Joined
·
49 Posts
Test drove a GMC Terrrain, Buick Encore, Ford Escape and a Hyundai Santa Fe.
What other vehicles did you (actually) consider?
61 - 80 of 97 Posts
Joined
·
14 Posts
Really, once I saw and drove the Renegade it was the only car I wanted.
I tested a Ford Escape, more because I felt it would be wrong not to at least look at another car. My partner has a 2005 Escape and it's a great, reliable car that still looks brand new, but I don't like the new styling at all.
I thought about test driving a Subaru Forester (I was driving a 2006 Forester at the time) but as great a car as it is mechanically, I never actually liked driving it. So I gave it a pass.
I tested a Ford Escape, more because I felt it would be wrong not to at least look at another car. My partner has a 2005 Escape and it's a great, reliable car that still looks brand new, but I don't like the new styling at all.
I thought about test driving a Subaru Forester (I was driving a 2006 Forester at the time) but as great a car as it is mechanically, I never actually liked driving it. So I gave it a pass.
Joined
·
228 Posts
Glad it wasn't just me!
The likes of Skoda, Kia and Mazda just do not appeal.
I tried a Mazda about 18 months ago, which seemed to win all sorts of awards, but it was just cheap and nasty to me.
Joined
·
916 Posts
Its funny, but its been 8 months since I posted my comments in this thread and my choices have shifted a bit.
Back then the Renegade Trailhawk was at the top of my list for a vehicle replacement at 99.5%. I honestly have to say that that has dropped down to 75%. It is still in the lead, but my driving habits are more realistic where before I wanted a Jeep Wrangler - Renegade to tackle the wilderness and mountains when in reality I live on a flat 99% paved wilderness of NYC and don't need an off-road version vehicle. lol
So I downgraded my thoughts of getting a Trailhawk and settled on looking forward to getting a Limited instead.
As for other models in my new updated list, recently my sister bought a Jeep Cherokee. In my last post on this subject I said I did not like the front end slope nor the hump like rear end, but after being around it, I sort of like the look a bit more. I like its ride and it is still smaller than my Santa Fe. The newer Santa Fe Sport is nice too. Then came the Hyundai Tuscon. The more I read about it the more I liked it and it immediately knocked out the Cherokee and Santa Fe off the list.
I like the Tuscon since it looks like the smaller version (length wise) of the Santa Fe. Closer to the even smaller Renegade in length than any of the others mentioned.
So now it is between those two. I plan on giving those two a full checking at the International NY Auto show next week.
Now mind you, I like the Renegade for being a Jeep, its height, its unique styling both in and out, and the price. But that warranty just bugs the **** out of me. I feel that most of last years new model hiccups have been addressed and the only issue i have with the Renegade is that the warranty for last years model was at 5 Yrs, now it less. Ugh. The other issue is that I am also holding out to see if the next model year includes the Command View system and Android/Apple systems.
The Tuscon on the other hand has the typical Hyundai 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. And while I don't think I may need it (if it is anything like my Santa Fe where nothing happened in the warranty time-frame), its good to know it is there and for that long of a time. Funny, as luck would have it, my current Santa Fe just pasted the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty (currently at 106K), and is now getting constant check engine lights flashing like a Christmas tree.
So I have been putting aside the expected monthly payment into savings (to get myself used to the notion of a monthly car payment again), and use that money as a down payment hopefully when I get my suv replaced at the end of 2016/early 2017. But I don't know if I'll make it till then if the Santa Fe continues to have problems.
Either way my list has changed and the Renegade and Tuscon are the only ones on the list with Renegade still in the lead.
TS
Back then the Renegade Trailhawk was at the top of my list for a vehicle replacement at 99.5%. I honestly have to say that that has dropped down to 75%. It is still in the lead, but my driving habits are more realistic where before I wanted a Jeep Wrangler - Renegade to tackle the wilderness and mountains when in reality I live on a flat 99% paved wilderness of NYC and don't need an off-road version vehicle. lol
So I downgraded my thoughts of getting a Trailhawk and settled on looking forward to getting a Limited instead.
As for other models in my new updated list, recently my sister bought a Jeep Cherokee. In my last post on this subject I said I did not like the front end slope nor the hump like rear end, but after being around it, I sort of like the look a bit more. I like its ride and it is still smaller than my Santa Fe. The newer Santa Fe Sport is nice too. Then came the Hyundai Tuscon. The more I read about it the more I liked it and it immediately knocked out the Cherokee and Santa Fe off the list.
I like the Tuscon since it looks like the smaller version (length wise) of the Santa Fe. Closer to the even smaller Renegade in length than any of the others mentioned.
So now it is between those two. I plan on giving those two a full checking at the International NY Auto show next week.
