Not quite a Pat owner yet...questions before purchase!

Allimae13 · Feb 2, 2011

After work today I plan on going and test driving a 2010 Jeep Patriot Sport. I just have a couple questions.

I've heard that Jeeps in general are expensive to repair if damaged or something breaks down and needs to be replaced..something about parts being expensive and hard to get...is this true?

What is FD1 and FD2? Is FD1 standard and FD2 an optional upgrade? It doesnt list either of these on the vehicle description on the dealer's website so I dont know if I should assume it has neither?

Any advice on negotiating a lower price than what the dealer is asking? I'm a young female and I know some dealers look at this as opportunity to pull one over on me! I've looked up KBB suggested retail price and they are asking only $500 below that. Is it too much to offer $1500 lower than what they're asking. Although I've owned my fair share of vehicles, I always dread negoiating...especially this time since I'm going alone.

Any input would be appreciated!
~Alli

Here is the info on the Patriot I test drove tonight as listed on dealer's site.
2010 Jeep Patriot Sport
Listed at $18,497
4,270 miles

2.4L
Automatic
Fog Lights
Luggage Rack
Instrument Cluster
Remote Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Tachometer
Trip Odometer
Air Conditioning
Bucket Seats
4 Wheel Drive
Spare Tire
Cloth Interior
Fold Down Rear Seat
Air Bag - Driver
Air Bag - Passenger
Anti-lock Brakes
Theft Alarm
AM/FM Stereo
CD Player
Child Proof Locks
Cruise
Map Lights
Power Locks
Power Mirrors
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defrost
Tilt Wheel
Wheels - Alloy
Window Locks
Balance of Factory Warranty
Ext Service Contract Available
Financing Available
One Owner

jloffermann · Feb 2, 2011

So far havent heard anything about jeep being expensive... it's American made. I do however know that the Mercedes and Audi would be though.

as for FD1 its your standard auto trans with a manual mode

FD2 is off road package; it has a 4X4-Low range mode and tow hooks front and rear and some skid plates on the undercarriage.

thats the only major difference some models with the above options might have few interior differences but that depends on models and your wallet/needs etc...

As for the price 1500 below sounds fair to get a better idea go to edmunds.com and fill in the information for the "real market value" also don't show him that you need the vehicle make him think that you have a million other cars that offer more options and better price

im pretty young myself(22) my first car they pulled a fast one on me lol luckily i was able to sell it and still cover my loan. if you got a pretty mechanically-inclined friend/coworker it might be a better idea to bring them along the sales-person is almost guaranteed to not be a mechanic by any means....

dixiedawg · Feb 2, 2011

You can offer anything you think is appropriate, the heck with the sales guy. And don;t let them pressure you to buy NOW, always go away and think about it, at least over night.

As far as the difference between FDI and FDII drive trains, try this:
FDI:
http://www.jeep.com/en/4x4/how_systems_work/freedom_drive/

FDII:
http://www.jeep.com/en/4x4/how_systems_work/freedom_drive_2/

the_jeep_now · Feb 2, 2011

Or you can ask them to give you a quote and then come back here and ask us for an advise. Make sure to get all of the details: year, mileage (if used), options, any rebates or discounts, FDI or FDII, tow prep, auto or manual, etc. With the amount of existing Patriot owners here I'm sure we can give you a good advice on whether it would be a good deal or not. As far as reliability goes, I've had a number of Chrysler vehicles and had never had any serious problems. Heck, they were even more reliable than my BMW. Replacement parts are easy to find and not that expensive, relatively speaking. Good luck!

Allimae13 · Feb 2, 2011

Thanks for the input and thanks for those links dixiedawg. Based on how the gear shift looks, I'm assuming its a FD-I.

