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Buying a Patriot Tomorrow: A Couple Questions...

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FrankB2

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi All!
I have a '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, with 212K miles(!). My wife and I use it off-road, and in the snow. She wants a Jeep, but will use it for a 17 mile daily commute on I-95, and to get around in the snow. We drove it Saturday, but a heavy downpour kept us from going on the highway. Today we took it out onto I-95, and it had much more power than I expected, and the ride was nice. I just want to make sure this model will work well in 10" of snow, and was wondering if "Speed Control" means "Cruise Control". We haggled the price down to 20K even, plus tax. We're NOT financing through the dealer. Can skid plates be added later on? They don't have any Patriots with off-road packages left, and it's quite a big dealership. The skid plates on my Grand Cherokee have saved the day many times, but we won't be using the Patriot for anything more than snow and very light off-roading. I can't post a link, but here's most of the description:

Included Packages
Power Value Group ($1,405)
•Keyless Entry
•Power Heated Fold-Away Mirrors
•Power Driver 1-Touch Windows
•Speed Sensitive Power Locks
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transaxle II ($1,100)
•Autostick Automatic Transmission
•Tip Start
UConnect Voice Command w/Bluetooth ($475)
•Remote USB Port
•Rear View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone
•SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Additional Options
•Air Conditioning
•Engine: 2.4L I4 DOHC 16V Dual VVT
•Manufacturer's Statement of Origin
•Quick Order Package 26A
↑ to top
Features
ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
•Radio data system
•Wireless phone connectivity
•MP3 decoder
•AM/FM radio
•Speakers: 4
•CD player
SEATS AND TRIM
•Max seating capacity: 5
•Rear seats: bench
•Front seats: bucket
•Front center armrest: w/storage
•Split folding rear seat
WARRANTY
•Basic warranty: 36 months/36,000miles
•Roadside assistance coverage: 36 months/36,000miles
•Powertrain warranty: 60 months/100,000miles
•Corrosion perforation warranty: 60 months/100,000miles
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
•1-touch down
•Driver vanity mirror
•Tilt steering wheel
•Auto-dimming rearview mirror
•Air conditioning
•Front beverage holders
•Speed control
•Rear door bins
•Rear beverage holders
•Power windows
•Passenger door bin
•Passenger vanity mirror
•Remote keyless entry
•Driver door bin
•Voice recorder
BODY EXTERIOR
•Power door mirrors
•Bumpers: body-color
•Roof rack: rails only
•Heated door mirrors
LIGHTING, VISIBILITY AND INSTRUMENTATION
•Outside temperature display
•Tachometer
•Rear window wiper
•Front reading lights
•Front fog lights
•Variably intermittent wipers
•Rear window defroster
•Low tire pressure warning
SAFETY AND SECURITY
•Traction control
•Brake assist
•Electronic stability
•ABS brakes
•Anti-whiplash front head restraints
•4 wheel disc brakes
•Panic alarm
•Overhead airbag
•Occupant sensing airbag
•Ignition disable
•Dual front impact airbags
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Tech Specs
POWERTRAIN
•Fuel economy city: 21mpg
•Horsepower: 172hp @ 6,000RPM
•Fuel economy highway: 26mpg
•Variable valve control
•Transmission: continuously variable automatic
•Engine liters: 2.4
•Manual-shift auto: Autostick
•Sequential multi-point fuel injection
•Fuel tank capacity: 13.5gal.
•Cylinder configuration: I-4
•Engine location: front
•Recommended fuel: regular unleaded
•Torque: 165 lb.-ft. @ 4,400RPM
•Variable intake manifold
•Drive type: four-wheel
•Number of valves: 16
SUSPENSION/HANDLING
•Four wheel independent suspension
•Rear anti-roll bar
•Power steering
•Front anti-roll bar
SPECS AND DIMENSIONS
•Compression ratio: 10.50 to 1
•Engine horsepower: 172hp @ 6,000RPM
•Front headroom: 1,041mm (41.0")
•Rear legroom: 1,001mm (39.4")
•Exterior height: 1,697mm (66.8")
•Exterior body width: 1,758mm (69.2")
•Front legroom: 1,031mm (40.6")
•Greenhouse Gas Score (GG): 5
•Interior maximum cargo volume: 1,515 L (53 cu.ft.)
•Exterior length: 4,415mm (173.8")
•Engine torque: 165 lb.-ft. @ 4,400RPM
•GVWR: 2,075kg (4,575lbs)
•Front hiproom: 1,328mm (52.3")
•Payload: 420kg (925lbs)
•Turning radius: 5.4m (17.8')
•Passenger volume: 2,956L (104.4 cu.ft.)
•Curb weight: 1,522kg (3,355lbs)
•Front shoulder room: 1,384mm (54.5")
•Wheelbase: 2,634mm (103.7")
•Towing capacity: 454kg (1,000lbs)
•Engine bore x stroke: 88.0mm x 97.0mm (3.46" x 3.82")
•Rear hiproom: 1,295mm (51.0")
•Air Pollution Score (AP): 5
•Rear headroom: 1,013mm (39.9")
•Engine displacement: 2.4 L
•Interior cargo volume: 651 L (23 cu.ft.)
•Rear shoulder room: 1,372mm (54.0")
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Thanks for any and all help! :)
 
