Stoop14:

I do not think it is possible to have a 4x4 without EITHER FD1 or FD2, so if your dealer does not have vehicles with either FD1 or FD2, then the dealer is selling the 2WD version of the Patriot, which most people would suggest here is NOT particularly stellar for off-roading. That said, the 2WD would be very good for many *typical* day-to-day applications, and from what I have read here, it performs very very strongly in snow (for a 2WD vehicle).

PipeTobacco

2008 Patriot Sport 4X4, FD1 5-Speed Manual

 

By definition, the AWD system in the Patriot is FDI or FDII. There's no other system available at all, full time or part time. Period.

If you want to do much real off roading, I'd recommend going for the FDII- that's only available with the CVT.

 

ok my mistake their all FDI they dont have any FDII on the lot. How good Is a FDI for off roading?

 

Depends on what you define as off-roading.

Beach driving - good!
Snow driving - good!
Trails to camp grounds - good!

Up washed out steep grades with high articulation - not good. Get the FDII.

 

It really depends on what you're going to do with it. I wanted the clearance, skid plates, and tow hooks, so went for the FD2.

There's a couple threads here in the forum comparing the two systems, even some video, so do some searches and look around.

 

all i can say is get the 5 speed way more fun than the cvt and if you know how to drive stick it is just as good offroad. plus from what i've heard from the cvt ppl out there it seems to lack power sometimes. i have never had a power issue with my 5 speed,

 

Ya I'm not planning on going rock climbing with it but i'll definitely be going off the beaten path more then once, I just got off the phone with my dealer it is going to cost me 1500$ to have a FDII shipped up here I dunno if its worth that.

 

Make him a deal. Tell him that you WILL buy the FDII, if he brings it at no charge. Otherwise you'll go to his competitor.

I told my dealer that, and actually signed some paperwork on mine, site unseen. Agreed on the price - relative to MSRP. And agreed on absolute requirements (FDII, AC, power windows, no leather) He ended up driving to another dealer 2 hours away to pick it up and brought it to me.

 

The cost of FDII over a 5-spd FDI is about $1800 MSRP and 20% more fuel consumption and IMO a far worse driving experience on road. If you can accept that, get FDII. Are you saying a dealer will charge an additional $1500 shipping costs?

Automatics are better at low speeds, say <10mph. The idle speed in first gear with the manual is about 4mph @ 800rpm. Not much torque, so you cannot climb much at 800rpm. You can slip the clutch, but that's obviously an accelerated wear situation most people do not want to deal with. So UA_Who's description is pretty good. If your off roading is <say 10mph on unmaintained roads, beaches, then FDI is great. If you plan to drive on 2-tracks or make your own track, then the FDII is recommended. Take a look at all the various discussions and videos (search for Jeep patriot on Youtube) to see many examples of both in various off road situations.

I love my manual trans and want nothing to do with the CVT in the Patriot. I have (manual trans) ATVs for my off roading fun.

 

I have the FD2 and my friend has the FD1, and there is no difference on the road from what I can tell, but there is a difference off road. He gets about 2-3 MPG more than me sometimes, not a big deal.

You should also get a full size spare tire with the FD2, and a few other things that can come in handy, like oil cooler and bigger alternator, which can help if you want to tow with the Pat. Also more clearance and skid plates which help a lot off road.

I bet if you add up all the things you get for the FD2 it's a pretty good deal. I had to order mine too, good things are worth the wait.

 

ya they want 1500$ ontop of the fdii package to ship it up here i'm in whitehorse yukon, would have to ship from somewhere in calgary. which is a 2 days drive. Ya i'm might look into flying down and buying it from the dealer. and driving it back.