if your tight on funds,
how much does each $1k mean to you?
i would recommend a 2.4l 4x4 FDI
which can be had new for under $20k
build a few different pats online seeing which configuration your happy with,
skip the sunroof,
going up in trimline like latitude will up the price considerably, see how badly you want the options in that trim level,
as for the reviews, any comparable 4x4 will be close to $5k more,
but thats not mentioned in the review,
for mpg can estimate low 20's for 4x4 (fdII), mid 20's for 4x4 (fdI) and high 20's with some getting +30mpg on 4x2.
with most getting mid 20's to high 20's mpg not sure how they can criticize the pats mpg, especially on 4x4 version.

 

As a 2013 Latitude owner with the sun and sound package, I can tell you that if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't get the sun and sound package. I rarely use the sunroof and the stereo system probably won't be cranked up all that much if you have a young kid.

I would definitely opt for the 2.4L because even that engine isn't very powerful.

My only hesitation in buying the Jeep Pat is the longevity and obviously that's impossible to predict. If you need peace of mind it's worth it.

Can anyone refresh my memory on how long the included warranty is on the engine and transmission?? I forget already. Thanks!

 

If you walk out the door with something like this under $20k. I think you will be more then happy. FD1 2.4l , tow pacakge, u connect, bluetooth.

http://www.doandodge.net/new/Jeep/2014-Jeep-Patriot-cd91cb5a0a0a000200843e347a11e4a2.htm

 

Steve,
You can really save some dollars if you go front wheel drive too.

I know Jeeps aren't supposed to be FWD but times are a changing.

I drive snow and ice for only a couple of months but lots of slushy rain and a lot of tuff roads daily and my FWD Patriot does just fine.
I get 30+ mpg, Imperial which translates to 25 US mpg or so. Consistently. Summer, winter air conditioning on or off its 30 plus with my best tank ringing in at almost 34 mpg.

The FD1 all wheel drive set up is nice but ask yourself if you really need it or just want it. Then crunch some numbers.

I spent almost $2000 less on gas the last full year I drove my Patriot compared to my old XL7 which gets comparable mileage to the FD1 set up.

 

I just got a 2014 Latitude 4x4 less than 2 weeks ago. The things that are important to me that you get on the Latitude is heated seats, and the remote start. Maybe they don't mean that much in your requirements. Also you did not mention 4x4. I know you get snow in NY - but maybe if the weather is really bad, you just sit tight until the plows come thru. I don't now about NY - but here in Mpls most dealers don't really haggle on a new car. The discounted price is already set. Just for comparison her is what a 2014 Sport FWD goes for in Mpls. About $15,300. That one has the 2.0 though. You may want to consider the 2.4.

http://www.lutherbrookdalechryslerjeep.net/new/Jeep/2014-Jeep-Patriot-58b4525e0a0a0065013401d7e9ef42a4.htm

One more thing. Extended warranties vary in price quite a bit. Research and print out the online pirces when you talk to the dealer finance guy. My dealer knocked $400 off a 7/70,000 miles warranty just to stay competitive with online dealers.

 

I know you get snow in NY - but maybe if the weather is really bad, you just sit tight until the plows come thru.

Yea, I guess I should mention that I will still take public transportation to work because driving into and parking in Manhattan is a terrible and mind blowing expensive experience. If the snow is that bad, we probably just won't go anywhere.

 

As a Patriot owner, I would suggest you listen to the experts. My 2008 Patriot was purchased brand new off a lot and has been nothing but grief. I have spent thousands of dollars on suspension repairs, engine repairs and a replacement engine, over the last five years. I admit, it did not come with a lifetime warranty, and I did not buy an extended warranty, because I never needed one before, when buying a new vehicle. It is the lowest quality vehicle I have ever owned. I still own it because I was hoping I could sell it for at least $10,000 (recoup some of the repairs), the best offer I have had is $5,000. I purchased a 2009 ranger because I need reliabilty, and I am ready to let the thing go for $5,000 if I don't get better offer.

