drivetrain, interior, and suspension are all similar if not the same as the caliber. Chrysler just put bigger springs and tweaked a couple things for the patriot. They can be lifted and they can be lowered. I would consider them to be more of a trail runner than an offroader, the fact that you can lower it more with bolt-on's than you can lift it should clue you into that. They do perform excellent in snow/mud/dirt. Some people have buried them in mud and gotten out. I have an 08 that has had no issues whatsoever with 87k miles on it with the cvt. The cvt is a love/hate relationship. no performance whatsoever in these. they are cruisers, not racers. in 2010 they restyled the interior, but left the exterior the same until '11 Some people like the newer interior, I cant get over the Pontiac Grand Am "ball" vents in them... The sun roof was an issue for early year pats, just make sure they have the NEW drain hoses installed. Cost of maintenance isnt bad, but it does run about $300 USD for a transmission flush if you have the CVT, but that at LEAST every 60k miles. If you get one with a tow package make sure it has a tranny cooler. I hear there was some speculation with getting a lower temp thermostat for the cooler, but I could be wrong. All in all, they are pretty cool rigs. When I bought mine it was either this or a '12 escape... I still think I made the right choice.
Hope this helps a little

 

I was really hoping they weren't based on the Caliber by much. I recently avoided buying a Caliber as a service vehicle for my company on the advice of friend int he used car biz. I realize the Patriot isn't a true off roader but I wouldn't be using it that way, mostly want the AWD for snow and the occasional back road. I will hauling a utility trailer for an ATV and some yard use so the towing part is important to me, although I don't need to tow 3500 lbs.

 

well these are the MK platform, meaning they are the same platform as the 2007+ calibers and compasses. The PM caliber, which are the older original ones, are absolute garbage from what I've seen. The only main issue I've seen with this platform is a rare few experience ball joint issues. I've had no suspension issues whatsoever, even with factory struts and lowering springs at 87k miles, the ride is still tight and quiet.

 

I've got 160,000 miles on my Patriot and I still love it; that should tell you a lot. I expect it to go to 200,000 anyway, maybe 250,000. The comfort and fuel economy compare well to a car: I average 28-29mpg overall, never below 26 even once, and driving easy on a spring day, I can consistently get 33+ on long trips. I doubt you'll do as well with 4wd but some threads seem to suggest they still get pretty good FE.

The Patriot shares its platform with the Dodge Caliber. When I bought my 08 Patriot I was looking for a car to replace my 2001 Grand Prix and the Patriot gives me all a car should, and more. I'd ruled out the Avenger and the Caliber because I didn't like their comparatively harsh ride. Curiously, the Patriot has a softer ride which I prefer. The Patriot also felt bigger, probably because it sits higher, and I love the interior space. My cousin drives a CRV and she is about my height, tad heavier, and bought the CRV even though she wasn't comfortable in it because she and her husband are too loyal to Honda. I've driven hers and I do feel a bit cramped but its tolerable. If I just had to buy a Honda I could do it.

Maintenance issues? What are they? Seriously, I've never gotten 100,000 miles out of brakes before! That's remarkable. Known issues seem to be the front end and sunroof leaks. I don't have a sunroof -- no leaks anywhere else, either-- and the front end has lasted well beyond my expectations. As for the front end, because the Patriot handles rough roads very well, I know I tend to drive it harder than I would a car over those roads and that could be why some have had problems. While the ride feels good, the front end components are taking a beating. There's at least one state road around here that has so many frost-heaves and pot-holes I can't drive Wifey's Saturn at the speed limit (simply can't!) and I will go a dozen miles out of my way to avoid that 20 miles stretch. However, the Patriot has no problems handling that road I have to watch my speed. Hence, wear & tear on the front end.

