I've been lurking around and reading some forums for a few weeks. I am looking to get a new Renegade sport with a 1.4 manual, to forgo the tranny problems, 4x4 with a manual my sky. I want it in alpine white, storm trooper style. I know, I'm a dork. I'm probably gonna put a tow hook and wheel spacers. And whatever else you guys can come up with. This would be my very first brand new vehicle. I'm hoping not to get a F.I.A.T.. Fix It Again Tony. What are the thoughts out there? Thanks for reading and responding.
I am looking into the same thing. Not impressed with the automatic transmission and crawl ratio is not that much different for off-road. Can't really find a thread or Youtube video that compares the 1.4 manual 4x4 with the Trailhawk for off-road use. I was thinking with a DayStar Lift on the Sport it would be about the same as a lifted TH with the only difference off road being the different terrain settings? I may be wrong though and would love if any Renegade owners, who have these models, would meet up and test them in an off-road situation and cover the pros and cons. (hint-hint)
I first test drove a latitude, there was a lot of body roll in the corners. The next week they had a trail Hawk in, major difference. Can't say how the others do on the trail , but I like my THURSDAY and wouldn't trade it.
Here is my two cents. dukes777 this is a tough choice. For me it was easy manual 6 speed. But there are features on the TH that for some justify the price. as for tranny issues, rember it will be under warranty and Jeep / Fiat will sooner or later get the Software just right. I think it is very close now, with just a small percetage having issues. I don't think apparent tranny issues should be your biggest concern or deciding factor. Price difference for 4x4 6 speed VS TH. with that money you can lift, rubber, rock sliders, roof rack, etc. If that is your target. Also really think how much time you will be off-roading. Every weekend? Twice a year labor day and 4th of July? Be honest with your self! Or you just want it to look bad arse!!! There is no wrong answer. To each their own. I own two vehicles. a motorcyle and Jeep renegade. Have access to a F250 when needed. If this is your only vehicle I think most are trying to find a middle ground for driving to work each day, off-roading to a camp spot a few times a year and having it look bad arse all the time!!!for the least amount of money. Me and my bank deiced a Latitude 4x4 6 spd monthly payment VS TH monthly payment allows for more of all that other stuff. There are many difference between 4x4 6 speed and TH. to name a few Engine 1.4 /2.4, Wheel 16"/ 17" , locking diff, TH has more package options, towing, water fording, approach angle, etc. To get 4x4 6spd to be equivalent or better in all those things takes some time, effort and money. What is your time worth? When you are in your 4x4 6spd and see a TrailHawk badge pull up beside you. Will it be with envy or a jeep wave. and smile. I think this video sums it up best, this video is a modified Lattitude 4x4 2.4L. The same could be said for modified 4x4 6 spd IMO. https://www.facebook.com/DaystarProducts/videos/10153694419739081/ I hope this was helpful. It is just my opinion and just like arseholse everyone's got one.
Thanks for all the responses. That's what I'm looking for Quadpit. The most common gripe I hear about is the the auto tranny. So I'd like to see a side by side to judge of it's as bad as I hear. Thanks much Caine. The 4x4 is for the option. Maybe 1-2 a year of actual off road. I like to "fiddle" with my vehicles. Add ons, make things that I can't find or not willing to pay for. It would be a jeep wave, not nervous grin. Now if a rubicon pulled up next to my "storm renegade"...
"Thawk, post: 6440, member: 744"]I first test drove a latitude, there was a lot of body roll in the corners. The next week they had a trail Hawk in, major difference. Can't say how the others do on the trail , but I like my THURSDAY and wouldn't trade it.[/QUOTE] Wouldn't the wheel spacers adstability to roll? And for a lot less $$$ to upgrade? I'm genuinely curious about this.
Part of the Trail Hawk is upgrade suspension, little stiffer. The latitude reminded me of the drive home with the sway bar disconnected. It might have been a limited, but wouldn't you offer the test drive in your best model if you're trying to sell it?
Well, we didn't even consider anything other than a Trailhawk. Literally didn't even sit inside of anything else at dealerships. That was largely based on the approach and departure angles withe the TH's revised bumpers. If we were willing to settle for worse angles we'd probably have considered Subaru and even the "Crosstour" models of other cars. It's her DD, so she didn't want a manual at all, so that daily commuting in stop-and-go traffic on the freeway wouldn't totally suck. Throw in the other goodies that the TH gets irrespective of the drivetrain and it really is a very good deal, if you want that drivetrain. We have friends that are all about the manual, all three of their vehicles are manuals. They probably would not be happy with the lack of features on a manual in this vehicle, and would probably not buy one because of that.
