thinking of buying Jeep

newbridge

Hi,
Have been driving a small-mid size hatch car all my life and have always dreamt of buying a 4x4. Not that I do lot of offroading, but for the driving position,space, looks and feel. Budget is < 5k.
Have got my sights on jeep(patriot or cherokee) as that looked like value for money for post 2005 models. Any views appreciated.

forgotmyname

Driving position. Strange driving position i feel. I couldnt get comfortable in them.

Space. You maybe surprised that a much smaller family hatch may have more space.

Quite agricultural and not that well made either.

If you want one then you want one.

newbridge

must admit, havent driven one so will have to take your word. Initial choice only because of value for money and fuel efficiency compared to other ( LR's, etc)

Rolandtheroadie

Used to want a rover sd1. Bought one. Wanted a Rangerover. Bought one. Wanted a v8. Bought 2 (see previous wants). Wanted a Hayabusa. Bought one.

I'd like a mini one day, and a capri, possibly a boat. If the opportunity ever presents itself at the right time, i'll have them too.

Go for it.

(both cars under £700 and Hayabusa £2200, all 3 cheap as chips, scratched the itch and I moved on)

AdrianC

newbridge wrote: »

...have always dreamt of buying a 4x4. ...for the driving position,space, looks and feel

newbridge wrote: »

must admit, havent driven one so will have to take your word

<scratches head>
Is it me?

Netwizard

I've driven a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.6CRD and a 2005 3.0CRD V6.

Obviously I prefer the newer one. Its updated looks and engine are lovely. the 3.0 V6 goes like stink despite its size.

I love the lazy automatic gearbox, driving position and stability of the 4x4 system. Its so easy to drive, just stick it in D and you can drive it with one finger if you like!

You do have to drive them though. I agree with the agricultural comment. They aren't for everyone (although I would like the 6.0 version! )

forgotmyname

Fuel efficiency? Are you reading the manufacturers dreamt up numbers?

Even the diesel is quite thirsty.

If you worry about the cost of fuel or do a fair mileage then you may regret it.

Ive had SD1's and Range Rovers as Scotsman. But they were at the cheaper end of the market and i didnt care about fuel consumption at the time.

8 - 12mpg was just one of those things.

tykesi

Bear in mind you've been used to running costs of a "small-mid size hatch car" (your words).

The running costs of a 4x4 are almost always q fair bit higher if you're relying on other people doing work on them - servicing/repairs etc. As has already been said they are NOT economical despite what manufactuers figures will tell you.

If it's what you want and you're prepared for the costs, go for it but please don't think you're going to get luxury 4x4 motoring at small hatchback money regardless of how little you pay for it in the first instance.

Herzlos

It'll cost you more to run and maintain than a hatchback but if you want one go for it.

I'd take the Cherokee over the Patriot though if you're looking for ability. I looked at getting a Patriot for a while but went off it due to concerns of the towing weights (it tows less than an asta), and feedback on a forum:

Its because the Patriot's not a "real" Jeep, its a Dodge Caliber with a different body shell.

Notice the lack of "Trail Rated" badging, which means it was not designed to be capable of traveling the Rubicon Trail in California, which has always been Jeep's standard test for new models.

The Patriot and Compass have both been maligned from the start as examples of Daimler's dilution of the brand.

I will say Fiat has worked wonders on the facelifts though. Both now have reasonably presentable interiors, and the Compass went from hideously ugly to somewhat presentable.

If it's just the ride/position/space then it shouldn't make a difference though.

LandyAndy

forgotmyname wrote: »

Fuel efficiency? Are you reading the manufacturers dreamt up numbers?

Even the diesel is quite thirsty.

If you worry about the cost of fuel or do a fair mileage then you may regret it.

Ive had SD1's and Range Rovers as Scotsman. But they were at the cheaper end of the market and i didnt care about fuel consumption at the time.

8 - 12mpg was just one of those things.

I had a V8 SD1 in the early 80s. I measured fuel consumption all the time I had it. It did 27 mpg consistently and neither I nor my ex hung about in it.

newbridge

Some very good points made. And interesting fact about difference between patriot and cherokee.

My commuting distance is very less (6 miles), but tend to travel around country during weekends hence also looking at fuel efficiency. Another choice is Honda CRV (2007 facelift) but that looks more like a crossover.