#2 ·
You will be fine.

Speed control is cruise control and you have what is known as FDI or Freedom Drive one.
basically your unit will run in front wheel drive unless the onboard stuff detects a need for all wheel drive. It then transfers power to the rear wheels as needed.

In milliseconds.

Alternately you can use the cockpit lever to "lock" it into 4 wheel drive which will give you 50/50 but the vehicle computer will ignore that at speeds above 35 mph.

For road use, even with ten inches of snow, you probably will never need to use the lock feature...the Jeep AWD system is that good...

Skid plates, in fact anything, can be added later.

Have fun.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks! I feel better now. :) The salesman was nice, but not a real talkative type. I don't think I've ever seen a more laid back salesman, but that's fine.

I've been looking at reviews, and reading this forum for the past several days.
It's amazing that some reviewers dismiss the Patriot (Motor Trend gave the 2012 1/2 star out of 5!!!! Others said the acceleration was awful, but it was fine by us. I think it was Edmunds that measured the Patriot's 0-60 acceleration at 10 seconds, but they only got 9 seconds from the Grand Cherokee with the 3.7L V-6. The CVT was surprisingly smooth, eventhough there are lots that love it, or hate it (with some ambivalent owners).

One point that bothered me with reviews was the use of the word "Spartan" to describe the interior. I remember wanting a Jeep CJ back in the late 70's, and that was a spartan interior. My GC is a bit too posh at times, especially when our fishing waders are wet and muddy. :D A spartan interior is just what I'm looking for, although the Patriot is VERY nice. I'll report our first adventure soon!
 
#4 ·
"Expert" reviews

A lot of these consumer websites ignore the fact that the XJ Cherokee is one of the most loyal followings ever and the idea of having an XJ look alike that has some modern features but keeps the overall spirit of the vehicle is exactly what so many of us were looking for. I live in the city and can go weeks without going faster than 45. I couldn't care less if it's on the slow side when you're merging on the freeway @ 80mph. Sites like Edmunds assume that everyone wants heated seats and cars that park themselves.

The only thing I can see as a negative with the MK is that a 4 cylinder CUV should probably get better mileage than it does. But I wouldn't trade it for any other vehicle in its class right now.
 
