I thought it would be fun to list easy things FCA could do to make the Renegade better. My first suggestion would be to make the shifter nanny back off. I drive on a lot of steep hills and lie to use engine braking when going done. The transmission does not let me shift down even though it would not result in an overrev. It is very frustrating. Seems like an easy software change.
have you seen the thermostat for the renegade? it looks nothing like your typical round spring loaded thermostat. i have no idea yet where it's located, but i'm sure it will require a bit of time and labor to get to it....