• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    It's a bit quirky, bit adventurous, bit I don't care what you think. The Jeep brand is strong and I think it has as much, if not more, cred than Land Rover. Obviously the Patriot is a bit of a soft-roader, but it is still a Jeep.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    They think it is huge, a bus - but everyone likes the interior and the space.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Certainly - but ask me in six months and you will get a more valid response.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Well, I may well go for a newer patriot - or possibly even a Cherokee. I'll tell you when I get back from Spain.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £6,800

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2016

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Reasonable deal - it's got the full leather spec and Boston Audio stereo with the drop down speakers on the tailgate. It's in pretty good nick - no obvious damage to the exterior and the interior is well kept.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I am planning a long road trip down through Spain. I have done it in a Jag before and the country roads damned near killed the suspension. A 4x4 makes sense and this one is not much bigger or thirstier than a Mondeo.

    What was the dealer like?

    Dealer was fine - but not a soft touch. Knocked a couple of hundred off the price but no more and only got three months warranty.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Bit sluggish compared to my Jag - obvo - but surprisingly nimble once it is moving. I love the cruise control and the instrument panel, which is clear and simple.

    What's it like to park?

    Ah yes. Bit more difficult, at least at first. It is a bit of a lump and you have to keep reminding yourself it is no bigger than a medium size saloon. It just feels big, especially with that enormous bonnet in front of you. I am fitting rear parking sensors though :-).

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Only had it a couple of months, so early days yet but signs are promising. It's gone up and down to Bristol with no problem. The engine light came on on the way back but turned out it was just that the fuel filler cap hadn't been screwed on properly. Cruises well on the motorway and the stereo is better than on the Jag I had before.

    What's most practical about your car?

    It's spacious, built to be easy to work on. Great legroom and lots of options on the seats folding for luggage space.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Undoubtedly the stereo - oh, and the cruise control (much easier to use than the one I had on a Merc). Also the rear seats recline, which is a neat touch.