Some hate the CVT but it is the same Jatco unit as in Nissans where people speak well of it. On hilly roads I love the CVT because it doesn't constantly up-shift & down-shift like a conventional automatic -- it just purrs a little more fervently. Some say it sounds like a chain-saw when accelerating, but I didn't buy this for street performance, I bought it for fuel economy, durability and winter snow. My CVT died at 110,000, but that seems rare. Mine was replaced under the lifetime warranty. The CVT fluid is virtually maintenance-free unless you're driving in severe conditions. I'd never had mine changed and there was no quarrel from the dealer or Chrysler when the trans had to be replaced. [God forbid, if your trans gives you trouble, you can go to Nissan and have it fixed. Chrysler will only replace it.]

I agree w/ moparnumber1 that the Patriot is better suited for trail-riding than off-roading, and I'd say its better suited for either than the CRV. Mine only has FWD and I've never had problems in snow and its seen plenty. With good tires it will handle hills & curves just fine. I prefer it over Wifey's Wrangler on a snow-covered highway because it has much better latteral stability so the ruts won't throw you. I've taken it on trails I shouldn't have ventured onto and got away with it.

Only caveat is how well the previous owner treated it. When you buy any used vehicle, remember, the previous owner got rid of it for a reason. You will find something. I grieve when I see somebody with temp plates broken down on the side of the road.

The Patriot is as good as any and better than most. Happy driving. :Racing:

 

Only caveat is how well the previous owner treated it. When you buy any used vehicle, remember, the previous owner got rid of it for a reason. You will find something. I grieve when I see somebody with temp plates broken down on the side of the road.

The Patriot is as good as any and better than most. Happy driving. :Racing:

That's why when you buy used pick up a leased vehicle (about 2 years old) so you know it wasn't traded in because of a problem but because the lease ran out.

 

Just saw your comment about pulling a trailer. The Patriot, even with the tow package, is only rated at 1800lbs.

 

10-12000 Loonie won't buy you much of a Patriot. That's like us buying a 8500-9000 USD Patriot. That low a budget will put you in a 2007-8 Pat but cash in hand is always better. Find a Patriot that needs usual servicing like worn etc. but with a good drivetrain. Finace it over price and repairs and you should be set. GL.

 

Towing isn't a issue, most class 2 hitches are only rated for 1500lbs anyways. My wife Rav4 is only rated for 1500lbs and I have no issues with that. If I want to haul somethign heavier I have use of an 2012 E250 that hauls a lot more.

 

I've actually found a few 2010 or 2011 for my budget with mid range mileage, if I wanted a FWD I can easily find them within my budget. Kind of the reason why I am looking into them, they seem to be easily found where a Rav4 or CRV are header to come by, even a high mileage mid 2000's CRv or Rav4 are hard to come by. A comparable CRV or Rav4 is easily 4 to 5 grand higher than a Patriot or Compass. I wouldn't lie, I would prefer a older or higher mileage CRV to a newer low mileage Jeep, buying one would go against ever thing I'd always owned in the past. But when you want something newer and affordable there isn't many options. I originally set out to buy a small truck but with limited options for a quad cab in a quarter ton I decided I didn't really need a truck so I started looking at cars or a small mini van, not happy with anything I started looking at SUV's. They quickly made the most since even tho owning two SUV's didn't seem to. Almost but a 09 Forrester but it was a couple grand higher than i wanted to spend so I didn't. I've been searching for a couple of months now and haven't turned up much.

 

Heres what is available around me, there is more Compass's than Patriots, still prefer the Patriot.

Patriot
http://www.autotrader.ca/cars/jeep/...ater/?prx=250&prv=Nova+Scotia&loc=Bridgewater,+NS&sts=Used&yRng=2009,&hprc=True


Compass
http://www.autotrader.ca/cars/jeep/...ater/?prx=250&prv=Nova+Scotia&loc=Bridgewater,+NS&sts=Used&yRng=2009,&hprc=True

 

Heres what is available around me, there is more Compass's than Patriots, still prefer the Patriot.

