Bye ... Hope you like that gas guzzling over weight beast.

By the way ... of course it drives better/different! Was that really a question in your mind? It's bigger than a Liberty (I had a pre-lowered 02 liberty beside one ... I know). The Patriot and FJ Cruiser are not even in the same class. If you liked the FJ cruiser styling, feel, power, and ride better in the first place then a GMC Arcadia, Chevy Equinox, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Jeep Liberty should have been your choice ... not the Patriot.

As for the resale value ... well, surprise, surprise. All vehicles lose a lot. That's why you have to drive them for 3+ years to gain any ground and that assumes you keep them in very good condition and don't over do the mileage.

 

Bye ... Hope you like that gas guzzling over weight beast.

By the way ... of course it drives better/different! Was that really a question in your mind? It's bigger than a Liberty (I had a pre-lowered 02 liberty beside one ... I know). The Patriot and FJ Cruiser are not even in the same class. If you liked the FJ cruiser styling, feel, power, and ride better in the first place then a GMC Arcadia, Chevy Equinox, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Jeep Liberty should have been your choice ... not the Patriot.


exactly it's apples and oranges. you're not going to compare a rav-4 to a grand cherokee either. and how do you compare a $16,000 ($24,000 because of add ons) to a $23,000 ($31,000 nicely equipped) car anyway. good luck with your toyota. next year you should look at a yukon hybrid, and then compare that to the fj. see how much money you lose in that deal.

 

Lets say you buy the FJ Cruiser for 30,000. The second you drive it off the lot its will be only worth 27,000. Keep in mind that since the pat is no new so not many dealers know what they can get for a used one. Your going to a non jeep dealer so the trade in will BE A LOT LESS. Trade in value can be neg. up more than that. ALso it depends on how well you take care of your veh, the options you have, and the miles. Also right know with the market anything that isnt a 4cyl. compact car is losing value as a trade in because of the market and the gas prices. You try to trade in the FJ Cruiser in 1 yr. and tell us then what one lost more value in a yr.

GOOD BYE

 

I would have bought the FJ if the price was a little more reasonable here in Canada....base model starts at $10,000 more then the Sport Patriot. It's a very nice ride and a real muti-purpose SUV....you can actually tow heavy stuff with it, very capable off road, gas mileage is pretty decent. It's a much better vehicle all around then the Patriot.
That said, I'm quite happy with the Pat so far for what I paid for it. It's a grocery getter to me, and my daily commuter. It's a great winter vehicle which is important here....

 

FYI, the car market is SOFT right now, you are not going to get a good trade in, ESPECIALLY from a non Chrysler dealer and ESPECIALY from a Toyota (or Honda for that matter) dealer. I personally can't stand the FJ for looks and pricing purposes, if I was spending more money and didn't care about mileage, I'd probably have looked into an Xterra. Anywho, don't let door hit ya where the good lord split ya with that attitude.

 

What's his estimate?

14,000 trade in...for those of you that are math challenged...that's a $10,000 drop in one year.

Patriots hold value about as well as their dome lights hold water, as well as their hinges hold the hood, and as well as the Patriot accelerates to freeway speed.

Yes, cars depreciate alot, especially during the first few years. That it is why it is very important to try to make the best decision in purchasing a new vehicle. Sorry you regret your decision, but you may be stuck with the pat for a few years. I'm just glad that after I traded in my junk GM truck I only paid about 8 grand for my 4x4 patriot and so far it has been a pretty good vehicle. Not perfect, but for the price I did not expect too much out of it. Mine also has not leaked, rattled or flapped thus far either.

 

So long hope you have better luck with the toy yota.

 

As we all know, the Patriot bases at about $15,000. Put five more into it, or maybe ten more into it and you've topped out the model. But at trade time, you're back to the base for the vehicle; or wholesale, for better or worse. Trading at one year into the vehicle is suicide, unless somebody just has to have it and pays you a premium for it; which has actually happened to me.

It's unfortunate you're dissatisfied with the product. Drive it or sell it. Take your losses. The rest of your complaint is your problem. You have to go pee-pee, just go. Telling everyone in the room about it doesn't help.

 

So, continuing with my Patriot bashing...this time on the vehicle actually holding some of it's purchase value. This may hurt some feelings, but I don't drink the Patriot Kool-aid...it is what it is. Read 'em and weep.

2007 Trail Rated Limited CVT2, etc...etc. 23000 miles.

Dropped by the Toyota dealership to take a look at the FJ Cruiser and see if I could get out from underneath this Patriot before the warranty expires (not that the warranty has been of any actual use, as I've said before....Chrysler sucks). While the sales manager was taking the 4cylinder rattling flappymobile out for a test drive, I jumped into an FJ and took a little spin.