#5 · (Edited)
FrankB2 said:
-others said the acceleration was awful, but it was fine by us.
-Especially when our fishing waders are wet and muddy.
Click to expand...
I couldn't agree more. Just traded my older 08 Pat in for a newer one. The newer 2011-12 have been refined and ride nicer and quieter. You're going to like it. I looked at a Honda CRV but I thought it was to fragile for me to use with my lifestyle.
I just bought a full set of Husky floor liners and matching cargo mat for my muddy fishing waders and wading boots. Our wet felt bottom boots are pretty dirty by the time we walk back to the jeep. These floor liners go a few inches up the sides like a "bowl" and are a must for muddy or snowy boots.
http://www.huskyliners.com/Classic-Style

and if you have money left after you buy your front skid plate then you need one of these also:) http://rodmounts.com/sumo-suction/

~tight lines!
 
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#6 ·
FrankB2 said:
We drove it Saturday, but a heavy downpour kept us from going on the highway.
Click to expand...

Well, that's not much of a Jeep spirit! I'm hoping to hear that what ya meant was that the highway patrol had shut 'er down, so ya COULDN'T take the highway during a downpour, even though ya really wanted to ;)
 
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#7 ·
FrankB2 said:
I just want to make sure this model will work well in 10" of snow,
Click to expand...
I have owned two Patriots, a 2009 FDI and a 2011 FDII. 10 inches of snow is REALLY pushing the capabilities of the FDI Patriot, regardless of what everyone tells you. There are ALOT of different types of snow, light powder 10 inches deep is going to be a challenge. 10 inches of heavy, wet snow, with drifts thrown in, and you are probably going to be digging yourself out. If you look at the underside of the Pat, its comparatively smooth and flat. If you start pushing a mound up in front of you, sooner or later your front end is going to climb it and you are going to be high-centered. There are some things you can do to help the Jeep. Being a Cherokee owner Ill assume you already know the basics. Keep a sandbag or 2 in the back end to help the rear tires bite. Turn the ESP systems ALL the way off. (This is ESPECIALLY important on a grade). Remember, there is NO TOW HOOK. 10 inches of snow is no joke.
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Hmmm.... 10" of snow is nothing in my GC, and I've never had a problem plowing through much deeper snow (of all sorts). A couple of years ago, we had a few monster snow storms in Pennsylvania, and my son left his '96 Caprice parked on my parents' front lawn. The snow was up to the bumpers, and the snow plows really built up a nice obstacle. I had no problem getting to the Caprice, and pushing it out with the Grand Cherokee. I have a bunch of stories like that, but I'm not expecting the Patriot to perform as well. Better than a Ford Focus would be nice.... :D

I've told my wife that 4X4 is one thing, but driving it is another. It freaks me out to see the winter wonders flying down secondary roads that are snow covered at 60 mph. I guess they're just enjoying their toy, and not thinking of what could happen.
 
#9 ·
I drive in deep snow a lot, the winter you describe in PA I drove through with no problems. Last winter was mild though, and I sort of expect the same this year. Last year was the first winter I never needed chains to get up my hill.

Depending on the snow, you can get high centered, but that can happen in any vehicle. I've had it happen to me a few times, but only off road in winter.

More clearance would help for sure.

We had a meet in north central PA a few winters ago, that thread has photos and videos of Patriots going up my hill in the snow.
 
Discussion starter · #10 · (Edited)
I want a little snowst this baby...lol My wife is smyopping by the bank at 1:00 to get a cashirr's check, and then we picDk s tp at 6 Gawd I hope this Jeep is reliable. I'm too cheap to hve regrets. I paid $1,000 for my GC 4 years ago, my o this better be 20 times better...lol It's my wife's money so.... Pardon allthe typos. I' using a little Samsung thingy :D
 
#13 ·
Very few vehicles can make my hill in winter, and if they're called a 4WD, they better use all 4 wheels, or they don't make it. Even with that, there are times I need chains on all 4 wheels, especially late winter when the snow melts and forms ice underneath.
 
#14 ·
FrankB2 said:
I want a little snowst this baby...lol My wife is smyopping by the bank at 1:00 to get a cashirr's check, and then we picDk s tp at 6 Gawd I hope this Jeep is reliable. I'm too cheap to hve regrets. I paid $1,000 for my GC 4 years ago, my o this better be 20 times better...lol It's my wife's money so.... Pardon allthe typos. I' using a little Samsung thingy :D
Click to expand...
Congrats! Post pics when you get a chance.
 