 

I like the Limited trim level on my FWD patriot because it includes a lot of things I like standard. I didn't need to add any other options to get what I wanted.

2.4L engine, 4 wheel disc brakes, power everything, AC power outlet, EVIC computer in dash, heated seats, etc. The Latitude trim includes most of the good stuff anyone would want.

Whatever you do get a Patriot with the 2.4L engine, it has better gearing in the transmission and more torque. I test drove a 2.0 and was not impressed at all.

Best of luck I hope you find a great Jeep!

 

Steve,

Like another member said - even with FWD you will still do pretty well in the snow. The ground clearance is really excellet so that will help in snow too. You mentioned a dog. I have a 60 lb Shepard/Lab mix and she heads to the back seat and is very comfy back there. Mainly because it is tall - lots of good space in the Patriot.

After having the Pat for a couple weeks the criticisms I see in Car Reviews don't really match up to what I experience in the Jeep. The one criticism that does have some truth is that the Pat is not espeacially fast. I think from say 30 - to 60 MPH it is not very quick - but it is reasonably quick from 0 to 30 MPH. So I get off the line at a red light faster than most cars I think.

 

I have both a 2014 Patriot Latitude with Freedom drive ii, and the sun and sound package. It has heated seats and side mirrors, and remote start. Obviously, it's brand new. I can't comment on reliability yet.
I also bought a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT brand new for my wife. It has their premium Rockford Fosgate sound system, S-AWC all wheel drive, and bluetooth. Nothing but routine maintenance performed to date.

My impression is that the Outlander has much more power than the Patriot. 285HP V6 compared to 180 HP 4 cylinder. The Outlander averages 25 MPG... about the same as my Patriot. My Patriot has a much more robust 4 wheel drive system. The Outlander was 2K more in 2010 than my Patriot was in 2013. Both have 3 year/36K mile bumper to bumper and 10 year/100K powertrain warranties. Comparing both vehicles, I wold recommend the Outlander over the patriot if you do not need the four wheel drive capability. Although the Outlanders S-AWC all wheel drive is surprisingly capable, it is designed around roads, wet or snowy conditions, and unimproved roads. In NY City it would serve very well in all the weather conditions you would encounter with decent tires. It does not have heated seats, which spoil you in the winter time or heated mirrors. But neither will a Patriot sport.

I love my Patriot. I like the boxy look. I like the improved all wheel drive system over other competing vehicles in it's segment, and I like the interior lay out. The Outlander does have more room, and the GT model I have even has a third row seat. (which I believe is standard on all new Outlanders) Granted the third row seat then, reduces cargo capacity and is not comfortable at all, but it's there if you need it and folds completely flat into the cargo floor. The Patriot will probably be cheaper, the Outlander more "refined". I looked at the Rav4 and the CRV when I was shopping for the Outlander. While certainly nice vehicles, I concluded that the Outlander offered more for the money than either of them, had a better interior layout, and looked better to boot. I am happy with both vehicles for different reasons. I have no plans of getting rid of either of them any time soon.
I would recommend making a list of needs and a list of wants. Then build similar vehicles from competing manufacturers on the web and see what the totals come to. Pick the one you like the best and print it out and take it to your dealer. Take print outs of the others with you. If they try anything funny with the price just pull out your print outs and tell them that if you can't have it for that price then you will go buy one of the others. They will deal on price.

Oh and by the way... The Outlander is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned for traveling with my dog. He's a 130lb Rottweiler. The Outlander has this neat tailgate that flips down when the rear hatch is opened. Makes a great place to change a diaper (check), makes it really easy for a dog to jump in (check), and everyone that sees it wishes their compact SUV had that feature. It sounds stupid, but it's the little things that separate the vehicles in this very popular and crowded segment. I, like you, am attracted to the Patriot for it's boxy, old school look. And we would love to have you here in our community. But you wouldn't be the only one here without a Patriot, and everyone needs a vehicle that meets their needs. Go look and make your lists, and Good luck.

