hi and welcome we have not long had our crd but absolutely love it, spent 7 months looking for a good one ( we are really fussy!) found one other end of the country 57 plate limited with only 9k on the clock. the crd does use the vw engine and vws dual mass flywheel but the gearbox is jeeps own, dont know why the towing limit is so low maybe the weight of the vechicle?, we have had no problems so far only that not many accesories are available in this country, had to order mudflaps from the states ( and got stung for import tax!) yes it seems the ball joints are a weak point, however you can get uprated ones (from the states!) which are much better.
I assume you know all about the leaks the patriot suffers from, even those without sunroof, if you read up it is fixable so always a good bargaining tool.
if your after a 4x4 then cant recommend the crd enough cheap to run, cheap tax (£180 year) really good off road, great to drive, not too big like most 4x4s.

 

I think that the gearbox is Aisin. A good strong box used on many vehicles. Ball joint problem is relatively minor and easily fixed with Moog joints. Not all suffer anyway. not sure about towing as I don't do any but as you say, the VAG diesel has masses of torque

 

I enjoyed owning my CRD Patriot & Had minimal problems with it , but didnt do any towing.

You could always consider a Skoda Ocavia 4x4 2.0 Tdi in normal or Scout versions . Still a bit expensive even used ....but as you know you have the build quality & reliability.

On the other hand I had a great Jeep dealer, who looked after me , & servicing costs were reasonable .

 

Cheers for the replies folks

The more I read the more I want one! I wonder if the low towing weight is to do with Jeep themselves being over cautious bearing in mind how low their tow weights are Stateside even with the oil cooler etc?

I see the 2.2 crd is rated to 2000kgs, wonder if this had the brakes upgraded or if it was just down to the drive train. I see the Tiguan 2.0 TDI can tow 2200 kgs.

Funny you mentioned the Skoda 4x4s...I actually 1st saw the Patriot when I took my parents skoda in for a service. Local dealer was Jeep/Skoda/Vw etc and I ended up with a Scout Courtesy car which was great.

They are still expensive though, a 2008 Scout will have more than double the mileage of a Pat for the same money and I'm in no doubt that the Pat is more suited to what I want it for, especially being able to lock the 4wd for beach/slip starts.

Added a little pic of what it would be towing, should be a smart looking rig