#15 ·
Please dont take what I said as a put-down of the Patriot. My Pats were the best vehicles I ever had in the snow. You just have to understand the systems and their limitations. The most level snow I drove my FDI in was about 8 inches. On an un-tracked street, it was a challenge. I made it just fine, but I had to concentrate on what I was doing. On a grade, which we have a few of here in Kansas City, I had to turn off the ESC or I would get the "Loss of Power" syndrome. I would just reverse it a couple feet and drop it back into 1st and let it fly. Worked everytime. I NEVER stuck my FDI, never even had to rock it, except on a hill. Never had enough snow last year to even test my FDII. I have a Wrangler now. Not because I was at all displeased with my Patriot, because I got a good deal on a 2012, and I wanted the extra off-road capability. I dont think you need to worry too much about watching Focus drivers go by while you are sitting on the side of the road in a drift.
 
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Discussion starter · #16 ·
Afmcronnie said:
I dont think you need to worry too much about watching Focus drivers go by while you are sitting on the side of the road in a drift.
Click to expand...
That's too funny..... :D

Well, we're back home and I'm using a regular keyboard. We were set to sign on the dotted line, and then I saw a Patriot Sport with 17" alloy wheels. It was the same price, but didn't have the Bluetooth, U-Connect/USB port radio, and lacked the auto-dim rearview mirror. I told my wife that radios are cheap, and wheels and tires aren't. She looked so sad at the idea of not driving out with the better radio, so we debated the merits for 45 minutes. :D
The salesman said he had another Sport with the radio and the alloy wheels for $600 more. There was so much debate over the three, that I can't remember why we didn't get the Sport for $600 more! :confused: We had driven the one we bought twice, and would have had to take the other two out on the highway for testing, and then a walkaround for dents, scratches, etc. We didn't go for the $1,825 extended warranty, and REALLY didn't go for the whatever Scotchguard sort of potion they offered to protect the paint from bird droppings, urine, etc...LOL! The Jeep lacked the pinstripe that the alloy wheel models had, but they're going to put on along the side for $26 on Thursday. It makes a huge difference in the Patriot's appearance, and helps break up that large side panel. It's one of those dual 3/32" (+/-) pinstripes, and has a small Jeep logo toward the rear. First two oil changes are free, and the tank was filled. PA state inspections are free for life.

My wife wants concrete confirmation on the new insurance (was given a verbal quote by our agent earlier today, but he didn't call back with the confirmation), so she won't drive it into the Philadelphia until Thursday. The pinstripe guy is only there on Thursdays, but we're vacation next week.

I'm going to look at some alloy wheels now. The salesman said that many pf the Patriot buyers ditch the 17" alloy wheels in favor of more stylish wheels. He recommended looking on craigslist and ebay. It's bright silver, and nearly matches the color of her Focus. They had 35 Patriots on the lot, in all colors, but the Focus never showed dirt. It wouldn't have been my first choice otherwise.

Pictures/off-road videos soon!
 
#18 ·
Like Dixiedawg said, Pat's are great in snow, and for the people saying that they found deep snow a problem, were you running stock tires or winters?

I have very aggressive winter tires, I"ve had them on both my FDII 08 Patriot and now on my 2012 FDII Compass.

If you have proper winter tires on a Patriot, FDI or FDII you will do well in deep snow, of course this is within reason but I can't say I wouldn't recommend a patriot to use in the snow. I find the snow performance of MK's are awesome.
 
#20 ·
Congrats on the purchase, :) One question though, you only get 2 oil changes for free? My dealer told me they are giving my 1 for free, and chryslers giving 4 for free, so I have 5 total. He didnt tell you chrysler was doing 4? Or are you getting 4, and then 2 from the dealer?
 
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