Boy oh Boy, I'm torn between the Wrangler and now the Patriot! I don't do any big wheeling, but I am in the woods, mud, snow etc with my dogs. I would have been in a 4door jk already but the gas milage is what is holding me back. I found a red X basic for $22k--that's what the Patriot would cost. I don't need the other wheels and tires( would replace them anyway). Someone talk me into it.
PS-Just wrecked my truck.--ice--65mph.

 

desire to go topless?

If so, nothing else will do

and your dogs will love you long, long time for it

 

A Wrangler is a true 4x4 with the added bonus of being topless. A patriot is a mini-minvan with limited capability at best and she well never ever take off her top....

 

Depends on whos driving!:toung:

Wrangler all the way, no comparrison!

 

I have a Sawsall, it could happen...

 

Even if you do not do hardcore wheeling a wrangler will take you places with more confidence than a patriot. Besides, there is something about dogs and wranglers that go together. For some reason I see that applying to XJs too not sure why though. Wrangler all the way!!!

-Living Still

 

Resale. The wrangler should hold up much better over time.

 

Seeing you asked this on a Wrangler forum, All you wanted was our support in your decision to buy your new wrangler.

 

First, you DO know you're on a Wrangler forum, right? I don't see many pro-Patriot responses... but that's the point, I suppose.

Here's what you need to consider about each model:

Wrangler
Pros:

• Topless capability - this counts for A LOT
• Go (almost) anywhere versatility, right out of the box
• Adventurous image (if that's important to you)
• Cool owners that wave to each other and help each other on the trails and on the forum
• It's a REAL Jeep
• It'll hold its resale value extremely well
• It's bad-ass, and you and your friends can't deny it
• It's a chick magnet

Cons:

• Gas mileage
• You'll fantasize about it in your sleep
• The desire to modify it, in order to make it "your own" will consume you
• Your savings account will take a huge hit for modifications, you CAN'T resist!
• Semi-questionable build quality (but that's what a warranty is for, damnit!)

So, being fair and objective, here are comparison points for the Patriot:
Pros:

• It's technically a "Jeep."
• It's not a lame, ahem, "very, very festive" Compass.
• It's more "manly" than a RAV4 or CRV
• Gas mileage is better than a Wrangler

Cons:

• It's not a Wrangler
• It's a rebodied Compass, which means...
• It likes to dress up in women's clothing when you're not around, and...
• It's DEFINITELY not a Wrangler
• Men and women alike may question your sexuality

Hmmm... after a careful analysis of all of the above, I think it's pretty clear that you should BUY THE WRANGLER.

In all seriousness, I can virtually guarantee that it will easily be the single most fun vehicle you'll ever own, until someday, a long time from now, you replace it with another Wrangler. YOU WILL BE HOOKED FROM DAY ONE - it's that good.

 

Obviously you're going to get a mostly pro-Wrangler response here. For that $22K you'll get a pretty stripped down Wrangler, but you could get a loaded Patriot. If you're able to wait a few months, the Liberty is being redesigned this year and should look a lot like the old Cherokee and probably be in that $22K range. In the end you really just need to ask yourself which one you'll be happier with long term.