 

I would recommend making a list of needs and a list of wants.

Separating needs from wants is hard. I mean, if we boil it down to what I need—it's probably a Toyota Corolla or something. I need to get my son to the 24-hour pediatrician or my dog to the animal hospital two towns over if something happens. But, I want to be able get the car seat in and out without a production.

I botched this sentence in my original post (mostly due to the baby yanking at my leg) but where I am torn is that I don't want to in-debt myself with something like a Grand Cherokee, but I do want a car that I can keep for a really long time and enjoy. So, if getting a sun roof does that, so be it.

I really like the piece of mind of getting the lifetime warranty. For me that takes almost every other car maker out of the picture. I just want a decent car that I really like that doesn't have a lot of glitz and glam and that will last me a really long time. I'm willing to take car of it.

But, what I also want is something that is not like my mother's Saturn that struggled to get up minor hill if the air conditioning was on (and even if it was off, it was still sweating it). If I am going to have something for a really long time, I don't want to resent it.

I think FWD is a decent option and I think I will definitely go with the 2.4L engine based on everyone's advice.

I'm a little hesitant on the new Cherokee because it's unproven and the delays don't give me a ton of hope for its reliability. Also: it looks like an alien.

One more question: It's it worth it to go with the 2014 with the automatic 6-speed or is the CVT not as bad as the reviews would have you believe?

For all of the negativity in the official reviews, Patriots have great resale value, so in a lot of ways, getting a pre-owned one doesn't seem to make much of a difference.

 

Please do not take my post above as an agreement with the "expert" reviews that you read. For the record, I read those reviews too. Then went and test drove a Patriot for myself and found the reviews were largely BS. I prefer my Patriot to all other compact SUV's on the market. With that said, it does have it's short comings. The boxy look that I like makes it less fuel efficient. While my Patriot is "Trail Rated", it is no substitute for a True 4 wheel drive vehicle with a low range transfer case built on a frame. Most people that are upset with their Patriot are probably upset because they bought the wrong vehicle for their needs. I'm sure that some have had reliability issues, but there are those with every manufacturer. I have found that the looks of a vehicle may attract you to it in the beginning, but then if the features and layout don't work for you, then the looks really don't matter much. If you have your heart set on a Patriot, you need the 2.4L. You will probably want FDi 4 wheel drive. I have the sun and sound package. The sun roof I could live without, but I do like the premium sound. It's not about cranking it up. It offers a much improved quality of sound over the standard stereo set up. You need bluetooth. Especially in a place like NY. Phone in one hand steering wheel in the other with a cup of hot coffee between your legs with crazy cabbies everywhere is a disaster waiting to happen. Stick with the 16 inch wheels. More options for tires at better prices. And no matter what you buy, get yourself a set of seat covers that do not inhibit the airbag system. Kids and pets will wreck your seats in short order. seat covers are cheaper and easier to replace.

 

I have a 2014 FDii. So it has a CVT. The CVT is fine once you get used to an automatic trans that doesn't shift. It's not my first CVT, and probably won't be my last. If I didn't get FDii I would have had to make the choice between a new 2014 FDi with a 6 speed, or a new 2013 FDi with a CVT. Depending on how much the dealer was willing to discount the new 2013 now that the 2014's were out would be the basis of that decision. I would prefer the 6 speed auto, but if they gave me a 2K discount to take a 2013 off their hands.... 6 speed shmix speed, I'll keep the cash and drive the CVT.

It sounds to me like price my be one of your largest factors. I did not purchase any of the extended warranties on my Patriot. I would research them thoroughly prior to paying for one. When it comes to stuff like that they can require that you bring it to the dealer for all service work or else you void the warranty. Don't know that they do, but it wouldn't surprise me. As a general rule I have found extended warranties to be more beneficial to the dealer than they are to the end user.

