Patriot admirer hopefully owner

John V · Apr 24, 2014

Hello Group,
I stumbled upon this group and am impressed and happy to see that it has a lot of info. I am looking for something to replace my 1999 Jeep XJ. It has been very good to me, but my miles to work doubled last year, and 16mpg is killing me. The Patriot looks like a good alternative to my XJ Cherokee- maybe not as off road capable, but I need the 4x4 more for snow than off road.
What I would like to know is: what are the things to look for (good and bad) in a used Patriot? I am not sure, but I think I will end up in a used one. I don't need FreedomII, so how can I tell at a glance if it has I or II?
What is the platform designation for the Patriot/Compass?
So many questions...
Thanks,
John

The4WDPatriot · Apr 24, 2014

John V said:
Hello Group,

What I would like to know is: what are the things to look for (good and bad) in a used Patriot? The general guidelines is to look at 2011+ (that was the year Jeep made a lot of refinements). Also, if it has a sunroof, make sure it doesn't leak.

I don't need FreedomII, so how can I tell at a glance if it has I or II? If it is FD II it will have a trail rated badge on the driver's side front fender. FD I will just have the 4x4 emblem on the tailgate.

What is the platform designation for the Patriot/Compass? MK

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the_jeep_now · Apr 24, 2014

Welcome! Not sure what your budget would be but as always the newer the better. Stay away from the sunroof as they seem to leak quite often. 2011+ models FDI got an extra inch of height. FDII would have the Trail Rated badge and "L" mode on the shifter.

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Metaxa · Apr 24, 2014

I don't know if you are taking out a loan or not but up here (Canada) the difference between new car loan rates and used car loan rates coupled with dealer incentives and desire to sell maybe a less than perfectly outfitted unit can make a brand new one off the lot less expensive than going used.
Just a thought.

My only advice is to know what you are buying.
Its not a hard core off roader, nor is it a sports car...it isn't even a SUV, is a cheap, utilitarian, very competent CUV with a true 4x4 system, not the AWD stuff the others have.

bricraw · Apr 24, 2014

Welcome. The obvious sign from the outside between fd1 and fd11 is the trail rated badge. Good luck and keep us posted on what you end up purchasing. Not sure where you're from but the used patriots were very close in price to the new ones in my area.

Patriot admirer hopefully owner

John V

The4WDPatriot

the_jeep_now

Metaxa

bricraw

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