2 seconds after I started driving the FJ, I realized what a horrible mistake I made buying the Patriot. The FJ takes bumps smoothly (nice and soft), without that hard jarring the Patriot does even in driveway gutters...it accelerates smoothly and has power to spare at 70MPH. Compare that to the Patriot that, when floored at 65MPH, does nothing but redline....all this for a loss of about 2 MPG. The blind spots are pretty bad, but nothing worse than the Patriot was to get used to.

So I get back to the dealership and the manager had finished with his trade in estimate. Keep in mind I walked out of the Chrysler dealership a little over a year ago after writing a check for 24 thousand dollars and some change.

What's his estimate?

14,000 trade in...for those of you that are math challenged...that's a $10,000 drop in one year.

Patriots hold value about as well as their dome lights hold water, as well as their hinges hold the hood, and as well as the Patriot accelerates to freeway speed.

..and your point being? even the almighty-toyotas lose value, heck i bet the FJ will lose at least 10000 in the first year as well. you dont buy a car and then trade it within a year and expect to get the same price you paid for it :doh:

 

sorry to resurrect a 14 year old post… but the FJ’s are currently selling for more now, 20 years later, than they did brand new. At least here in Australia

 

If you think that beast only gets 2 mpg's less than the patriot you are in for a shock. There is no V6 equiped suv out there that gets even close to the patriot. I get 23mpg in all city driving. That FJ may see 23mpg on the highway but no where near that in city driving. But hey if you enjoy handing over your money to the oil companies go buy the FJ. As for me the patriot is the best vehicle I ever bought.

 

The "new" EPA estimates show 18-22 on my Patriot, and they show 16-20 on the FJ. I get almost 25 in my Patriot. I'm figuring I'd get 22 out of the FJ...but they're all estimates.

Wouldn't be thinking about selling it if it was worth keeping. Thing just has too many problems that are common that Chrysler isn't willing to fix. Besides, it's not fun to drive...it's lethargic and noisy.

Might be able to squeeze 18 grand out of it private party, but not too optimistic about selling it here. Have to move it down to southern california to get rid of it.

If I do decide to put it in the paper, I won't bother installing the supersliders...so I may have a set of those for sale if anyone's interested.

Can't take a 10K hit though, that's not gonna happen.

 

The "new" EPA estimates show 18-22 on my Patriot, and they show 16-20 on the FJ. I get almost 25 in my Patriot. I'm figuring I'd get 22 out of the FJ...but they're all estimates.

Oh, that's a good one about the 22 MPG on the FJ Cruiser. According to fueleconomy.gov the numbers are 16 city/20 highway for the automatic version. Oh, did anyone mention to you that the FJ Cruiser is recommended to use premium gasoline? $$$

The reason why the Patriots numbers from the EPA are lower than most people are getting is due to the fact that it was a very new vehicle and relatively untested in the real world. The FJ cruiser has been around for awhile and unless it lost some weight recently and/or has seen a significant change in transmission/axles it's not going to gain 10% fuel economy overnight.

 

there are VERY FEW used cars that 'hold their value'. my Toyota Corolla is one, but it's still not worth what i paid for it.

the only USED car todays market that is worth as much or more than what was paid for it new may be the smart car.

that's only because there's a 22 MONTH WAIT to get one! :wow:

 

There are a bunch of those 4-2 "smart" cars on a lot near my work.......not quite so popular here I guess cause it snows
Personally I wouldn't be caught in one of those things, I think they would be a death trap if you hit anything larger then a bicycle or a pedestrian.

 

You do realize that you lost the first 20-25% just by driving it off the dealers lot?? If you also do not realize that a Jeep Patriot is basically an entry level vehicle-meaning that in a few years you will come back and move up to the next Jeep vehicle like a Liberty or Grand Cherokee. While it is true that some vehicles hold their value better than others,but, in the long run the 4 cylinder Pat will hold a better value 3 years down the road than a GAS PIG SUV WILL.
I have been watching the resale value of smaller cars over the past couple of months and they are going up and the bigger vehicles are going down-once again because of GAS MILEAGE.
The other factor that hurts trade-in value is higher mileage per year. your has 23,000 miles on it-that also hurts resale value-a lower mileage vehicle will always demand a higher trade-in and resale price.
Tom
So if you do not like it trade it and SHUT UP ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Folks, I'm not defending anyone's comments, just stating that we can discuss this without being abusive. I do see where some are allowing their loyalty, and lack of same, of the Patriot, to heat up the thread, so, please, LET'S KEEP IT CIVIL.

 

No worries...I don't take this stuff as seriously as some others do. Let 'em say what they will. I'm criticizing the vehicle, not the people that bought one...some don't get that. They'll get over it.