And as to needs, with you, your family, the dog, and a weekends worth of luggage headed to mountains for a get away, your already past the corolla. unless you enjoy putting yourself and family into a vehicle like a puzzle...

 

Yea, well the nice thing about being city folk is that we don't have a ton of driving experience—so, it's not like I have an attachment to an automatic transmission.

My biggest hesitation regarding price is that I've never bought something more expensive than a laptop. I've saved up enough money, but I still want to be reasonable—you know?

 

I have put a shift kit into most auto trans cars I've used, I have driven semi-professionally years ago with purpose built transmissions on track, strip and off road type stuff. I have owned many vehicles over 50 years of driving (got my license at 14...cool story that I'll tell sometime.) The CVT is just fine. Its like dating a red head, mostly the same but every once in a while and out of the blue it does somethings totally different and entirely whacky. Great if you can go with it, not so good if you fight it.

As to price, if its a CUV you want then the Patriot gives more bang for the buck than any other. It may lack this or that feature or gee gaw but it has the current, modern basics, works well and is less expensive than the competition.

 

My general situation: I have a kid, a dog, and an obese cat—so, I need space. I live in the city, so I don't really need anything trail rated. I want to buy a car and drive it into the ground and I'd rather not pay a lot for gas.

So, I had a few questions for experienced Patriot owners—if that's okay.

1. Do you recommend the 2.0 or the 2.4L engine?

2.4 for sure, its more powerful, and you don't take hardly any mpg hit for it.

2. What are everyone's feelings on the Sport versus the Latitude trim levels? I am going to add air conditioning and was leaning towards adding in the power locks and windows. Somehow, that still prices the Sport at $1000 cheaper.

Depends on what features you want, I have a sport with the power group (locks and windows) the 230 radio with uConnect and bluetooth, and The FDII package. The only thing I would want more would be steering wheel audio controls and ventilated seats (not even available, but something I had on my last car I really miss) heated seats and remote start were not something I was willing to pay for.


4. If I go with the Latitude, do you recommend the Sun and Sound package? Does the sun roof really make a difference? Having a sun roof seems like a nice thing to have, but I'm not sure if it's $1,200 nice.

I would not, the patriot seems to have some flex in the chassis, and I can't imagine what that would do to a sun roof opening over time. and you can upgrade the speaker system for a lot less money.




I would get a 4x4 for sure, you don't need the freedom drive two option, but its a jeep... you will want the 4wd for sure. the 2.4l engine is the only one available for a 4wd patriot.

As far as the cherokee.... Your initial cost will be significantly higher, its not any more roomier on the inside, at least for cargo space, but it will be a lot more luxurious. with kids (I have two with a 3rd on the way) simple and kid proof is more to my liking.

 

My thoughts after spending $250 to get my sunroof repaired for leaks, if a sunroof is important, make sure you do regular maintenance to keep the drain tubes clean. Also, the CVT is fine, but my only regret is not getting a manual transmission. I think it would help get the most out of the engine.

 

Purchased new a 2011 Latitude 4x4. Heated seats/mirrors. Standard radio. Nothing special. Average 24.5 MPG. Has 35K miles on it. Runs like a top. Only cost have been oil, gas and routine maintenance (total for the routine maintenance has been less than $200). Had to replace a right front tire because I hit some road debris and punctured the sidewall. Added 4 Sony speakers for a cost of about $200. Has a remote starter which I love in the Winter months. I think I paid $21000 out the door. I would buy another one in a heart beat. Snow? What snow? Goes anywhere I want it to go.

Biggest problem I have is keeping the wife out of it.

 

I've been shopping for one lately, so I can only speak from test-drive experience, but that 2.0l engine is a dog. I redlined trying to pass someone on the freeway. The extra horsepower in the 2.4 is like night and day.

