[SuperJon]

This weekend I'm going to be buying my first car. I've got it narrowed down to two, both are relatively the same price, both are Jeeps, and they have basically the same engine (4-cyl 172-hp 2.4-liter engine). They get roughly 25mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway (that's with a manual, I'll have an automatic so it'll be a little less). Help me make the decision.

Jeep Patriot




Jeep Compass

[El Scorcho]

Dude. Make this thread a poll already. Come on.

I vote for the Patriot. The Compass looks like a mom car to me.

[A.G.]

You must get cash for each time you post. I would stay away from the Jeep Wrangler, though. I hear they have "security" issues.

[SuperJon]

I have a Wrangler now. It's what I'm trading in.


I forgot to make it a poll originally.

[Cider Jim]

Compass is a woman's car--for soccer moms.

Go with the Patriot or the Jeep Liberty or Commander.

I can't believe you are giving up on the Wrangler--I've had one for 6 years, and there's no way I would ever part with mine.

[SuperJon]

I was going to have to settle for a Compass but they just e-mailed me today and said the Patriots have finally come in.

I can't afford the Commander or Liberty.

I love my Wrangler, but I can't afford the gas for it anymore. I'll save $100 in gas every month with one of these.

[A.G.]

I have a Wrangler now. It's what I'm trading in.

Duh! My post was a feeble attempt at a joke. Go for the Patriot, it will be a Patriot's only win this week.

[SuperJon]

Ok, now I'm somewhat confused and somewhat angry.

Earlier today, I got an e-mail from a guy at the Jeep dealership who said:

I currently have a great selection of 2007 Jeep PATRIOT SPORT 4X2 (FWD) D Pkg. in stock and there has never been a better time to buy.

I e-mailed the guy and asked when the inventory online would be updated and he said he didn't have any.

It looks like I may be stuck with the Compass.



AG, I realized the joke later.

[Rocketfan]

If they are making jeeps this big with 4cyl engines i wouldn't get either.....you gotta mean 6cyls i imagine? You are least gotta get the details right SJ.

[SuperJon]

They have the big 4cyl engines.

[Fumblerooskies]

Do you have to get one this weekend...
...why not wait until you get the vehicle you really want?

Have you checked all the Jeep dealers in the area? Roanoke? How far are you willing to drive to get the deal you want?

[SuperJon]

The one in Winston has the best deals. It's one of the top dealerships in the country. I have to go home anyways to cash the check for the loan I got (dad has to sign off on it too). I need the car now because, even with gas coming down, I can't afford to to keep filling up as much as I do. I like the Compass and the Patriot both.

[jmdickens]

you really can't go wrong with either one....I would still pick the Patriot

[SuperJon]

The Compass almost looks like the old Durangos.

The Patriot is basically the old Jeep Cherokee without the inline 6 engine.

[flameshaw]

Why not a Porshe?

[SuperJon]

Haha. I'd rather have an SUV, honestly.

[El Scorcho]

Porsche makes an "SUV".

[SuperJon]

I'd also like to be able to eat.

[El Scorcho]

Eating is fun. Eating is serious.

[PAmedic]

If you like the Compass- why not check out the Nissan Murano?



very similar in body style, 20/25 mpg.

3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine
240 hp @ 5,800 rpm
244 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm

priced anywhere from 27-31k, but if Daddys co-signing, what do you care?

If cost is a factor- I'll sell ya a good condition 98 Explorer. For you- 7500.

[El Scorcho]

I had a Murano rental for a little over a week. It's alright. The interior was kind of clumsy. The CVT transmission was certainly interesting, though.

[SuperJon]

If you like the Compass- why not check out the Nissan Murano?very similar in body style, 20/25 mpg.

priced anywhere from 27-31k, but if Daddys co-signing, what do you care?

The gas mileage for that is worse and it's 10k more. That's insane. I can't afford the payments for that. I've already been approved for a loan. I get the money on Wednesday.

[LUconn]

buy something used. Anything you want. Just don't take the initial depreciation hit. Let somebody else eat that for you. Huge waste of money.

[Cider Jim]

buy something used. Anything you want. Just don't take the initial depreciation hit. Let somebody else eat that for you. Huge waste of money.

That's excellent advice--you lose 3-4 thousand as soon as you drive a new car off the lot. Plus, the insurance would be cheaper on a used vehicle. You could get a used Jeep Liberty for much cheaper than a new Patriot or Compass.

[PAmedic]

yeah- I don't buy new for that reason either.

Unfortunately, financing on a new vehicle can be as low as 1.9 or 2.9 % over 60 months while a decent used car is going to run him 5.9- 8.9 % for the same term.

ok if you are saving a ton on the sticker price, but back in '98 I found that my payments on a NEW Explorer would be LESS than payments on a '95 just due to financing.

SJ- you may do better with a year-end or leftover if you can find one.

good luck