• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Thats up to others to judge, however it does lend an air of pseudo adventure.

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

    My family love it. It took us on a 3,500 mile camping trip to Spain & France in style. My friends wonder how I can aford to run it - I did my homework, it cost far less to run than other 4X4s.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Absolutely yes. It looks great, wasn't stopped by snow that was axel deep, has been reliable over 18K miles, fits the family in with room to spare and is cheap(ish) to run. Ok the fittings and finish are a bit 'airfix' but they don't rattle and are easy to clean.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Probably nothing for a while, I think I'm past loosing 5-7K+ whenever I change a car. I would consider another Patriot, probably a Limited with more kit and leather; however its likely to be a 4x4 of some type.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £11,000

    When did you buy the car?

    September 2010

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Haggled hard and got a resonable deal.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    What was the dealer like?

    Large franchise staffed by would be semi professional footballers with a love of mirrors, however expedited the transaction and trade in well.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Better than expected. The driving position is good and commanding. The car doesnt roll or dive too much. The 2 litre VW sourced engine is strong and returns 41 mpg in mixed driving. It more refined than I thought it would be and it rides exceptionally well.

    What's it like to park?

    Reasonably easy given its boxy shape.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Anti roll bar link broke (£130 to repair). Routine servicing £200. Tyre replacement £550 - Yokohama Geolanders x4 (all season -recommended).

    What's most practical about your car?

    Takes up no more road space than a focus. Lots of room inside. Inside is shall we say robust. 4 wheel drive kept me going during the worst snowfall in Scotland in living memory and allowed me to tow and rescue others.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The hi-fi is suprisingly good. Front seat suprisingly comfortable. Roof bars allow fitment of an expedition cage.