Jeep Patriot Forums banner

i want buy a Patriot but which engine???

18K views 45 replies 18 participants last post by  RossoRacer  
#1 ·
i want buy a patriot, my dealer here in swiss talk and say the 2.4 engine are very bad and not good.....but i have not find many negativ.

i want a 4x4 with automatic tranny.

i use the car only on street.

which engine you guys can recommend my for a long patriot time.:D



thx for feedbacks!
 
#2 ·
First off, welcome aboard. Secondly, here in America the 2.4L World engine is the more popular choice as it offers more power and only maybe 1 mile per gallon less than the 2.0L World engine, our only other option. Not to mention the 2.4L is the only one available with 4WD. If you plan on doing only street driving, you don't need 4WD, and probably don't even need a Jeep, though I can understand you wanting the low price and simplicity of a Patriot. I'm not sure about the engine options available overseas, except that they're a little smaller, but turbocharged with more power and much better fuel economy than in America. CVT is very underrated though, it's very smooth and a good option if you can get one.
 
#3 ·
Just saw your welcome thread. I have extended family in Switzerland, some of them branched off and migrated to Detroit in the late 1800's.
 
#4 ·
yes i know i don't need really a 4wd and i don't need a jeep, but i want it! :)

here in swiss we have all engine but with auto tranny only the 2.4.

are the 2.4 a poor engine with issues or i must go really with a diesel........i don't like very a diesel:)


from where are your family in swiss?
 
#6 ·
If automatic and/or 4x4, then 2.4L. If manual, then 2WD and 2.0L.
 
#7 ·
Don't recall exactly where offhand the old Hirt clan is from, somewhere near the Lion of Lucerne I think. Never been outside the continental 48 states, so I don't even know exactly where that is. I would recommend looking for a place to play if you're gonna get 4WD though, maybe even get a lift and better tires. The Patriot is pretty capable, and can be an extremely fun plaything....if somewhat unnerving to those of us who can't always afford repairs, lol. CVT never ceases to amaze, either.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I researched the GEMA engines quite a bit before purchase. In 2009 Chrysler bought out the rights to the engine from Hyundai/Mitsubishi. My professional Jeep mechanic friend told me that since then, Chrysler made a few improvements to make a good engine even better.

My search of the GEMA engine reliability turned up NO major flaws or problems. One engine rebuilding site stated that they only work on these engines for general wear, not catastrophic or pre mature failure. Google other engines, i.e. Subaru, and you get hundreds to thousands of "problem" hits.

I have shared this here before: The engine seems to be very reliable and trouble free. BUT, it seems to be "unrefined" compared to most newer engine designs. It's power output is mediocre (but adequate) for it's size. It's a bit "buzzy" or noisy under heavy acceleration......relative to newer engine designs that are smoother and quieter. Test drive one and discover that it drives just fine. I value reliability. I'm glad it doesn't have GDI (gas direct injection) and other complex technologies.

Since both the 2.0 and 2.4 are not known as powerhouses, I favor the 2.4. Google "GEMA engine problems" and be pleasantly surprised.

Good luck. In my opinion, the GEMA engine reliability factor is one of the best attributes of the Patriot.
 
#10 ·
The 2.4's are great. I hear more problems about the diesel turbo's having issues than and thing with the 2.4, but even that's only a few. Have never heard of a 2.4 on this forum going completely dead for no reason (other than no-start issues due to electronics on older models). Although they won't win you any stop light to stop light races, they are very good and cheap to maintain. Grab a 2.4 with the Auto transmission and you will be happy. :
 
#11 ·
Mine is FWD with the 2.4 and I love it. I'm presently at 165,000 miles, and the engine has given me no problems at all. I live in northern New England (Northeastern tip of USA). We have lots of hills & mountains here, and plenty of snow. I can get around just fine all winter with FWD and good snow tires.

I wanted the 2.4 because it has more power. It puts out 20% more than 1hp per cid which is a pretty strong ratio.

From what I hear of the diesels, they are to be preferred, but not available in USA.
 
#13 ·
2.4L all the way. I test drove both and the 2.0 did not satisfy at all. I only test drove automatic CVT's though, not any manual 5 speed or 6 speed automatics.
 
#14 ·
Had my Patriot for 2 years.This is the poorest quality build,quirkiest,and most unrefined vehicle ive ever owned however i must say the 2.4 seems reliable yet noisey and unrefined.Kinda like a briggs and stratton engine
 
#16 ·
Poor quality interior compared to a Cadillac maybe, but it's simple, rugged, utilitarian, functional, durable, etc. All the things a Jeep should be.
 
#18 ·
As far as I know we can't run E85, though in Michigan and many other places the gas gets about 15% or so ethanol put into it, which can take about $0.50 USD off the price in some places, but also makes it less efficient compared to pure gasoline.
 
#20 ·
If I thought it were that limited, maybe. But it just doesn't seem worth it, and my Jeep was designed to run on pure gasoline. So any chance I get(at least Iowa actually gives the option), I'm going to run pure gasoline.
 
#21 ·
which is great now. Most refined gas comes from USA. Not sure percentage. OPEC oil is crude when shipped. That's okay because the bi products are valuable. Most refined oil and ethanol are refined using wind energy. Especially Sinclair refineries in the mountain states. Those turbines are always moving at night when I go through the farms.:D
 
#22 ·
We bought a 2014 2.4 4x4 automatic and it's been great so far. It's my wife's daily driver / grocery getter / kids hauler and it will never see off-roading. We wanted something economical, practical and easy on the pockets to maintain. It's also nice knowing she has easy to use 4 wheel drive to use when the snow gets a little deep in these parts. I say go for the 2014 automatic 4x4 and you'll be happy.
 
#25 ·
The MPG's are nearly identical for both engines. I prefer the final drive gear ratio in the 2.4L for freeway cruising.

I wouldn't consider a 2.0 unless maybe paired with a manual transmission. Even then I wouldn't want it specifically.
 
#27 ·