Patriot
http://www.autotrader.ca/cars/jeep/...ater/?prx=250&prv=Nova+Scotia&loc=Bridgewater,+NS&sts=Used&yRng=2009,&hprc=True

First of all welcome to the forum! Where we all debated buying a patriot or compass at one time or another. I bought my patriot because it met the criteria I was looking for at the time (could handle nasty deer hunting & fly fishing roads, enough cargo room to haul large laser printers for my business, great gas mileage for commuting and most of all.........they are dirt cheap ... primarily because it's a chrysler product which means the value tanks almost 35% after one year! which makes them a killer deal to buy used)

from your link above i like that 2011 5spd manual for $12k. I test drove both trannys and liked how much more responsive & powerful the 5-speed was (but went with the CVT tranny because of the offroad package).
Keep in mind the model year 2011+ patriots are a lot nicer to drive than the older ones. Rav4 and CRV ride like tall cars whereas the patriot/compass ride more like a compact truck. If you want an everything 4x4 vehicle that gets great gas mileage... then get the patriot.

Just keep in mind there are 5 different patriots:

1. 4x2 manual 29 mpg
2. 4x2 auto 27mpg
3. 4x4 manual 26mpg
4. 4x4 auto 24mpg
5. 4x4 auto offroad edition 21mpg

(mpg's are real world info based off figures on this forum)

For what you want to do I would recommend #3 or #4

 

I could go either with the transmission, I lean towards the automatic but it's whatever I can get the best deal on.

A buddy of mine at a local dealer just got an 08 CRV in on trade, it's a mid level package AWD with 150,000kms (93750miles) and they want 13,000 for it. I think that's ****ing ridiculous. We bought our 08 Rav4 about 2 years ago with 40,000kms for 14,000. The CRV or Rav4 might be a slightly better product but I can't justify the price difference.

What package is the most capable for the 4x4 aspect? I see a lot of North Editions and Sport with a few Limited. Is there a Trail Rated version?

 

Good to know, I believe we were looking a the 07 to 08 Caliber. I wasn't all that interested in them so I guess the first chance I got to ignore them I took.

I found a private sale on a 08 Patriot with just under 100,000kms for a couple grand lower than my budget. I'm going to check it out tomorrow, it will at least give me a starting point.

 

I'd recommend getting the newest year model you can afford. In 2009 the interior was revamped. In 2011 non FDII models received an additional inch of ground clearance.

 

In 2011 non FDII models received an additional inch of ground clearance.

Whats FDII?

 

Freedom Drive II or Trail Rated model.

 

Alright, I'm going to ask another dumb question.

Whats the difference between the two?

 

From the factory the FDII came with (that the FDI did not, unless it had a special package)
Skid plates
Tow hooks
Oil Cooler
215/65-17 Wrangler SR-A tires

Things that came on the FDII patriot that is unavailable in any form on the FDI patriots, and cannot be added:
Lower final gear giving it is 19:1 crawl ratio
Hill decent control
More aggressive BLD's (brake lock differentials)


The FDII is more capable if you are doing actual off road stuff, but comes at a penalty of MPG, I averaged 21 mpg if I was driving, the wife, who drives very short 1-2 mile trips would average 18mpg. (this was lifted and with 245/65-17 tires)

 

Wikipedia has a pretty good explanation on the FDI and FDII, there's also a video on Youtube somewhere that also shows how the systems work.

Freedom Drive I is a light duty full-time electronically controlled all wheel drive system with a locking mode to set the front/rear torque split for especially slippery conditions in the Jeeps derived from the Chrysler/Mitsubishi GS Platform.

Freedom Drive II uses the same hardware as the FDI system but adds a lower axle gear ratio in conjunction with the CVT to simulate the benefits of a 19:1 low-range transfer case for off-road use. This function is an alternate program in the CVT and is not a transfer case function. FDII also adds hill descent control system, off-road tuned traction control, and electronic stability program. The Patriot with FDII also feature longer suspension travel(all 4x4, post 2011 models have the same suspension), skid plates, tow hooks, and a full-size spare tire. This enables the FDII-equipped Patriot to wear the "Trail Rated" badge from Jeep. Trail Rated Jeep vehicles are determined by meeting several requirements of off-road conditions including water fording, articulation, and other tests.

