Hello. Please read before just saying run because of the make “Jeep”.
I am looking for a car for the weekends - mainly short trips once a week to get out of the city and grocery runs. The car is a 2007 Jeep Patriot, manual 5 speed transmission, FWD, 130K miles with seller (only owner) asking for $2,500. A mechanic inspected the car and found no issues. The mechanic also performed a test drive and said again, no apparent issues. This car belongs to an elderly man that kept it clean and up to date in maintenance. He also mainly used it to run short errands and go out to play golf.
I do like the car, it comes in a military green, decent looking wheels etc. But also because the trips I am planning for are to camping sites or trails. I don’t have any off roading plans but I would like to be able to bring a tent, a bike, gear in the back. Perhaps even set up a bed on the back with folded seats. The boxy design of the Patriot allows for more space in the back... There aren’t many SUVs for that price with no issues in the market... Sure Japanese cars are better but those would be significantly more expensive. I was not able to find any good ones at least, without going to 20 year old models... or cars with 200K+ miles. What realistic alternatives would you consider?
Thoughts?
Thanks!
At least it is not a CVT. However, the main problem I have with these older Jeeps with that high mileage is electrical gremlins and you don’t know when the electronics will just act up on you. That was also the first year of that one and only generation, when all the issues/bugs have not been ironed out.
Thanks for the feedback. Very good points!
If you’re adamant on buying it, go right ahead.
However, prepare yourself mentally to write off that $2500.
{black}:laugh: Truth
If it has the 3.7 V6 run. They are junk. The 4.0 Liter V6 is more stout and solid. Especially with a a manual tranny. However, being a Chrysler product prepare yourself for electronics issues. The TIPM in these are a common failure. ECM to. For some reason Chrysler designers decided to have theECM provide power to the heaters in the O2 sensors. All sudden your getting codes on all four sensors. Only fix is swap ECM. Done it twice now on my wifes 2008 Dodge Nitro, which is same car as Jeep Liberty. Good Luck!
PS I hate ours, I wanna sell it. My wife likes it. I’m gonna make her start fixing it. I’m turning a wrench on it twice a month minimum.
On side note as I told someone else earlier, 2004-2007 Saturn Vues with the V6 in FWD or AWD were honda V6 3.5 liter and transmission drivetrains. Even with GM body they hold up pretty well if maintained properly. And they’re cheap usually.
This is awesome and constructive feedback! Appreciate it, will look into those models you mentioned! Thanks again!
Your welcome, as always get whatever your considering checked out thoroughly and Good Luck!
I wouldn't.
You could choose almost any car as a grocery-getter. Why an unreliable, money pit, gas guzzling SUV by Fiat?
Well, for once I do like the car, it comes in a military green, decent looking wheels etc. But also because the trips I am planning for are to camping sites or trails. I don’t have any off roading plans but I would like to be able to bring a tent, a bike, gear in the back. Perhaps even set up a bed on the back with folded seats. The boxy design of the Patriot allows for more space in the back... There aren’t many SUVs for that price with no issues in the market... Sure Japanese cars are better but those would be significantly more expensive. I was not able to find any good ones at least, without going to 20 year old models... or cars with 200K+ miles.
Thanks for the feedback! What realistic alternatives would you consider?
That's something you should have mentioned to start with. I will update your original question ...
But still a no-go, right?
No. And I actually wouldn't buy ANY suv for $2500.
Run
Run.
Fast and far.
My answer: RUN, they were piles of junk, especially with the CVT transmissions, which were horrible. You want a nice SUV, get a CR-V, Rav4, or even a Subaru Forester with a standard tranny.
The one OP is looking at has the manual transmission, but the conclusion for the overall vehicle is the same.
yeah even with a manual, they are still bad on the quality and reliability.
Thanks for the feedback!
I would say run. While it has a manual transmission the Patriot is one of the worst Jeeps.
Toyota Rav4 would be a good option, or something as compact as an accord or Camry
Agree on rav4 and even crvs but those are pricer and i loved the idea of a small suv.... thanks for the feedback!
No problem! Make sure if you ever buy a crv you do not get the 1.5 turbo, but I bet you know why because Scotty has mentioned the problem with those engines in ALOT of his videos. (oil dilution problems)
boy am i ever glad i saw this thread
i was gonna think about getting a liberty with the 3.7
whew!
