[FrankB2]

The manager tried to sell us 10 oil changes for $299, and never mentioned any free oil changes. It was the service desk guy that told us about the free oil changes when we were getting the keys, and synching the cell phones to the U-Connect. He didn't mention the Chrysler oil changes, so I'll give them a call...THANKS! The Focus came with lifetime oil changes.

I really bumming that we didn't get the alloy wheels! Women!!!! (Some women ). I want the OEM wheels, but that's likely to cost a bundle, and what the heck am I going to do with the stamped steel set and tire? Maybe they're worth $100 on craigslist. If we had bought the model with alloy wheels, bestbuy has a Kenwood stereo/DVD/Bluetooth/etc touch screen unit for $350; a LOT cheaper than buying wheels and tires! Oh well, at least she's getting the pinstriping.

 

[Murman]

Mount your winter tires on the stock steel wheels.

 

[dixiedawg]

Some dealers around here offer oil changes for life and some include tire rotations as well, I even heard of one that replaces tires for free as long as all service is done there. Most have something like that requirement, and I prefer to do my own work, when I can, weather permitting, etc.

 

[DavidAl]

The salesman was nice, but not a real talkative type.

That's actually a good thing. I have found that the more they talk, the more they lie.

David

 

[dixiedawg]

Reminds me of a joke, How do you know when a politician is lying? His lips are moving.

 

[FrankB2]

I've bought 3 new cars in the last 7 years, and it's really the managers that toss most of the BS my way: extended warranty, financing(!), insurance, etc. I went into this deal with a cashier's check in hand, and told the manager that I wasn't buying one single thing extra...NADA. He told me that they had to at least offer the extended warranty, etc, because of discrimination laws. I told him that I wasn't aware middle-age white males were the target of discrimination, and that he had better hurry his butt up before I had to leave for dinner....SERIOUSLY!

The salesman didn't try to push a higher priced model, and was a nice guy. He did the paperwork for the Patriot with steel wheels, and then did the paperwork again for the Patriot with alloy wheels. When my wife said she wanted the U-Connect radio, I asked his opinion. He said that he was willing to wait for her to decide on what made her happy. He could have used the opportunity to push a Latitude, etc, but didn't. 100% happy with Pete the salesman, and 100% not impressed with the manager's attempt to sell additional stuff.

We drove the Jeep around quite a bit yesterday, and it's dandy. The visibility is not nearly as good as my '96 GC, but it's acceptable. It zips through traffic nicely, has tight steering, road bumps and noise are nicely isolated, and the transmission isn't as weird as some have said. It does seem to stumble a hair on the way from 10mph to 45mph, but giving it more gas eliminates that. My wife will never notice that, and I'm one of those types that do. Even with being hypercritical, it's a decent Jeep for $20,000. Actually, I don't like the voice command U-Connect for songs on the USB port. It takes too long to listen to the menu, and I can scroll through manually in less time. I could see where it might be handy in hectic traffic, however. Some reviewers said the seat were hard, the dashboard not soft enough, etc, but I think the seats are dandy and don't want a vinyl/foam dashboard. While padded vinyl breaks down and cracks, so no thanks. The cruise control works very well also, and the resume function is very smooth. Some of the cruise control resume buttons I've used are a bit too aggressive, but this is just right. If I need to resume speed quickly, I'll just do it manually.

 

[can-am-pat]

Hi and congratulations on your purchase, as for winter driving, in any circumstance you will do much better with four winter tires. Good luck.

 

[marvin02]

. . . Actually, I don't like the voice command U-Connect for songs on the USB port. It takes too long to listen to the menu, and I can scroll through manually in less time. I could see where it might be handy in hectic traffic, however. . .

If the u-connect is similar to the one in my wife's Chrysler van then you can set the prompt level so that it does not list all the options before you can give a command.

The only issue with this is that the prompt level applies to all of the menus, so if you use a function that you haven't used before you may not know which command s work.

Of course the idea is for the driver to be able to make selections without removing the hands from the steering wheel.

 

[MrJeepR44]

If the u-connect is similar to the one in my wife's Chrysler van then you can set the prompt level so that it does not list all the options before you can give a command.

The only issue with this is that the prompt level applies to all of the menus, so if you use a function that you haven't used before you may not know which command s work.

Of course the idea is for the driver to be able to make selections without removing the hands form the steering wheel.

You can also skip the menu if you press the Uconnect voice button. It will beep and you simply give your answer. It took me a few months to figure out that trick

Sent from my Nexus 7 using AutoGuide App

 

[FrankB2]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll try that (might even read the manual ), and post my progress. It's a great idea, but we'll have to get more acquainted with the system.

P.S. Some friends and family saw the Patriot this afternoon, and it was a big hit! The dealer still has 34 Patriots on the lot, and I might have to see what the price looks like in a month......

 

[Earthworm51]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll try that (might even read the manual ), and post my progress. It's a great idea, but we'll have to get more acquainted with the system.

P.S. Some friends and family saw the Patriot this afternoon, and it was a big hit! The dealer still has 34 Patriots on the lot, and I might have to see what the price looks like in a month......

Read the Manual ? What's that ?

 

[FrankB2]

It's that booklet thingy that's still in shrink wrap....lol!

 

[JeepCares]

It's that booklet thingy that's still in shrink wrap....lol!

Not any more. You get a DVD that includes the Owner Manual.

 

[Murman]

Not any more. You get a DVD that includes the Owner Manual.

My 2011 PAT had a slip of paper in the portfolio that stated a call to the CDJ customer service folks would get the original owner a paper Owner's Manual.

I called, I have one.

 

[JeepCares]

That is correct. The original owner can get one complimentary paper manual. It has to be requested; it no longer comes with the vehicle.
The vehicle comes with a paper User Guide that hits the "highlights."

 

[Reef]

I hope you didn't order the Dome Light Shower Group. BEWARE! :doh:

 

[1STyEEpOWNER]

That is correct. The original owner can get one complimentary paper manual. It has to be requested; it no longer comes with the vehicle.
The vehicle comes with a paper User Guide that hits the "highlights."

Huh?
I just bought two. A latitude and a sport. They both came with a paper owners manual "thick" a DVD that highlights the basic functions, and in a nice Jeep military green canvass pouch.

The paper copy has much more details like oil recommendations, maintenance intervals etc...
The DVD is just a novelty. Useless.

Sent from my iPhone using Autoguide

 

[JeepCares]

I think the 2012 Patriot User Guide is 108 pages and the Owner Manual is over 500 pages.

Both are available to read/download from here.

 

[Lady Di]

I park along the road and get plowed in every winter. so long as I shovel a little path in front of my Patriot I can usually get out without much difficulty. Once I am on the road, snow is no problem. I find her very sure footed. No problem getting up a hill yet. Slow and steady!