I guess I'll start crying after I see pictures of the '09s.

There's some stuff on that list that I would have loved to get on mine when I ordered my '07... A carpeted load floor and the MyGIG radio being the two most wanted things for me. I didn't realize that it was getting a new center console as well... So does that mean that the MyGIG system won't fit in '07s or '08s, or is it the same size as the Patriot's nav screen?

 

I guess I'll start crying after I see pictures of the '09s.

+1 ! ... There'll definitely be a tear in my (root) beer ... I love my 08' -- but I think I love the 09's even more ... I envy the 09' buyers. :drool:

 

Um, I still didn't see mention of the mods that would make the most sense, like CRD availability (I know, the EPA is standing in the way), or better head-rests and a rear center armrest... And carpet? Who the hell needs carpet in their sport UTILITY vehicle? I know, you're out there, I just think they should have an accessory carpet and/or rubber mat for the rear. Just seems to me they're dumbing the Pat down to appeal to the average car owner who wants something 'a little bigger'. IMO, they should be taking Jeep back to it's roots by making the Patriot beefier with more off-road options. There are plenty cars out there for the road. But, if we can have our cake and eat it too, I'm satisfied. Just don't want to see off-road-ability sacrificed for on-road comforts that any car has. With a Jeep, you should have to mod-down to on-road performance. Again, just my opinion.

 

Um, I still didn't see mention of the mods that would make the most sense, like CRD availability (I know, the EPA is standing in the way

I know I have spoke of the CRD several times and the fact is it is not a chrysler made engine. It does pass EPA emmisions, but there is a contract with VW to not sell this model in North America until 2010, so look for the CRD model in 2010. This is similar if not the same engine that VW puts in their TDI models give or take the turbo. Let me know if you have any further questions on this subject.

 

If Jeep decided that they only wanted to cater to "beefy offroad enthusiasts" they would go under quickly. The Patriot fits in perfectly with the Jeep family as an entry level SUV.

As for CRD in the US, it's not likely. Not only does the EPA have their gripes, but studies have shown in general that your Average American just isnt interested in a diesel. While the savings are significant in the long term, sticker shock from increased the increased price of a CRD and the cost of diesel are enough to deter most Americans (obviously not educated consumers like us).

I for one think the 09 changes address a lot of Average customer wants... The MyGig system is wildly popular and not putting it in all chrysler vehicles was a mistake to begin with. The Arm rests are a universal concern. I think all of us have complained about them at one point or another. The center console change is a bit of a suprise, but then again, the sliding center arm rest was never a great idea anyway. I'll reserve my final judgement until I see the changes. Chances are I'll be looking to purchase a few upgrades myself!

 

I'll break down in tears if power options become standard.

 

I will too. If I can't get a vehicle with manual windows and locks, I don't want it.

 

Sucks, not only because I have an 08' without soft touch, and mygig.... but the addition of these reduces trade-in for 07's and 08's. like I said... sucks. I can't wait to see it in person though.

Edit to say Jeepasaurus tex, I love that quote....

 

This addresses the major shortfalls of the Patriot and should make it much more popular if the word goes out...

This is the part that concerns me.

They did (IMHO) such a lousy job of advertising the Pat that, unless they will do more advertising, sales won't go as they hoped.
I can't wait to see the new interior pics. And I hope the paint (in the interior) holds better than the previous models did.
And I SURE am glad they got rid of that granite armrest!! :smiley_thumbs_up:

 

As long as the added soft (read padded) armrest to the doors, and didn't take any thing away, I'll wait for an 09 for our 2nd Patriot. By the way "soft-touch armrests" doesn't mean SOFT, it just means covered in a thin piece of vinyl, or a coast of soft touch paint!

 

All I want to know is what can I steal from the 09 model that will work in my 08 model. LOL

 

Randoo, the pat got as popular as it is, through word of mouth, in spite of negative reviews. When the reviewers get a look at the new interior, and give it the go-ahead.... it'll be more popular then ever....

I am beginning to think about my trade-in.... how good of an incentive would it have to be, to get the same payment for an 09'.... number crunching time.

 

Good luck on trade in... I KBB'd my 07 with 18k and it came up to $13k-ish for good, and up to $15k for excellent. I still owe $23-24, but I didn't get ANY deals, have a high interest rate, and got extra warranty and oil changes for life. We plan to get rid of our Legacy, beef up the Pat a bit, pay it off next year and get a Wrangler Unlimited.

As for Jeep being only a macho beefed up off-road truck provider, that's not where I was going, but I do think they need to get back to their roots with dependable, durable off-road capable vehicles.

And, Americans, IMO, will begin to accept clean diesel technology; we have to. Gas is obviously losing, and reliable electric for the masses is so far out. Ethanol was a HUGE mistake, and there is no infrastructure for Hydrogen. Diesel at this point makes the most sense - cheaper and easier to produce, better mileage/torque, and could evolve to bio-diesel. I think bio-diesel/electric hybrids are in our future for 2012. You can't argue with 80-100 MPG. But, somethings gotta give anyway. Good chat.

 

Randy, you didn't add these to your wish list. I gotcha back, buddy...

I want to see a wider rear bumper and some sorta strap system to attach golf bags so I can use my Patriot on the golf course... Oh, and removable doors... Gotta be able to get in and out easily...

 

Thanks for covering my 6 bud. Good call on the wide bumpers!

Shouldn't there be a way to incorporate my iGolf GPS into the Nav screen?

