i'm looking for a somewhat fuel-efficient small SUV in the $5k range and a friend has one he's looking to sell and would give me a good price on it (below edmunds TMV, if that works as a "good" price)...it's pretty basic: 94k miles, 2.4L engine, CVT, FWD, no bells or whistles

some quick googling makes me think it's kind of a crappy car...the CVT will inevitably die (but there's a lifetime warranty on the powertrain, i think), and the front end is total crap...if the transmission is covered and with the exception of the front end, how bad are they?

10/30/2014 12:48:31 PM

http://jalopnik.com/fiat-chrysler-brands-last-in-consumer-reports-auto-reli-1651337569

Most reliable car of the second least reliable manufacturer

10/30/2014 12:53:16 PM

i think the patriot has undergone significant transmission and suspension revisions since 2008, though...i can't imagine the second model year of the first generation is even as good as "best of the worst"

10/30/2014 1:02:48 PM

Hatchbacks won't work for ya?

10/30/2014 1:17:54 PM

get a damn Escape 4cyl manual if you're trying for that route. my friend had a base model that was nice enough and averaged 28mpg with his mostly highway driving

10/30/2014 1:27:17 PM

^^ we have two...the mazda3 gets shitastic fuel economy (though it's incredibly fun to drive) and if i'm going to get 18mpg in the city (which is where i do most of my driving), i'd rather at least have something larger

^ that is, hands down, my first choice...but i've been (casually) looking for a couple of months and haven't found one

looking for a different car isn't a priority...the mazda3 is in fine shape, is fun to drive, and the poor fuel economy doesn't bother me THAT much...i'd just get rid of it without a second thought if the right deal on an acceptable small SUV came along

[Edited on October 30, 2014 at 2:22 PM. Reason : .]

10/30/2014 2:20:35 PM

Looking at online numbers for cargo with the seats folded, it doesn't look like you are gaining a whole lot moving from the 3 to the patriot. Both have similar numbers to a honda fit lol. Of course reported numbers don't necessarily reflect the ability to cram stuff in, but definitely pay close attention to see if you are gaining as much cargo room as you think.

That being said I drove a patriot for several days around Alaska last year and I thought it was an ok ride. Definitely had to stand on the gas and wind the crap out of the CVT to climb some hills on the highway, otherwise it cruised just fine. It pulled through a few minor mud puddles and I think we averaged mid-20s in mostly highway and some city driving. Touchscreen nav/entertainment system was ungodly confusing to me. Owners only had the car for a little over a year, so can't really comment on reliability.

10/30/2014 2:41:56 PM

that's a good point about size...i haven't actually looked at one up close in person, yet

just figured i'd post while at work before checking it out

10/30/2014 2:48:19 PM