I'm new to this sight and considering buying the new 2011 Patriot. My major concern is the water leaking issue. Do you suppose the issue has been solved for the 2011 models, or will time only tell?
Well, your less than informative answer didn't quite do it for me on the other thread. Also, I had to post as a new member. I just figured not as many members would read the "New Member" postings, so I posted a new thread in the discussions section. Thanks for your hospitality. :doh:one thread is enough
I'm sure that most Patriots don't leak. But why would anyone purchase a new car without researching possible problems? To me, a waterfall inside my vehicle is a pretty big deal. I am just researching to save myself from actually worrying every time it rains. From the sounds of it, the dealers don't really do "anything they can" to fix it. Car salesmen are like politicians. Why would I want to be at the mercy of the idiot salesman?Yes, water leaks should not happen.
There are quite a few Patriots over the years that have leaked.
There are many many many more that have never leaked.
My '08 has always been dry.
Check out the water leak poll and keep in mind that the dry vehicles more than likely are being incredibly under-reported because there is nothing to be mad about if there is no problem.
If a Patriot is the vehicle that will fit your needs then get it.
If that vehicle begins to leak then put forth a lot of effort to make sure they do everything they can to fix it.
If it doesn't leak then you've worried for nothing.
In this case the leaking problem is most likely due to the way the sheetmetal skin ties together between roof and sides as well as other areas. The sheetmetal has butt joints for the most part and therefore relies on silicone (or whatever type) sealant to make it watertight.Water has been an old issue for PATs since the start...
And since its an issue from the archives I wonder why manufacturers can't find a way to solve this once and for all...
Could you expand on this a little? I'm still contemplating my decision as to whether or not I should buy a 2011 because of the water leak issue(s). Experiencing this firsthand with the leaking sunroof in my current vehicle I know the kind of frustration it causes, and it seems there is a lot of posts here for this very common/well known issue with the Patriots.Make your best deal with the dealer, then say "OK, good deal . . . if your dealership can guarantee me a buy-back at 100% purchase price if it leaks within the first year." Put it on the bill of sale just like the trade-in and the down payment; its a condition of the sale. If they have issues with that or try to hide behind the manufacturer's warranty, introduce them to the Jeep Patriot web site and show them the multiple threads.