Interesting that the FJ looks a lot like what we all thought the Patriot was going to look like with the aftermarket parts. Aftermarket never came through, another disappointment in the vehicle.

The Vaporware SEMA Patriot

The Stock FJ Cruiser

 

Common Sense

Stop and think for a minute. The dealership is ALWAYS going to give you a offer that is pretty bad on a trade in. Why? Because they want to make money off of your vehicle! Right now, many Jeep dealerships can't keep the Jeep Patriot on their lots. I just bought mine two weeks ago, and it was on a dealer trade. The dealer I went to only had 3 on the lot and they were the base models. Toyota played you well my friend. They knew they could turn that vehicle quick, and make some dough out of it! FJ? Are you kidding me? Pretty ugly if you ask me. The local mall uses them as patrol cars and we laugh every time we see them. I'm happy that Patriot is going to someone that will deserve it

 

! Right now, many Jeep dealerships can't keep the Jeep Patriot on their lots.

I dont know, I went to my local lot in Benton, seemed to be quite a few there, I didnt bother counting, I guess about 15 or more. They even had a surf blue sport with aluminum wheels and sunroof that I wanted. I am waiting on the 09's and my bonus check.

 

The entry level Toyota FJ is $15,000 more than the Jeep Patriot. It all comes down to what you want your vehicle to do for you.

In fact you could almost purchase one 4x4 Patriot and one 2x4 Patriot for the price of the Toyota FJ. I sure hope it is better. With fuel costs as high as they are you can probably find a used FJ at a good price.

 

Why the rant?
The Patriot is what it is, an affordable, practical 4x4 with ok mpg.
If you thought you were getting a FJ, or a Range Rover that’s a bigger problem you have.

 

In regards to "Myth #101: Your Patriot will hold it's value", I have to add my two cents worth in favor of the rest of the responders...and that is "math 101"

Comparing apples to oranges is never going to win any arguments. Sorry you feel you've lost out, but most of the rest of us are happy with our Patriots--and for your information, I'm getting around 26 average here in the triple digit weather here in the central valley, but my foot is light!

I remember a co-worker that bought a new car--make and model not important--but he basically updated his ride for a newer one of the same make/model, based upon some dealer incentives, and decided to sell his two year old car himself rather than trading it in--"after all," he exclaimed, "they'll screw me on the value!" Well, that was August 2001, and we all know what happened that next month and what happened to the economy! He put his rig up on ebay and got 1/2 of what the dealer was going to offer. We can't always predict the future, but we should learn from the past--that being, this has been a soft economy for several years now.

 

Who said pats will hold their value? They have incredible incentives for buying new, which decrease the value at trade in. This is not a vehicle you buy and trade in a year later, and in all reality, if it was exactly one year before, and you knew you weren't going to keep it, you should have gotten an 08' they were availible....

Next thing you know you'll claim Mexicans are trying to steal our land... oh wait....

Jeepster, smart cars are showing up on used lots left and right. The ride sucks, and the MPG isn't as great as you might think. And its so small, if anything hits it, it'll flip or just disintegrate. Basically if you put a box around a lawn mower, you have a smart car.

Wait for the toyota IQ. It should have a better ride, and less wait.

 

Talk about bad resale, there is a lot here that has a TV show, they are constantly buying 1-2 year old Impalas and Grand Pris and selling them for 13-14k with LOW mileage and these are 22k-24 cars when new. They have had a few 04-05 Explorers (decenly loaded models with low mileage too) that are selling for 9995, and yes, there is no 1 in front of that. Imagine, a 30k SUV 3 years down the line and probably getting what, 6-7k in trade in? the market is SO soft right now it's insane so IMHO, 14k isn't too bad, remember they have to be able to resale the vehicle and make money off of it. Good luck whatever you decide and sorry if I got a little heated earlier.

 

Did anyone really think that a Chrysler product would hold its value well when they're made so cheaply?

 

Did anyone really think that a Chrysler product would hold its value well when they were made so cheaply during the Daimler Chrysler era and we are still stuck with their designs?

Corrected that for you, the 90s Chrysler products we have had were all great vehicles, my dad's LHS never gave him 1 issue (and the thing is still on the road with over 200k miles with it's current owner), my dad's 96 Cherokee has nearly 200k on the clock and is holding together just fine and my brother's 99 Dakota R/T (though as of now it has aftermarket suspension, fully built transmission, and a fully built 426 stroker) has no squeaks and rattles and has held up to all the abuse (and their has been A LOT) just fine, the interiors were as good or better than comparable vehicles offered at the time, and they were put together well, until the reign of Daimler........