Oh, and now that you mention it..a built in ball and club washer would be nice too.:banana:

 

I KBB'd my 08, as an 07' with as many miles as it will have on it, this time next year, and I am getting 12,900 or something similar. With my payments, I will owe 14,000 give or take.... so it would be 1,100 less then I didn't get any extra warranty, and my interest rate is like 6.5... I also just made my 12th payment on the vehicle. (I had one of the first 08's) so IDK? We'll see. I know it isn't the best option, going from a car that I would have paid off in 4 years (from now) to tacking on another 16 payments... (when I trade in) I don't know. I am satisfied... but I just want the 'new' one.... I actually just want MyGig... which is essentially the same thing as my Iphone now, with a bigger screen...

 

12th payment on an 2008? How is that even possible? 2008's weren't even close to rolling off the line 12 months ago. They didn't even take orders for 08s until late July, right?

 

The new armrests sound nice, but I think the carpet in the back is kind of a downgrade, at least from a practicality standpoint.
It will be interesting to see what they do with the dashboard and center console. I for one, like the sliding console with the iPod pocket, although it could use a bit more padding for comfort.
All that said, none of it will make me upgrade to a '09. I've still love my '07 and I've still got a lot of payments left on it!

 

Hi folks,

RE: Rock hard door armrest issue.

I trimmed an old 1/4" thick mouse pad to fit on the driver door armrest where my elbow rests. It just sits on top.

During the winter the armrest won't be an issue while wearing a jacket, but for now my elbow doesn't like the rock hard plastic. Maybe 2009 will give me a better idea.

Best regards,

Barry

 

 

I think I can tune up my interior with my own refinements that I will like better than what they are dishing out. I will need to find some matching vinyl. Can I order that by the foot from Jeep?

 

Nice to see the also changed the wimpy bendy dash vents. I hated my armrest at first but now have either lost all feeling in my elbows (its possible or in reality found a new placement of my arms because they don't bother me at all anymore even on long 5-6hr runs to the cabin.

I would not want carpet on the cargo area, to hard to clean and I put tons of messy stuff back there at work. I just bought 2 rolls of perferated toolbox drawer line in the 24x72". Folded in half they cover the real floo with no slip and unfolded they cover the floos and the backside of the folded down rear seats. Perfect solution thats easy to clean just hose it down.

A darket headline material would be nice though, the light tan stuff now gets marker up if you look at it wrong!

No rush to send in for a new one yet. When the lease is up in early 2012 assuming any of the domestics are still alive I will get the CRD Hybrid Riot....if they make it

 

Numerous package changes were also made, mainly taking free-standing options and putting them into groups to dramatically cut the number of possible unique combinations."

This is exactly the reverse of what I've been yelling at them about on the Chrysler Advisory Board. More choices is good customer service and relations. Fewer choices, is self serving good business for the bottom line.

 

WHAT ABOUT NEW HEADRESTS!!!!

Thats all I want, those rock hard head rests are giving me a headache!!

I was hoping they'd re-do the headrests and i could just purchase some and pop them on my '08

 

I cant say I even use headrest, I dont know what they feel like on my other cars.

 

Looks like that big bump is still below the steering wheel...

My wife is 5 foot 1 inch, and she drives stick, but has to be close to the dash to push the clutch to the floor. The knee bolster is in the way. She absolutely will never be able to drive this vehicle, and the knee bolster is annoying for me as well. Such a shame that this is a problem on Jeep's smallest vehicle.

 

Maybe you could get a CVT version ,seems to me they are having issues with standards. The only issues they had with the cvts were software and those have been corrected. I havent seen how the dash is designed but maybe you can remove that piece of plastic

 

It appears that there's still no 'Chill Zone' bev cooler ... although the cubby hole is still kinda handy. The fixed, rear floor-mounted cupholders are still in the same aggravating location. And how about L.E.D.- illuminated window switches on all doors instead of illuminated cupholders?! In general, it looks like everything has been rounded-off w/no more hard edges, which is in contrast to the Pat's still boxy exterior, which we hope never gets the 'rounded off' treatment! BTW, kudos to 'Milous' for the much sought after info. :blah:

 

Thanks Milous!
Now we have some (small) images finaly

I like the new airvents. Yes it looks a bit rounder but i think the new interior is worth to wait for.

 

NOOOOOOOOO. Why does Jeep insist on all this round business? IMO, the air vents should be transparent; meaning they don't stick out and they aren't the first thing you notice. So much for that theory! Looks to me like they're just gonna slap chrome all over the inside and make it gaudy as hell - like all the rest. The Patriot is losing it's rugged, no nonsense appeal. Perhaps they should introduce a new model, like Hummer did with the H3X, that is all chromed out for those who appreciate such accents. Just remember, the more 'plush' they make the interior, the higher the price. Pretty soon a moderately loaded Sport is gonna set you back $25-28k...

To be different and potentially grab some more market share, Jeep should focus on making their vehicles more customizable. Not just while ordering from the factory, but after-market as well. There are still no good mods for the Pat available from Mopar, such as a real lift and more off-road protection. Or, a lowering kit. I realize the Patriot appeals to different tastes, I just don't want to see it become the same as every other vehicle.

 

I've got to agree, WAY too much busy body lines and surfaces. You have to look good, not so crazy you watch the interior rather than the road. It's supposed to be about function, not some interior designers dream to get them on the front page of an automotive magazine.

 

With the exception of some the soft touch additions, they should have just left the interior alone. What is this society's obsession with rounded edges?!? To be honest, the only thing I like a bit rounded are women....hence why all of these vehicles with curvy exteriors and interiors look feminine to me.

Oh well, here's to the straight lines on the exterior...

 

PK, that is FAR to Pontiac for my tastes and makes me glad i picked up my 07 instead of aiting for the 09s......