A year and a half ago I bought a used 2015 Jeep Patriot 2.4L AWD automatic transmission. It’s the lowest model with a couple of the extra upgrades, but pretty basic.

This thing has been the biggest pile of shit in the entire world. It’s been in the shop 4 times needing so many different parts, I’m over it. Today it left me stranded on the side of the road, just 4 days after getting it back from the mechanic.

I paid $7500 for it, and I’m looking for a replacement. I’m willing to spend a bit more, but money is very tight.

The few things I would like would be roof rails so I can use my kayak rack, hitch for my bike rack, an “SUV” design so I can haul stuff in the back and keep it out of the weather, and for it to be good on fuel.

While the patriot is NOT an off-road vehicle, it can definitely handle snow and some mud better than my mom’s GMC terrain, which is definitely really nice for getting to kayaking spots. So something semi off-road capable would be cool.

I’m done with Mopar, so nothing Dodge has put their shitty little hands on. I had a 1996 K1500 and a 2005 Chevy Silverado that were rusted out, but never broke down or left me stranded. I need something reliable like that. To drive it until it becomes an eye sore, not a Christmas tree dash.

Thanks!

    • eldoom@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      2 years ago

      As a person who’s been a mechanic for half of his life, I totally don’t get the Subaru hype. Their heads are so small the head gasket doesn’t get enough room to actually make a seal. I’ve seen Subarus with as little as 13k miles on them with bad head gaskets. Leaking oil all over the place.

      Granted they do make it easier to replace them but that’s still a couple thousand dollars every 10-25k miles.

      • nBodyProblem@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 years ago

        Head gaskets every 25k is not the least bit normal. Outside of this post, I’ve never heard of a stock power Subaru that blew a head gasket that early, ever. Most head gaskets in chain engine subarus (~2010+ non STi) last the life of the engine

        Modern Subarus undoubtedly have quirks. They often burn oil and have oiling issues during high G operation, such as track days. They also tend to leak oil.

        However, by and large they are dependable, durable and easily serviced vehicles. They have fantastic driving dynamics, probably the best AWD system on the market, high safety standards, good visibility, and can go way more places off road than you’d expect.

        That’s a combination no other manufacturer has nailed in quite the same way as Subaru.

        • eldoom@lemm.eeEnglish
          1·
          2 years ago

          I should clarify. The head gaskets generally tend to leak oil out of the side of the engine. Not the traditional burning coolant and oil or loosing compression.

  • Glifted@lemmy.worldEnglish
    8·
    2 years ago

    Mazda CX-5 / Toyota RAV4 / Honda CR-V

    The CX-5 in particular gets my vote. I work in vehicle development and testing and watched one get absolutely thrashed for nearly 100k miles and never had a major issue

    Avoid any Stellantis or Hyundai/Kia brand. Subarus can be good but I have seen enough problems that I am not comfortable recommending them.

  • Che Banana@lemmy.mlEnglish
    2·
    2 years ago

    I had a Toyota FJ Cruiser and absolutely loved it. I went everywhere with it & only had to replace a starter (waterlogged) and a couple other things. I had it for over 10 years and only sold it because we moved overseas (where I found out they sell for about 4x the price…shoulda kept it!).

    Anyway, I think Toyotas run forever and are reliable so I would start there if it was me.

    Take this with a grain of salt, Its been since 2007 since I looked at buying cars & I don’t drive anymore.

    (*oh it was shit on fuel so…)

  • Hazdaz@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    2 years ago

    Consider an old Chevy Avalanche. It seems like OP might be an outdoorsy person (they mention bike rack, kayak) and something with a small bed, higher offroad position might come in handy. Also consider a Tahoe.

    You’d have to check your local availability to see what these sell in your area, but I jumped on cars.com and saw an '07 Avalanche for $7k USD and an '01 Tahoe for $6k USD. There will be a large range in price there depending upon miles and condition and trim level.

    One big thing Is that regardless of what you get, have it inspected first and research the specific year you qre interested in.

    Also don’t fall for the Honda and Toyota tax. I’m not saying they make bad vehicles. That’s definitely not the case, but holy crap are older Hondas and Toyotas overpriced for what they are simply because those are the go-to brands for far too many people that their used car prices have shot up. You can get a vehicle in better condition and far lower miles (or both) by staying away from them.