Now mind you, I like the Renegade for being a Jeep, its height, its unique styling both in and out, and the price. But that warranty just bugs the **** out of me. I feel that most of last years new model hiccups have been addressed and the only issue i have with the Renegade is that the warranty for last years model was at 5 Yrs, now it less. Ugh. The other issue is that I am also holding out to see if the next model year includes the Command View system and Android/Apple systems.
The Tuscon on the other hand has the typical Hyundai 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. And while I don't think I may need it (if it is anything like my Santa Fe where nothing happened in the warranty time-frame), its good to know it is there and for that long of a time. Funny, as luck would have it, my current Santa Fe just pasted the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty (currently at 106K), and is now getting constant check engine lights flashing like a Christmas tree.
So I have been putting aside the expected monthly payment into savings (to get myself used to the notion of a monthly car payment again), and use that money as a down payment hopefully when I get my suv replaced at the end of 2016/early 2017. But I don't know if I'll make it till then if the Santa Fe continues to have problems.
Either way my list has changed and the Renegade and Tuscon are the only ones on the list with Renegade still in the lead.
TS
Joined
·
26 Posts
I started thinking about a replacement vehicle for my trusty 04 Liberty about two years ago (most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, but she was starting to rust...a total of 12 Minnesota winters and 200k + miles will do that, sadly.). That was my first new vehicle (and first jeep) and I guess I'm a lifer now, just love the whole jeep vibe.
Since they quit making the liberty, I guess the Cherokee would have been the logical replacement for me, but I've never even looked at one because I think I the front ends are ugly as sin. Just not going to spend that much on something I don't like to look at, lol. Like others in here, I've always loved the wrangler, but it's just not practical for my long daily commute. Hope to own one someday though...my plan is to pull one behind a motorhome when I retire
So I heard rumors about the Rene, took forever to be able to look at one, but I was OK waiting and driving the libby for a while longer. Test drove a '15 last summer but they didn't have the mysky available yet so figured I'd just wait until spring when the new model year came out.
Before I pulled the trigger last week, I did do some thinking as to whether or not this was the right vehicle for me. Going to a 4 banger was a downgrade from my V6, but the trade off of course is it's a lot better on gas. Our other vehicle is a pickup so I was ok giving up towing capacity. The Rene isn't as capable off-road as my Libby was either, but in reality I'm not a hardcore off-roader, I mainly need something that can get through the snow in a rural area.
So ultimately I opted for a limited (vs a trail hawk--I had 4 low on my libby and used it like twice, so that wasn't a deal breaker)...mine has pretty much all the bells and whistles to make for an enjoyable daily driver that is comfortable like a car, is decent on gas but still has 4x4 ability and can do some light off roading. Also looking forward to the first nice day I can try out the mysky. I've owned convertibles in the past too (before moving back to MN)...so the Rene is kind of the best of all worlds, with a bit of compromise here and there. So far, so good...
Since they quit making the liberty, I guess the Cherokee would have been the logical replacement for me, but I've never even looked at one because I think I the front ends are ugly as sin. Just not going to spend that much on something I don't like to look at, lol. Like others in here, I've always loved the wrangler, but it's just not practical for my long daily commute. Hope to own one someday though...my plan is to pull one behind a motorhome when I retire
So I heard rumors about the Rene, took forever to be able to look at one, but I was OK waiting and driving the libby for a while longer. Test drove a '15 last summer but they didn't have the mysky available yet so figured I'd just wait until spring when the new model year came out.
Before I pulled the trigger last week, I did do some thinking as to whether or not this was the right vehicle for me. Going to a 4 banger was a downgrade from my V6, but the trade off of course is it's a lot better on gas. Our other vehicle is a pickup so I was ok giving up towing capacity. The Rene isn't as capable off-road as my Libby was either, but in reality I'm not a hardcore off-roader, I mainly need something that can get through the snow in a rural area.
So ultimately I opted for a limited (vs a trail hawk--I had 4 low on my libby and used it like twice, so that wasn't a deal breaker)...mine has pretty much all the bells and whistles to make for an enjoyable daily driver that is comfortable like a car, is decent on gas but still has 4x4 ability and can do some light off roading. Also looking forward to the first nice day I can try out the mysky. I've owned convertibles in the past too (before moving back to MN)...so the Rene is kind of the best of all worlds, with a bit of compromise here and there. So far, so good...
Joined
·
9 Posts
The Renegade was toe to toe with a 2016 GMC Terrain. I wanted awd or 4wd, flip down seats, good gas mileage, suv but not "mom" looking (which I am a mom!), and loaded for 25k-35k. I went above my price, but at the end of the day the interest was lower for the Jeep, so I came out almost even. I hope I don't get buyer's remorse, because the Terrain was a close runner up.
