Back in June 2007 I decided it was time to get something a little more economical to drive. My 2002 Durango SLT Plus just wasn't cutting it. It had a ton of interior room, but at 10-12 mpg and driving from Mannheim to Darmstadt daily for work. The amount I was spending on gas alone every month would pay the car payment and the gas of a new Patriot... and the Patriot would be Four Wheel Drive!
Buying the Patriot was a nightmare to say the least first the American Dealership on post in Mannheim was the worst experience I have ever had. It started good but turned sour when they promised it would be here by a certain date. So we sold our Durango and then the Patriot didn't show up for another two weeks. Then when it finally did come in they didn't wash it and it had scuff marks in the paint from shipping as well as scratches on the aluminum painted interior door panel on the drivers door. I no longer care about this because saves me the irritation from trail damage later.
Here is two shots after its first car wash, buffing out the scuffs and waxing it...
Eight inches (8") is hardly something to proud of when speaking in terms of ground clearance.
My short term future plans are to order and install roof rack
Here is a shot of its first mod, a K&N AirCharger. Yes was originally designed for the Caliber and Compass but it fits perfectly with out any undocumented modifications. I found it on ebay and paid some where around $250. It was worth every penny due to its performance gains and being it was a bolt on that only took 2 hours of my time.
Here are two shots of the Blacked out Muffler. It's a very easy mod that takes only about 10 minutes and about 3 bucks. You will need to ensure your paint is high temperature paint, I chose Rustoleum Grill paint. I taped off the bumper with masking tape and news paper just to be safe against overspray. I then sprayed on several light even coats until I got the coverage and color I wanted. This really gives the Patriot the appearance it sits much higher than than the 11" ground clearance it has in these two photos.
I have already ordered my Jeep Splash Guards but haven't gotten around to putting them on. On the next few pages you will see Rocky Road Outfitters 2.25" Lift Kit and some Fuzion XTI 245/65/17's to replace the puny original 215/65/17's.