 

So it's sounds like I should be looking for a 09+ 4x4 with a towing package, FDII no sunroof.

 

I wouldn't get a FDII unless you actively plan on pushing it off road. Otherwise you'll never use its added electronic features and regret having the poorer MPGs. Tow hooks, skid plates and oil cooler can all be added after the fact for not a lot of money.

I had a FDII and would buy one again, but I also live in an area where I went out 2-3 times a month wheeling. and it rarely got driven, I averaged under 700 miles/month.

 

OK, littler easier to find a FD1 than. I looked around a but and only turned up one. I guess I like the idea of a more capable off roader but in reality it would rarely see it. Most off roading I do is a couple of woods roads to get to some ATV trails a couple of times a year. If the FDI is just as capable for the snowy roads than thats all I need. The extra ground clearance is appealing so maybe I should try to find an 2011+.

 

I have 63k miles on my 2010, never got around to rotating the tires, and right now, I'm at 2/32nds RF, 3/32nds LF, 6/32nds LR, and 5/32nds RR on three of the SR-As that came on it, and one(LF) that's barely a year newer than the rest. Never a problem with the CVT, and would never recommend a Patriot without one. Only leak is from the top of the hatch, and that's just a trickle in heavy rain. Suspension got squeaky about 35k miles in back in Sept. 2012 or so, but it was fixed free under warranty. I only paid the gas to get it to the dealer for that. Rear brake pads replaced in summer 2012, front pads replaced Oct. 2012. Probably gonna get new brake pads and rotors not long after I get new tires.

 

A family friend is selling a 08 limited with s standard trans and 108,000kms. In decent shape, price is a little high at 10,000 i think. Any opinions?

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ewater/jeep-patriot-2008-4x4-limited/1004279101?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

The price is a bit high but this package Limited 4x4 + 5MT is hard to find.

 

Don't buy cars from people you know...

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Don't buy cars from people you know...

That is good advice.

Also, if you're looking at '08 or '09 remember that Chrysler was in big trouble and was selling at give-away prices just to generate cash. I bought my '08 new in January '09. Aside from the CVT it was pretty basic, but I got them to throw in the crossbars, cruise control and fog lights as part of the deal. All for a hair less than $15,000USD. Also figure nobody north of NJ wants a FWD Jeep, especially in January . . . except me! . . . so the dealer had been sitting on it for awhile. I just wanted something that could handle snowy roads, and my FWD Patriot does that in spades.

A couple years later I saw a virtually identical '08 Patriot at the same dealer with 15,000 miles and of course it was 2 years old, for the same price I paid new. So if somebody is selling an '08 or '09, they probably got it for short money.

 

Looks like a pretty decent deal(does 2.5L in Canada=2.4L elsewhere, or just a typo?), but I'd recommend trying to find one with the CVT. I've heard of problems with the 5-speed, like there wasn't as much thought put into it as the revamped CVT. Plus, the CVT is alot smoother, no need to downshift to higher RPMs than necessary to pass or climb a hill.

 

Not really a person I know, just a friend of a uncle. I actually found the ad online and only found out who it was after emailing. I was going to offer lower, maybe 1500 lower and see where it goes. The comparable Patriots for an 08 are priced lower, not Limited's tho but given this is a standard the value should be lower.

What are the issues with the 5 speed?

I'm giving up a very reliable and super low cost of ownership 08 Civic sedan for this so i want to make sure I am making a smart move. I haven't owned a domestic in a lot of years and have never owned a Chrysler product. Way out side my comfort zone.

 

My 2-cent opinion would be to keep looking and do not buy from a friend. Look for a newer Jeep Patriot.

 

Something with a slave cylinder or master cylinder(I know how to drive a manual, not sure of all the parts). I think it was the_jeep_now that had the trouble.

 

Nope, not me. I have CVT.