Jeep Patriot (2007 - 2011) 2.0 CRD Sport 5d (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Probably a sucker for accepting Jeep's "reputation" for toughness at face value.

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

Some think it looks like a Tonka Toy, but the toys are possibly better built.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely not. Not even as a gift. My second bad experience with Chrysler UK. I ran a new C-class Merc (2002). If anything that was worse than this and Chysler couldn't give a s***.

What are you likely to buy next?

Japanese.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£17,500

When did you buy the car?

February 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Used by their sales director

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looking fro reliabilty with 4x4 for regular trips to France.

What was the dealer like?

Sales OK. Service useless. Left large rear exhaust box tied up with a single cable tie (warranty claim) because they couldn't be bothered to find/source a proper fitting. Also suggested I drive it two 150-mile round trips" for inspection" after MOT failure with not to be driven warning. Pathetic.

What's it like to drive?

OK. But having experienced serious suspension faults makes it disconcerting at speed.

What's it like to park?

Depends on your ability. There are blind spots.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Sold as a tough go-anywhere car? It's been a sick joke for us. After 28,000 miles of mainly motorway miles, it failed it's first MOT with a "don't drive it" warning. Both front wishbones have had to be replaced because of "cracks." Chrysler UK would only allow one under warranty and a lousy £100 towards the cost of replacing other, a couple of months out of warranty. My wife, a retired doctor, and I have driven (carefully) for a combined 95 years, often owning up to six cars at the same time. Nothing like this has ever happened to any of them. This car has never been off-road (we also have two Land-Rovers, so there's no need) and is kept almost entirely for frequent runs to and from property in northern France. Throttle Barrel replaced also track-rod end and exhaust mountings.

What's most practical about your car?

At first a practical economical soft-roader with good performance and fuel consumption. Cracking of the flimsy wishbones -- apparently a common and potentially lethal fault -- means it could be a good present for the Mother-in Law!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

For Sale sign.