For me, it will either be a Renegade with the 1.4T or a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with the 2.0 and manual gearbox. I don't need 4x4, the only requirements are manual trans, roof rails, & air conditioning, (and the wife wants it to be an SUV). I've driven a renegade and love it; I'm not expecting much from the Mitsu, but I'll give it a shot (I'll also drive one of those jelly bean looking Mirages). My local dealer doesn't have an Outlander Sport with a manual gearbox, so I'll test one out with the cvt when I have time, and I'll try to get in a Mirage with the manual trans.
Joined
·
576 Posts
None, waited for it to arrive and bought it----love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We actually bought a Kia Soul the first time aground last year. At the time, to me, the Renegade was just too much of an unknown. I was concerned about the automatic based on reports from the Cherokee. A manual wasn't in the cards since my wife needed to drive this vehicle too.
This year, I replaced my CJ-7 for my current 6 speed Renegade. I didn't consider any other vehicles this time around. A lot of other vehicles were just out though. For example, my wife can't ride in the CJ anymore because of knee problems. We also traded in a battered old VW Cabrio. (The CJ's going to a good home, not some Jeep dealer.)
This year, I replaced my CJ-7 for my current 6 speed Renegade. I didn't consider any other vehicles this time around. A lot of other vehicles were just out though. For example, my wife can't ride in the CJ anymore because of knee problems. We also traded in a battered old VW Cabrio. (The CJ's going to a good home, not some Jeep dealer.)
Joined
·
783 Posts
No comparisons. Just Jeep. Renegade.
Joined
·
203 Posts
I looked entirely at options that had 4x4 and off road capability.
The 'trucks' and Wranglers were just too big and costly.
I didn't want to drive an east Asia station wagon either (though they easily beat the renegade on gas and crash tests, possibly reliability over time, depending...) but the Subaru Crosstrek was a contender briefly.
I couldn't decide on the Renegade until after researching a lot of reviews showing the Trailhawk could actually deliver on much of its off-road promises -- understanding it is NOT a Wrangler and I won't climb a mountain in it.
I want a daily driver that can also handle more difficult terrain and conditions to get off the beaten path more often without worry of being stuck in the mud (or sand, or rocks) and without breaking the bank.
I was not interested in the non-TH versions of the Renegade.
The 'trucks' and Wranglers were just too big and costly.
I didn't want to drive an east Asia station wagon either (though they easily beat the renegade on gas and crash tests, possibly reliability over time, depending...) but the Subaru Crosstrek was a contender briefly.
I couldn't decide on the Renegade until after researching a lot of reviews showing the Trailhawk could actually deliver on much of its off-road promises -- understanding it is NOT a Wrangler and I won't climb a mountain in it.
I want a daily driver that can also handle more difficult terrain and conditions to get off the beaten path more often without worry of being stuck in the mud (or sand, or rocks) and without breaking the bank.
I was not interested in the non-TH versions of the Renegade.
"So now it is between those two. I plan on giving those two a full checking at the International NY Auto show next week."
Hang on a minute TwoSpirits, you may see the new re-designed Jeep Compass at the NY auto show in November. Since you like to comfort of the Cherokee, this may be the vehicle for you. From what I read it's supposed to look like a mini-Grand Cherokee with the comforts of the Cherokee and based on the Renegade platform. I think, if Jeep truly puts some sharp effort into the re-design, this will be a competitive vehicle. I would love to see a jeep that looks like a baby Grand Cherokee.
Hang on a minute TwoSpirits, you may see the new re-designed Jeep Compass at the NY auto show in November. Since you like to comfort of the Cherokee, this may be the vehicle for you. From what I read it's supposed to look like a mini-Grand Cherokee with the comforts of the Cherokee and based on the Renegade platform. I think, if Jeep truly puts some sharp effort into the re-design, this will be a competitive vehicle. I would love to see a jeep that looks like a baby Grand Cherokee.
Joined
·
3,154 Posts
I would love any Grand Cherokee, especially the SRT model. Unfortunately they are out of my wallet's range.
I am looking at a replacement for my Renegade in March 2019. It is safe to say that you all know what I the replacement will be.
Joined
·
38 Posts
We looked at the Mini Countryman All4, Subie Crosstrek,and the Rene. Those 3 are the only one that offer AWD/4wd and a manual trans. Crosstrek had cheap interior, and felt like a 80's Corolla on the inside. Loved the Countryman, but the dealer was a bunch of idiots, so I bought the highest option Rene I could find in 350 miles with the 1.4T,6spd,and 4wd. Its a 75th anniversary Latitude.
TBH I 100% wanted the Mini.
TBH I 100% wanted the Mini.
