Hello CJA'ers - it's been a while!
As some of you know, I have been driving (and modifying!) my '93 Cherokee over the last 6 years, and last fall, it met its demise when Nathan (SPOT) rolled it in the Offroad Expo. Since then we have been going back and forth about rebuilding it. I really needed something I could drive on the road, but all the components I have make for an awesome off-roader (that's not really street-drivable).
Recently we were down to one vehicle between us, and that was not working so well. I had been contemplating a Grand Cherokee Limited for some time, but really didn't want to spend that much money on a vehicle I wouldn't really be using all that often (just a grocery-getter, I don't need it for commuting). Then I was looking at a new Wrangler Unlimited, but of course then I would HAVE to get the Rubicon, and it would end up getting lifted, and going off-road, and look like my Cherokee in a couple of years and I'd be back in the same place! Couldn't really justify that either.
So about a week ago, I was on Jeep's website, and discovered the Patriot! Fell in love instantly, as it was exactly fit for my purpose, and a great price! After looking around, and taking a test drive, I ended up finding the perfect one through Cochrane Dodge, and picked it up last night! No, it's not an off-roader.... I specifically didn't get the off-road package because I want this one to last, and look decent for a few years! Also, they do not offer the standard with the off-road package, just the CVT (a belt-drive auto like my quad). With the Tire Pressure Monitoring system, and the independant suspension, not to mention it's a front wheel drive, it will be much more difficult to mod for off-road than the Cherokee was - which is a good thing! Then hopefully it won't get modded!
However, it is a Jeep, so I may have to take it on a small off-road test, like Waiparous Valley Road or something... :lol: Also, I just cannot stay with the factory tires - yes they are Goodyear All-Terrains, but they look like car tires to me. I'm looking at either the Yokohama Geolander A/T-S or the Toyo Open Country A/T but I have to find out exactly how this tire pressure monitoring system works, to see if I can recalibrate it if I change the tire size a bit.
Anyways, new Jeep, but likely not a new off-roader. The Cherokee parts are all still around, so someday we'll likely build something but for now, we have the quads, and I have a city-driver!
Haven't seen any other posts of ppl on here with one.... Anyone??
-Cyndi-
Topic: Finally got a new Jeep! (Read 1583 times)