did a much better deal for the one in the showroom and it was our colour choice!

Have you come across any downfalls or problems yet?

Did you get an extended warranty or did they offer you any protection packages? If so, how much??

Mossy
 
Discussion starter · #18 · (Edited)
Mossey,

You are right, I don't understand the compliance date but that is shown as August (guess when it gets passed for Australian laws / standards) and build date shown on sticker on left side door says 2007 April 27, Shift hour 1. This is probably right as by the time they ship to Australia and go through our docks would explain time frame.

I wish they had the AUX jack audio system here. The dealer said that an external AUX input can be added to the 6 stacker CD / Radio - designed for Chrysler head units so I decided to get this done. Did not like the A$465 cost but I use my MP3 player in the car alot and knew this would bug me if I did not add it. The Input choices now show a DVD option on the sound system - the external AUX uses 1 of these 2 channels. The Boston Acoustics speakers & tailgate option would have been great but I had the same problem of not being available in the colour choice. The 6 stacker CD audio system sounds very good, the 4 speakers in the doors are quite large and put out plenty of sound.

Have not found any problems yet. Just getting used to the CVT as it is different to a regular automatic. From what reviewers said about it I was a bit concerned but it powers the car great. If you floor the accelerator hard the engine does rev pretty high but but car definitely has good acceleration.

In regards to the extended warranty or protection packages I decided no. Purchased the warranty on my previous 2 Hondas and never used it. Hope any problems surface before 3 years ! The protection package for paint work was offered at $600 or $800 for the "premium" one. There was also an interior leather / plastic package offered for $400 I think. Have never purchased these in the past as I look after my cars pretty well and keep them polished and clean. Asked on a post here and the consensus from most was they did not take them. The finish and paint work quality on the Patriot seems very good without the extra protection.

You will have a great day tomorrow collecting your Patriot. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Brad
 
#19 ·
You're right, Brad.

In the US only the 08 models have the autostick. I'm hoping for mine to get here by the end of next week. So far we're doing OK using only one car (my son-in-law now has my 97 Outback). I saw some pictures of an 08 that show some new trim items that come on the 08, so I'll be sure to take pictures that will show them for the folks on the forum. I'm really glad your Patriot is turning out to be a winner!:smiley_thumbs_up:
 
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mossy
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