Welcome! Chrylser doesn't repair CVT, it would need to be replaced. CVT used in Patriot is built by Jatco. Nissan has been using the same CVT for their cars for years. The 6 speed auto is also used by Hyundai. I'd suggest to go test drive both and see which ever one you like the most. Some people hate CVT, some love it. It definitely takes some time to get used to one. I'm actually one of those who likes it especially with manual shift option.

 

If it has the black wheels you might want to check the model year. If it has the black wheels it would be a limited edition Altitude. Those were only made in 2012 and your most likely looking at a year old vehicle. You can use that to your advantage and get a better price. Don't let the dealer lie and say its a 2013 model because it isnt.

Test out the CVT and 6 Speed. See if you can justify the difference between the two. I am very impressed with the quality of Hyundais. Several members of my family own them and I can tell they are well made.

The CVT is louder but you don't feel the changing of the gears. I haven't tested the 6 speed so thats up to you to test out.

Best of luck to you.

 

Look at it this way. If it's a CVT or a Traditional Automatic. A failure of either one is not going to be cheap to repair or replace. Even with a normal automatic, most of them are replaced with a refurbished unit anyway. So having to replace the entire CVT is not that much different

At this point, I would base the decision on what you personally like better to drive, the CVT or the 6 speed.

 

^^ I agree.

The powertrain warranty that comes with the vehicle is 5 year, 100,000 mile coverage. (whichever comes first).

You really do need to drive them both to see which you prefer. Remember, the CVT has a different feel, so do more than ride it around the dealer lot.

 

Thanks for the replies. Looking forward to test driving some earlier next week!!!

 

There were some altitudes made for the 2013 year. Since the altitude was sorta a 2012.5 package, it did continue on until the 2013 year, but died when the freedom editions came out in 2013.5

 

Does anyone know the size and weight difference between the two transmissions? Not that it matters but I'm curious how many moving parts are in each of them as well. The later model CVTs seem pretty solid.

 

The CVT has basically 4 moving parts, the each of the two planes that move in and out, the belt, and then the piece that engages reverse.

The 6 speed has obviously many more moving parts, not sure how many, and no idea on the weight, but I would guess a 50% increase in transmission weight.

 

At first, I was a little weary of the CVT, but it's really grown on me. I don't really have any issues with it.

 

I had the same choice, same price difference. I actually like the cvt better and it was worth it to go with a 2013 and be able to get some really nice extras for a lower price. The cvt does take a bit of different thinking, but actually the autostick on it seemed peppier and more responsive than the 6 speed to me. It does not have the normal sound or pause when "shifting." In flooring it, without using the autostick, there is a steady rising whine. If you want it to climb faster, use the autostick to "shift" down ("" because there are no actual gears).

I grew up on manual transmissions and almost went with a used one for that reason. I can say autostick it's the best off both worlds - you have the control when you want it and the rest of the time you can just drive. The 2014 fd1 has autostick too, it just was not as quick to respond - esp. it you were jumping several gears.

You will at first miss the sound of the car changing gears and the steady whine seems to irritate some people - although the vehicle is quieter than my 03 Liberty. Because of this I just don't understand the noise complaints.

Lastly both are proven transmissions, but the cvt is proven in the Patriot. To me the only real advantage in the 2014 is that it is a newer year on paper. That sums up my thinking - drive them both and then decide.

 

got mine a year old and saved $10,000.00 off the price. Even still smelled new.

 

Wish I could have done that. I looked for 18 months, and found exactly two used FDII patriots. one was a 2010 with 200Kmiles, and another was a 2007 a honda dealer wanted 19k for... So I went new, even new I had a choice of three or 4, and that included a compass...

 

I had the same choice as well but went with the 2013! I liked that I could get more features for a lower price. I just went into the dealer and told them what I wanted my payments to be. I originally wanted a 2014, but ended up with a nicer model than originally planned! I wasn't used to the CVT either, but I really like it! It's so fun to drive.

 

CVTs are never ideal for towing, so since they switched to the 6-speed auto i wonder why the towing rating hasn't been increased...

 

^^ I don't agree with you Medic about the towing capacity.
I think it's ideal when you're towing a lot of kg's (1.500 in EU).
Always in the right 'shift' , sometimes in Autostick in case you go uphill.
My experience is good compared to a manual 6-speed I drove before.

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For record, towing is hard on a vehicle period. Never use overdrive when towing, heats up tranny. Nissan had o/d on/off button on shift handle on 4 spd at not sure on Patriot 6 speed trannies. I tow to regional parks maybe an hour away max. 14 ft. aluminum boat and a 8 ft. open trailer. Maybe heavier stuff requires different thinking but 6 speed better have o/d optional for towing or it's equal to cvt for towing.