Anyways, does any Domestic car, besides maybe the Terminator Cobras or GT500 and possibly SRT-8 versions of the Challenger? What I think is fun is that Americas Sports car, the Corvette holds it's calue rather terribly, you can get 04 Z06s for the 25k range now, the funny thing is the 04 Cobras, which were about 3/5 the price of the Z06 when new carry the same price which is just excellent no matter who makes it, but when you can get an 07 Impala LT with 15k miles for 13,995, an 06 Fusion for 12k and 06 Charger R/Ts for less than 20, well......

 

...here is my story. I bought 1992 Cherokee for $13k OTD and trade it in with 125k miles in 1999 for $4.5k! I think that was pretty good deal from my side, and I believe that dealer was not loosing money either. I buy new cars and keep them till I like some new more. This is my 3rd Jeep and I like it the most of all other ones! When you want to change car every year you have to own dealership or have the money to take your loss! If none of above is true you have to live with is!?

 

I absolutely loathe my Patriot but the FJ Cruiser is... Well I like it about as much the next guy likes the PT Cruiser or HHR. Something about the FJ Cruiser just screams "LOOK AT ME, I am a pompous ass".

If you are interested in a crossover that is not a Jeep; then you might want to consider something like a Nissan Murano, Saturn Outlook, Honda CR-V, Subaru Tribeca or if you want something priced closer to the Patriot's cost then you might consider a Hyundai or Kia they have comparable models in the price range.

 

1- dealer trade in is junk
2- you paid about 7,000 more than you should have to begin with, sorry.
3-you bought an 07 which is what I would call a bad year as many had serious leaks.
4- you got ripped off when you bought your pat
5- you are getting ripped off again with the new vehicle and the trade.

try going to edmounds and other places and find the invoice price.
take about 10% of that price. That is your starting offer.
Use online methods to contact all dealers.

I got my 08 sport using online at 15,800 or so..invoice was 15,400. I paid too much. How much was the 'dealer' final price on the ticket? Over 21,000.

Save money and trade in by
1- not paying much over invoice
2- never trading in your vehicle to dealer.


I like my pat cause it was less than 16k, runs fine, and is a little suv.

 

The FJ is another really good looking option. The problem is that I haven't seen many good colors that it comes in. The Yellow is okay, but would tire rather quickly. I have seen a very not tough looking maroon, a white that the roof blends into to, a funky light blue, well black is okay, but seems like they blew it on colors a bit.

To each his own. Just FYI, my experience with the Patriot couldn't be more different. It is super smooth from transmission to suspension. It is capable, fuel efficient, and the best looking vehicle on the road.

Yes, buying a new vehicle in its first year of production is always risky.

Best of luck. Entire post sounds a little sour grape-ish.:blah:

 

First off, Oneinch, you never took the time to learn to drive the CVT properly. Many people here have posted tips on driving the Patriot variable transmission with good results.

Second, The FJ costs much more to start with. Almost double what my Patriot cost.

Third, I would compare the FJ to the Wrangler, not the Patriot. Of course, you can't take the top off of the FJ so what fun is that?

Fourth, It is well worth $10,000 to avoid the embarrassment of being seen in a Toyota. epper:

Oddly enough I like the FJ. It is the only Toyota I like, have ever liked. Unlike boxy the old ,Jeep like, Land Cruiser, it's unique styling and color choices set it apart from all other vehicles. However; I would never buy one because, considering what shape our country is in right now, socially and economically, buying a foreign made car is irresponsible. You made the right choice. Keep the Patriot. Learn to drive it correctly, and enjoy.

 

Oddly enough I like the FJ. It is the only Toyota I like, have ever liked. Unlike boxy the old ,Jeep like, Land Cruiser, it's unique styling and color choices set it apart from all other vehicles. However; I would never buy one because, considering what shape our country is in right now, socially and economically, buying a foreign made car is irresponsible. You made the right choice. Keep the Patriot. Learn to drive it correctly, and enjoy.

The only good fj was the fj40 but few of you are old enough to remember that one.

The blue fj cruiser with the white top looks like a "smurfmobile" to me.

Yes, buying a foreign branded car is irresponsible for an American Patriot.

BTT......To OP......ALL vehicles depreciate more than we like. The key is to do some research into what is what and what your needs are and what you need/want BEFORE you TEST DRIVE and BUY so you are not changing vehicles every year. Comparing two vehicles that are NOTHING alike and one costs almost twice as much and is a more powerful v6 which needs premium fuel and has a t-case with 4lo is not a comparison.

The Patriot will run circles around an fj cruiser in everything except off road abilities. The Patriot is in a different class and beats out everything in it's class with capability, etc, etc as most of you are well aware. I could go on and on but I won't. This thread will do it for me.