Joined
·
28 Posts
I actually went to the dealer with every intention of buying a 2017 Patriot in sand/black. It was the Sport model, with a 5M trans. I had test driven it a couple days prior, and liked everything (that I knew...More on this in a minute...) about it. On the trip to actually buy, I was informed the Patriot did not have A/C. My current car was a 2003 Cavalier LS Sport sedan, that I bought brand new in 2004. It has 116,000+ miles, and still runs well. But, it was in an accident several years ago, which cracked one of the pressurized A/C pipes, so it has no A/C. The saleswoman was amazing, and walked us all over the dealership, looking at anything that might be similar to the Patriot I wanted, in the price range I was looking for. She brought out the key to the Renegade next to mine, and I realized that mine was the 6M, and the one she had the key for was an automatic. I asked for the key to drive the stick, and drove it home that night.
Later!
Later!
Joined
·
11 Posts
Great choice! I test drove an automatic, fully loaded Latitute (It's called a North here in Canada) and wasn't sold. I was actually leaning more toward the Subaru Crosstrek after that test drive. The 9 speed auto was underwhelming and shifted awkwardly.
I wasn't really impressed with the Crosstreks interior though, and loved the Renegades. So back to the dealer for another look. Tested a 6 speed manual this time and took it home. Love the Jeep!
I wasn't really impressed with the Crosstreks interior though, and loved the Renegades. So back to the dealer for another look. Tested a 6 speed manual this time and took it home. Love the Jeep!
Joined
·
90 Posts
Over here in the UK we seriously considered the Skoda Yeti and the Fiat 4x4 Cross, but in the end a very good deal on an ex-demo 3-month old Trailhawk swayed us. It had the hill descent (which was vital) plus lots of goodies for the price of a fairly basic Skoda or Fiat
Joined
·
90 Posts
Over here in the UK we seriously considered the Skoda Yeti and the Fiat 4x4 Panda Cross, but in the end a very good deal on an ex-demo 3-month old Trailhawk swayed us. It had the hill descent and good ground clearance (which were vital) plus lots of goodies for the price of a fairly basic Skoda or Fiat.
And it looked nice....!
And it looked nice....!
Joined
·
358 Posts
I went shopping last year for something to replace my 2006 Suzuki GV. My list was simple: SUV with AWD and a manual transmission.
Easy to find AWD SUVs. Not so easy to find one with a manual transmission--and especially not with AWD (many automakers seem to offer AWD as an upgrade, only available with auto). I looked at Subarus, of course, but like others here I was underwhelmed driving them. Really like the Mini All4, but it's a bit too small (and a fair bitt too expensive). I'd consider another Suzuki GV, but I'm not sure they offer the MT anymore (and they don't sell them in Canada since 2013 anyway, so...).
So far, quite happy with the Renegade (I have a 1.4T 6M North model). Still have my old GV, as a work truck...but going to have to switch the Renegade into that role soon.
Easy to find AWD SUVs. Not so easy to find one with a manual transmission--and especially not with AWD (many automakers seem to offer AWD as an upgrade, only available with auto). I looked at Subarus, of course, but like others here I was underwhelmed driving them. Really like the Mini All4, but it's a bit too small (and a fair bitt too expensive). I'd consider another Suzuki GV, but I'm not sure they offer the MT anymore (and they don't sell them in Canada since 2013 anyway, so...).
So far, quite happy with the Renegade (I have a 1.4T 6M North model). Still have my old GV, as a work truck...but going to have to switch the Renegade into that role soon.
When I was first shopping around, I knew I wanted an SUV. I live in Buffalo, N.Y. and the Honda fit I was driving wasn't cutting it in the winter. I considered basically the entire Jeep line up and the Ford edge. I always really wanted a wrangler, but after getting 30+ mpg in the fit, I was worried about how low the wrangler would be. So after a few test drives, I decided on the Renegade. I liked that it was on the smaller side but still capable as an SUV and decent for gas mileage. I really liked all the interior features as my fit had none. I really liked the renegade for a while, but after a few times in service, I wasn't sure anymore. So, ultimately I decided to trade it in on a 2015 wrangler, and I'm happy that I did! The wrangler feels more fun to drive, looks nicer (sorry just my opinion), and shifts like a normal vehicle. One of my biggest complaints on the renegade was all the hard shifts. They had done a software update that seemed to help for about a day or two, but it went right back to how it was. It has shifted so hard that my passenger thought I was rear ended. Now, in the wrangler, that never happens. So far im spending about $8 more on gas per week than in the Renegade....so I'm cutting out a few coffee runs as a compromise. I did enjoy the renegade, but I'm happier now. I purchased a few parts for the renegade that I never took out of the box, so maybe I can sell them in here.
61 - 80 of 97 Posts