Here's everything listed on the description on the dealers website.
2010 Jeep Patriot Sport
4,701 miles
Listed for $18.497

2.4L
Automatic
Fog Lights
Luggage Rack
Instrument Cluster
Remote Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Tachometer
Trip Odometer
Air Conditioning
Bucket Seats
4 Wheel Drive
Spare Tire
Cloth Interior
Fold Down Rear Seat
Air Bag - Driver
Air Bag - Passenger
Anti-lock Brakes
Theft Alarm
AM/FM Stereo
CD Player
Child Proof Locks
Cruise
Map Lights
Power Locks
Power Mirrors
Power Steering
Power Windows
Rear Defrost
Tilt Wheel
Wheels - Alloy
Window Locks
Balance of Factory Warranty
Ext Service Contract Available
Financing Available
One Owner

shotinthenads · Feb 2, 2011

I would be careful if I were you. Just make sure you are paying significantly less for a 2010, compared to a 2011 with the same options. You might be surprised that you can get a 2011 for close to the same price. Don't be afraid to walk away and go to a different dealer.

kpool · Feb 2, 2011

2010 has a few more incentives than the 2011....
The dealer I bought from recommended I look on Kelley
Blue Book and put in all the options and it will show you
a fair price to pay. Just remember the higher the sticker
price means they will come down more. One at $26000 will
come down to $22000 then tax, tag title...One at 22000 will
only come down about $1500 to $2000 then tax, tag, title
These were all 4wheel drive models. You can find 2 wheel drive
stick shifts for $17 to $18000.
SEARCH AUTOTRADER FOR NEW CARS AND DEALERS AND SHOP

johnnyboy123 · Feb 3, 2011

dixiedawg said:
You can offer anything you think is appropriate, the heck with the sales guy. And don;t let them pressure you to buy NOW, always go away and think about it, at least over night.

x2. What a salesperson wants is an "impulsive buyer." You have to show them you are not all that impulsive. Let them know you have to check out a few other vehicles, especially other Patriots at competing dealers (even if you're not) and will get back to them. And like jloffermann said, try to get someone to go with you.

I have heard of people getting nice discounts because the car isn't the right color or doesn't have an option they would like.... even if it has everything you want.... Lie your butt off. It could work for you.

My mother of all people is the best car negotiator in my family. One time the salesman wrote down an offer for her trade in and scooted the paper towards her. She in turn took the paper and wrote what she wanted for the trade in and scooted the paper back toward him. Then we heard the all familiar "Let me take this to my manager." LOL

deepwaterscott · Feb 3, 2011

and I'm old enough to be your Gramps..:doh:.. we'll all give you the straight scoop before and after the sale. Lots of good advice posted so far!

RHill · Feb 4, 2011

There are three drive packages for the Patriot. The standard drive is Front Wheel Drive only, 2WD or FWD. The basic 4X4 or AWD is the FDI, Freedom Drive I, which is quite capable, unless you plan to go out and climb rocky hills and need some more gournd clearance and low speed (walking speed) crawling capabilities. The Freedom Drive II "Trail Rated" 4X4 is a package which includes another inch of ground clearance, allow wheels, and a bunch of other stuff. Ask for a Sales Brochure and look in the back where they detail the stuff in the various packages.

The FWD has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The FDI has four wheel disc brakes, as does the FDII. The FDII takes a significant hit in the gas mileage, probably 15-25%, depending on how you drive. Plus the FDII 4X4 package costs more than the FDI 4X4 package. You can get a five speed manual transmission with the FWD and FDI. You can get a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT2) with the FWD and FDI, and a continuosly variable automatic transmision iwth a "Low" crawl ratio (CVT2L) with the FDII.

Most of us who are not trying to climb extreme trails are quite happy with our FDI's. I know that in South Dakota you will be having snow challenges. You can check some of the threads on driving in snow to see what others' experiences have been.

Again, check out the back of the sales brochure for the drive and transmission details. The basic CVT2 automatic trasmission has a select shift feature. You can leave it in D and let the computer alter the transmission ratio as it thinks appropriate based on your speed and gas pedal position. Or, you can manually "select" the ratio you desire. Any salesman who is actually trying to help you make your decision should be happy to demonstrate the differences on a test drive.

kpool · Feb 7, 2011

how about an update??

Not quite a Pat owner yet...questions before purchase!

Allimae13

jloffermann

dixiedawg

the_jeep_now

Allimae13

shotinthenads

kpool

johnnyboy123

deepwaterscott

RHill

kpool

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