Jeep Patriot and Compass lack of power?

[TrentPhillips]

Hi all,

So my friend is looking to buy a new or near new 'crossover' type for his next work vehicle.
I went with him out to Chadstone Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Berwick Chrysler Jeep Dodge, we test drove the Compass and a Patriot Blachawk.

He was so keen on the white 2014 Blackhawk until we took it for a test drive..
It was extremely under powered, I mean 2L in such a big car we should have expected it. I think it may also have something to do with the variable transmission gearbox it has in the auto version? It's a worry to pull out into traffic because the lack of power so i was wondering if anyone has the manual version and if it's any better?

failing that are there any reasonably in-expensive (sub 3k) mods we could do to improve this?

I know there is an 2.4 version but for some reason that is 10k more expensive

Anyway if anyone has any ideas of how to improve performance or have another similar car around the 27k price feel free to let me know

[chris0375]

I wouldn't be buying a car you think is underpowered and immediately trying to make it more powerful. It will make any drive train warranty issues difficult to claim. Newer smaller capacity engines aren't really designed for massive power increases. Unless he really knows what he is doing I would avoid the idea, and I am guessing since he is asking here doesn't really know. The budget should surely get something decent that he is happy with.

[snowing]

May be you'll need to ask your friend what is more important. big vs fast.
If big is what your friend is after, be prepared that cars at this price range would mostly be under powered. Personally I have tried both mentioned cars in auto. Patriot, don't expect it to be fast with any of those engines. It is a moving box and power is just not part of it. For compass, there is a real difference between the different engines.
Also, when looking at both, make sure to look for the newer version of auto/cvt. The old one is sluggish.
Forget about mods to both of these cars, it's just not worth and gives stealership a nice excuse to jump out of "warranty".

[Tyvokka]

Yep I agree. Want a great steak? Start off with great piece of meat. Don't get crap and try to season it good. You still won't really like it however you justify it.

[muddy]

Originally Posted by TrentPhillips

Hi all,

So my friend is looking to buy a new or near new 'crossover' type for his next work vehicle.
I went with him out to Chadstone Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Berwick Chrysler Jeep Dodge, we test drove the Compass and a Patriot Blachawk.

He was so keen on the white 2014 Blackhawk until we took it for a test drive..
It was extremely under powered, I mean 2L in such a big car we should have expected it. I think it may also have something to do with the variable transmission gearbox it has in the auto version? It's a worry to pull out into traffic because the lack of power so i was wondering if anyone has the manual version and if it's any better?

failing that are there any reasonably in-expensive (sub 3k) mods we could do to improve this?

I know there is an 2.4 version but for some reason that is 10k more expensive

Anyway if anyone has any ideas of how to improve performance or have another similar car around the 27k price feel free to let me know

With a budget like that has he considered looking elsewhere? In particular towards the current model Suzuki Grand Vitara? They're actually really nice vehicles - very reliable, reasonably cheap to run, and they've got low range. Reasonable number of available accessories too. diesel is an option as well.

I used the i4 variant back in 2005 for a couple of years and was more than happy with it. The V6 will be even better.

[LeighP]

Agree, the Suzuki is a capable vehicle.....theres a guy with one on 4x4Earth thats lifted and running muddies....does very well with it.

Frankly, I love my JK, but I'd never buy either the Compass or the Patriot. Personal opinion, of course.

[TrentPhillips]

Originally Posted by JGW

Yep I agree. Want a great steak? Start off with great piece of meat. Don't get crap and try to season it good. You still won't really like it however you justify it.

Haha i love that, and that is what I think but he is really set on new or near new crossover but doesnt want to go over 30k..

Originally Posted by chris0375

I wouldn't be buying a car you think is underpowered and immediately trying to make it more powerful. It will make any drive train warranty issues difficult to claim. Newer smaller capacity engines aren't really designed for massive power increases. Unless he really knows what he is doing I would avoid the idea, and I am guessing since he is asking here doesn't really know. The budget should surely get something decent that he is happy with.

Good point, I didn't think about the warranty to be honest.

Originally Posted by muddy

With a budget like that has he considered looking elsewhere? In particular towards the current model Suzuki Grand Vitara? They're actually really nice vehicles - very reliable, reasonably cheap to run, and they've got low range. Reasonable number of available accessories too. diesel is an option as well.

I used the i4 variant back in 2005 for a couple of years and was more than happy with it. The V6 will be even better.

Just had a look at the Suzuki, that looks better for the price for sure. Comes with sat nav and a 2.4 Thanks everyone for the help I'll pass it on. Any other suggestions are welcome, he loves jeep but don't we all.