Considering Switching to 2011, need insight!

DJ_Back-Q · Jul 12, 2011

Hellow fellow Jeep lovers!

The lease for my 2007 Patriot is ending soon and I've been offered a sweet deal on a 2011 North Edition. I'm currently debating if I should buy my 2007 or take customer owned financing on the 2011. There's conflicting info about the future of the Patriot with the Fiat takeover, buying a vehicule that may become obsolete is not ideal. Also there's a couple of questions regarding the 2011 that I hope some members can answer better the dealership!! I've research alot on the web and this forum but need more answers

Premium cloth seats: How are you liking them? They seem cheaper and less stain resistant then the Yes fabric in my 2007. Anyone has opinions on this?

Cargo floor covering: My 2007 had a plastic cargo floor covering which made it extremely easy to clean. Looks like it's carpeted in the 2011, or is it just removable carpet on top of the plastic floor?

Fog lamps: Had them in my 2007 but They are not included on the 2011 the dealership is offering me. Is it something I can install myself or is it one of those locked options? Should I just bargain this extra in?

Uconnect: The Jeep comes with the REQ 6 disc with satelite but no uconnect. I've read alot on the web and on the forums and looks like it can be installed with the REQ? Does it require unlocking also??.

Thanks!!!
Andre

Lordy123 · Jul 12, 2011

DJ_Back-Q said:
Premium cloth seats: How are you liking them? They seem cheaper and less stain resistant then the Yes fabric in my 2007. Anyone has opinions on this?

My are black/gray, and It would take something pretty dark to stain them. Pretty comfortable, I have no complaints.

DJ_Back-Q said:
Cargo floor covering: My 2007 had a plastic cargo floor covering which made it extremely easy to clean. Looks like it's carpeted in the 2011, or is it just removable carpet on top of the plastic floor?

Mine is plastic.

DJ_Back-Q said:
Fog lamps: Had them in my 2007 but They are not included on the 2011 the dealership is offering me. Is it something I can install myself or is it one of those locked options? Should I just bargain this extra in?

This wouldnt be a deal breaker for me as long as the price was right on everything else. The headlights are rather bright, I don't really notice the difference between mine with fogs and my brothers without. Plus there is a selection of aftermarket lights available, and I'm guessing its not hard to install the factory ones, its probably just pricy.

Lordy123 · Jul 12, 2011

I take that back, it's not plastic there is a layer of felt like material over it, but its thin and dries well. I had a lawn mower back there and just took it out and sprayed it down at the car wash, real easy to clean.

Orion6 · Jul 12, 2011

I thought fog lamps were a standard for 2011?

JamesNewJeep · Jul 12, 2011

Orion6 said:
I thought fog lamps were a standard for 2011?

So did I....

Anyway, You can buy a plastic liner for the rear for pretty cheap(husky liners), or make your own, if that's a deal breaker.

As far as fogs go, I also thought they were standard, if not, tell them you will buy it for the price they have offered if they throw in factory fogs. They WILL do it.

As far as the uncertain future of the Patriot. I think its fairly certain that it will not be back next year. The Compass seems to have won over the Patriot for its niche position in the lineup. If you're buying this as an investment you hope to get a decent chunk of your money back on later....may not be wise.

Or if you're like me and you wanted a cheap 4x4 that has all the necessities and very few frills, just buy it.

GhostRider · Jul 12, 2011

If I were you, I'll go with the 2011 if your budget can except it. I always knew that buying a car from a lease will cost you more than buying it in the first place. I might be wrong but this is what I think. For the cloth seats....I can't help you with that since I have leather seats but I saw them and I found they were very good quality seats.

Now, talking about the fog lights.....here in Canada...they do not come standard like the US version so If I were you, I'll put them in in the deal. Why waste time and money when you can have them for no extra charge. I'm sure you can have them in your negociation with the dealer.

I'll even go further than that...if they are really hungry, try to have the Uconnect as well....I will be suprised if they say no.

Now for your cargo map, I'm pretty sure you can install a plastic map or a plastic cover if you want to keep the same use or style you have with your 2007 Patriot.

You have a chance to have a brand new 2011 Patriot...you probably know that Chrysler fixed some issues older Riot has and you have the opportunity to put the Uconnect and the fog lights in the deal for no extra charge ''I'm pretty sure''.

Even if the 2011 is the last year of the Patriot....who knows....maybe it will gaing a certain value because I refuse to think that we are the only one who search for a valuable SUV with a decent gaz milage with a great look. The value of a used car or truck goes with the demand of other customers who search this kind of vehicule. And if it dosen't gain value....it will still be a great little SUV with great gaz mileage.

Another thing...it's not like you don't know the Pat....you own one....but this one...it's only newer

Good luck

handyman98 · Jul 12, 2011

I'm glad I went from my 2008 to 2011 for reasons that may not apply to the one you are looking at buying:

* Less road noise
* Smoother transmission and accelaration
* Finally got Navigation & security group this time
* Got extended warranty this time
* For my wife - lock button on passenger door
* Auto start for hot Texas summers

ScottH · Jul 12, 2011

I replaced my Feb 2007-built Pat with a 2011 when my lease ended. I'm glad I did for the reasons already mentioned plus I don't get a static shock from the YES seats when I step out of it anymore. You'll appreciate having a dome light over the rear seats.

JamesNewJeep · Jul 13, 2011

P.S. Higher ride height!

DJ_Back-Q · Jul 13, 2011

Thanks for all the replies

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I think I will make the switch but will try to deal in fog lights and uconnect. I've looked up the pricing on Mopar's site, they both aren't expensive and both don't look labor intensive so I don't think it will be a deal breaker. I don't have much bargaining room as I'm already getting 3000$ for lease buy-back and 2000$ from another promotion.

I'm certainly not looking into this as an investment, heck a car is never an investment in my view, just expeneses. Although I have to say that except for the sway bars, I've never put one cent into my 2007 Pat!

I guess it all comes down to a higher ride. Isn't what men all want in life, extra inches??? lol!!!

MrJeepR44 · Jul 13, 2011

Fog lights are standard on all US Pats. On Canadian versions they are non-standard. I almost bought a Patriot in 2009, but I waited. The previous Patriot is a fine vehicle, but I am very happy with the 2011 and I am very glad I waited. The only complaint so far for me is that the "better front end parts" really means "bad alignment from the factory." I wonder if they used newer parts with different geometry, and they left the alignment specs the same? Who knows. Just check for a slight left or right pull when you get it.

I say go for the 2011 :banana:

niblips · Jul 13, 2011

Orion6 said:
I thought fog lamps were a standard for 2011?

Not in CANADA!

Considering Switching to 2011, need insight!

DJ_Back-Q

Lordy123

Lordy123

Orion6

JamesNewJeep

GhostRider

handyman98

ScottH

JamesNewJeep

DJ_Back-Q

MrJeepR44

niblips

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