Jeep Patriot? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

elchivito · #16 03-02-2014, 10:59 AM

I may decide to just throw a grand or two into the element. It needs struts and a few other things at 170K.

suginami · #17 03-02-2014, 12:28 PM

I rented one last year and drove it from the airport in Providence R.I. to Uncasville, CT.

I thought it was the cheapest p.o.s. I had ever driven.

It had so many rattles and vibrations that it was a cacophony to the ears.

I rode like a bucket of bolts.

The engineers in charge of Noise, Harshness and Vibration should be put on trial.

Dudesky · #18 03-02-2014, 12:28 PM

I looked into them a few years back. I thought the interior plastics were terrible.

t walgamuth · #19 03-02-2014, 05:32 PM

If your mrs wants AWD consider Subaru. better rep for quality better resale, lower center of gravity.

Txjake · #20 03-02-2014, 05:53 PM

I have an 11 Patriot. Have put around 42000 on it. No problems, ever. Five speed four cylinder, wind up windows, no power windows. Great vehicle paid a great price for it. I'd recommend it.

spdrun · #21 03-02-2014, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

If your mrs wants AWD consider Subaru. better rep for quality better resale, lower center of gravity.

Just, if you buy used, research which years have head gasket issues... good cars otherwise.

Mölyapina · #22 03-02-2014, 07:02 PM

Dumping $$$ in the Element might be the best move if you like it so

.

Would an older RAV4 not work for her? Can't imagine it would be any less capable than a Jeep crossover.

t walgamuth · #23 03-02-2014, 08:06 PM

...or buy a better element...?

elchivito · #24 03-02-2014, 10:38 PM

Newer Elements are scarce as hen's teeth around here and very pricey. We went to town today and drove the Patriot and I was more impressed than I planned to be but not exactly blown away.
Then we went and drove Subies. I am not unfamiliar with them. My son recently owned a 2000 Outback and I have owned three over the years, all purchased new. I hadn't driven a new one in several years. We last seriously tested them in 04 when we ultimately bought the Element. We found the new ones then none too comfortable, kinda noisy and cramped compared to the Honda. Today we drove a '14 Forester and a Crosstrek, based on the Impreza. SWMBO really liked them both. The Forester was an entry level model and is surprising well equipped. The Crosstrek is smaller, an upmarket equipped model and about 1800 msrp more than the entry level Forester, but that extra green gets you a better sound system, sorta better anyhow, moonroof and nicer interior. It's also a different AWD setup, using a CVT. I was leery but it seemed to do well. A bit stiffer ride and more noise. She likes them both, we're doing some numbers and talking about whether to keep the Element or not. Low key sales dude is going to throw me some numbers on both models tomorrow.
After looking at the Jeeps, I'm pretty sure the only one I'd buy is the real thing and not any of their SUVs.
This Element has lasted 10 years and 170K miles and has a lot of life left in it. We don't trade off cars very often and the next new one I buy has to be at least that reliable. I have zero expectation that a cheap Jeep would do that, and am about 100% sure a Subaru would.

t walgamuth · #25 03-02-2014, 10:59 PM

And the Subies are made here in Lafayette by corn fed healthy farm boys and girls!

They are respected as an employer but if you are on the line its hard work...very hard.

spdrun · #26 03-02-2014, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

And the Subies are made here in Lafayette by corn fed healthy farm boys and girls!

They are respected as an employer but if you are on the line its hard work...very hard.

I really don't care whether my car is made by Midwestern farmpeople, beer-swillin' Germans, or overworked Japanese. So long as quality is good and working conditions are decent.

Mölyapina · #27 03-02-2014, 11:33 PM

As someone in the comments section of a C&D article on the Crosstrek said, "It's like they're trying to be BMW, but in all the wrong ways."

I like it, though.

P.C. · #28 03-03-2014, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elchivito

Newer Elements are scarce as hen's teeth around here and very pricey. We went to town today and drove the Patriot and I was more impressed than I planned to be but not exactly blown away.
Then we went and drove Subies. I am not unfamiliar with them. My son recently owned a 2000 Outback and I have owned three over the years, all purchased new. I hadn't driven a new one in several years. We last seriously tested them in 04 when we ultimately bought the Element. We found the new ones then none too comfortable, kinda noisy and cramped compared to the Honda. Today we drove a '14 Forester and a Crosstrek, based on the Impreza. SWMBO really liked them both. The Forester was an entry level model and is surprising well equipped. The Crosstrek is smaller, an upmarket equipped model and about 1800 msrp more than the entry level Forester, but that extra green gets you a better sound system, sorta better anyhow, moonroof and nicer interior. It's also a different AWD setup, using a CVT. I was leery but it seemed to do well. A bit stiffer ride and more noise. She likes them both, we're doing some numbers and talking about whether to keep the Element or not. Low key sales dude is going to throw me some numbers on both models tomorrow.
After looking at the Jeeps, I'm pretty sure the only one I'd buy is the real thing and not any of their SUVs.
This Element has lasted 10 years and 170K miles and has a lot of life left in it. We don't trade off cars very often and the next new one I buy has to be at least that reliable. I have zero expectation that a cheap Jeep would do that, and am about 100% sure a Subaru would.

I would consider the Forester over the Crosstrek, as the Forester has more room and offers a quieter, smoother ride. If she is doing a 35 mile commute, those qualities will have some value.

t walgamuth · #29 03-03-2014, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

I really don't care whether my car is made by Midwestern farmpeople, beer-swillin' Germans, or overworked Japanese. So long as quality is good and working conditions are decent.

You are such a tough guy! I guess you didn't notice my tongue was firmly in my cheek.

t walgamuth · #30 03-03-2014, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.C.

I would consider the Forester over the Crosstrek, as the Forester has more room and offers a quieter, smoother ride. If she is doing a 35 mile commute, those qualities will have some value.

I guess the crosstrek is the bigger suv..? I'd only go that direction if I needed something large to tow. For commuting and an occasional off road diversion the forester would be tough to beat for durability, economy and resale.