 

I have the sun/sound package and crack the sunroof to vent the heat out of the car while it's parked in the sun. I do enjoy the boston sound system also. I bought the car used and would never pay $1,200 for that option though....lol no way

If you don't have a ton of money then I'd get a one yr old patriot that's almost new. That way you let someone else take the depreciation hit. Chrysler products have "huge" depreciation. Then you can enjoy a car that still smells new and save 30-40% from the get go. No brainer.

You should be able to get in to a 1yr old 4x4 patriot that's "not" trail rated for under $16-17k

 

My only advice would be to get ALL the features you think you might like--they're a bear to retrofit. As someone else said--NIX the sunroof, you'll find that you won't use it that much and the ONLY good thing about it is that it can be cracked open to vent the car while parked in the sun. Premium sound is a personal thing, many on this forum have upgraded the standard door speaker with good results which could be a lot cheaper.

And unless you live in the snow country where you need to drive in it a lot--FWD is just fine. I go to our local mountains, and rarely use chains unless it is icy and I get by just fine.

Good luck in whatever you do!

 

I have a 2011 Latitude which I bought used (it was previously a rental vehicle in Colorado), it is 2.4L FDI with CVT transmission. I now have 50,000 miles on it (27,000 when I bought it). It runs like a top. Just make a 2600 mile trip to Arizona and back driving 70 to 75 all the way. Had plenty of power and averaged about 25 mpg overall. (driving a brick at 80, though brought that part down to 20 mpg) Only had to do routine oil changes to it, although I did add tow hooks in the front and a trailer hitch in the back. I owned 3 Cherokees before and while this is not a Cherokee, it is more than satisfactory. I think the "experts" are full of BS.

 

My $.02...


Yes get the 2.4.

If you don't need 4x4, don't pay for it. I survived a Cleveland winter just fine with 2wd and stock tires. I lived right in the city so never needed it. It's nice to have, but not necessary if you are looking to save a few bucks.

Do not get the sun/sound pkg. The sunroof is not that great in the pat, and is prone to leaking. Once you sit in one with the sunroof, you will notice how far back it is and how small. The audio that it gets bundled with is ok, but for less than $125 you can get new speakers to replace the stock system and it will sound even better.

I purchased an additional warranty with mine, and glad I did. It's not a lifetime one, but it will cover the vehicle until my payments are up at least.

I like the cvt, but I probably would like the new 6spd even more. Drive them and see which one you prefer. Both are plenty reliable. My roommate has the 5sp manual in his Pat, and he likes it, but I just prefer the automatic in an SUV.

I wish mine had the security group though, if anything just to have the tire pressure monitor display and the MPG readout.

I bought the Pat because it was the most space I could get for the price, and I love the classic jeep styling. The excellent reliability ratings are also great for piece of mind.

Hope you end up getting one!

 

Thanks! This is incredibly helpful information. My only little snag right now is that it seems to be--given the inventory around here--that if you want a 2.4L engine, you're going to have to go with a 4X4. That said, I'm going to keep my eyes open.

 

Im from england, uk so observations of the american model.

If you are doing long journeys or motorway miles get an auto dies if not the 2.4 petrol

You want 4x4 for the snow, the weathers only going to get worst

Not too sure about models, but my sport came with alloys, locks, power windows, aircon etc. i tinted the rear windows for the child and dog to keep it cool.

If you love your music, sound package is good. My 2008 has the boston accoustics which is very loud but the head unit is okish. Not too sure what the 2013/14 has.

 

Also get the lifetime powertrain warrenty if they still do it.

Us europe folk were never offered it

 

There are some good incentives on the 2014s out there. I paid 24k out the door for mine and it had almost everything except nav and the higher end stereo.

 

My window sticker:

https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share?s=XZ38jzPWSp8shtYd8hOUS0

 

You will not upgrade a four speaker sound system for 125 dollars that will sound better than a 9 speaker Boston Acoustics sound system with a subwoofer. And amp alone would cost 125 bucks, and you haven't installed tweeters, sub, or even replaced the door speakers yet.