Jeep Renegade

kaos16 · July 2015

I came to the sad realization that I will have to get rid of my car. I love my car, but it is an electric so the battery being in the trunk area means there is zero room for anything else in there. I am going to need space for a stroller when I have the baby. Seriously, you can fit maybe 3 shopping bags back there, it's tiny!

I'm looking to get a new lease. I really like the Jeep Renegade from my search online. It seems to get good reviews too, and I feel like Jeeps are known for being well built and safe. Does anyone have a Renegade, or have you been in one? Any thoughts? Obviously, I will go test drive before getting anything, but i'd like some opinions too.

Our friend owns a Ford, Lincoln, Jeep, Chrysler dealership so that's where we get our cars typically. Does anyone have a different recommendation from any of those car companies? I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a new lease. . . . my current lease is $374 per month. I'd like to get that a little lower of possible.

NowIAmSyp · July 2015

My BIL and SIL just got the new Ford Fusion, and they LOVE it... the car is beautiful, and spacious inside. They have 2 kids in car seats, and have no complaints. I was in it this past weekend- very smooth ride, and it zips around nice and quick...

And you should definitely be able to get that for much less than $374/month.

Good luck!

kaos16 · July 2015

soontobesyp said:

My BIL and SIL just got the new Ford Fusion, and they LOVE it... the car is beautiful, and spacious inside. They have 2 kids in car seats, and have no complaints. I was in it this past weekend- very smooth ride, and it zips around nice and quick...

And you should definitely be able to get that for much less than $374/month.

Good luck!

Right now I have the Fusion Energi

kvruns · July 2015

If I'm concerned about trunk space I don't think I'd choose a Renegade or other mini SUV. Maybe it is bigger than it looks in person but seems like less space than DH's Mazda 3 hatchback

The Renegade is new to their lineup and I would wonder if it has the same "Jeep" qualities that others think of although if you're not off roading then it probbly doesn't matter anyway. Then again I am not a huge fan of the Compass or their other crossover types and the Renegade is the one that both DH and I comment on whenever we see it (bc it just doesn't say Jeep to either of us).

beachyone15 · July 2015

I have a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe and it's been great! Lots of trunk space and good visibility (which not all SUVs have).

[Deleted User] · July 2015

FI just bought the Renegade around Memorial Day! He loves it so far! At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the looks, but it has grown on me. I drive it pretty frequently. It rides really smooth, has a standard backup camera which has been nice, and dual climate control is huge for us since I'm always cold.

As far as trunk space, it does have a adjustable/removable cargo floor to store more down there. With the 2nd row seats up in place, it says it's about 18.5 cubic feet of storage space, which is slightly bigger than my 2014 Chevy Malibu's trunk, but it's still a subcompact SUV. It looks tiny from the outside (and we were coming from him having a truck) but it's really pretty roomy on the inside!

We fit DS's convertible car seat in there just fine, and his stroller fits in the back as well (it's not a huge one like for the travel systems any more, but a bit bigger than a typical umbrella stroller). We tried to go to the zoo and have a massive wagon for him (like the kind with the canopy), and it doesn't easily come apart. That didn't fit directly in the back storage area (a bit too long), but we just moved his car seat to the side seat for that trip, and folded down the other seats to put it in there.

Here's a few pictures... excuse the blurry running toddler in the corner

Also - he has been getting better gas mileage than my Malibu - average around 29 MPG.

banana468 · July 2015

The Renegade is a very new addition to the Jeep lineup so it's too early to call on testing. It looks like a Jeep but it's actually based on a Fiat and assembled in Italy.

FWIW, my husband's car love has rubbed off on me to advise:

1) If you want a lease that is fine but understand that doing so is rarely the best financial option. You're essentially renting the car from the dealership with not much to show for it when the lease is over. If you do want a lease, make sure you negotiate the lease just like you do when negotiating the purchase price of a car.

2) Before you buy any car, if you're pregnant and have the car seat you'll be using, take it with you. Some rear facing seats take up an absurd amount of leg room so that the front seats need to be pushed forward. When we have DS rear facing in our 2008 Outback, the front passenger seat needs to be pushed forward and at a 90 degree angle with zero recline. It's not terrible for me as the passenger if we're just going to do a morning commute ride but when that was our family car, a long trip sucked and I felt cramped.

3) If you think you'll have more than one child, look at the LATCH options of the car and see where seats can be positioned. Will you lose all seating in the back with two kids? Does that matter to you? Things to consider.

4) Will you use the infant carrier as your seat choice? Do you care about how easy it is to load in and out? I found that the sliding doors of our minivan aren't "cool" but they certainly make negotiating the load-in with two kids a heck of a lot easier in a parking lot.

5) When looking at any car with kids, I highly recommend leather or leatherette. The puke clean up is infinitely easier when it's not soaking into the upholstery. And you'll have to deal with the cleanup of bodily fluids at some point in the car. It's a question of when - not if.

6) Think of the trips you're going to take. Will you be taking a stroller or a pack n play? Will there be overnights? The first year baby gear can take up a lot of space.

I'd look up Consumer Reports to see what fits your needs. Don't look and buy/lease based on who owns the dealership. That's a shit-ton of money to spend on something when what's available may not be the best fit.

MyNameIsNot · July 2015

kaos16 said:

I came to the sad realization that I will have to get rid of my car. I love my car, but it is an electric so the battery being in the trunk area means there is zero room for anything else in there. I am going to need space for a stroller when I have the baby. Seriously, you can fit maybe 3 shopping bags back there, it's tiny!

I'm looking to get a new lease. I really like the Jeep Renegade from my search online. It seems to get good reviews too, and I feel like Jeeps are known for being well built and safe. Does anyone have a Renegade, or have you been in one? Any thoughts? Obviously, I will go test drive before getting anything, but i'd like some opinions too.

Our friend owns a Ford, Lincoln, Jeep, Chrysler dealership so that's where we get our cars typically. Does anyone have a different recommendation from any of those car companies? I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a new lease. . . . my current lease is $374 per month. I'd like to get that a little lower of possible.

My brother was a Jeep mechanic for about a decade. Although it's been a little while, he would strongly disagree with Jeeps being well built or safe. He will never buy one and still talks about how crappy they are.

I'm a ford fan. I drive a C-Max (hybrid, not energi). It's not huge, but I have gotten a big stroller in the back without issues. My sister is looking at the escape. She said it was big enough for her baby and all of his things, plus her dogs. They quit making a hybrid, though, so I'm not sure what the gas mileage is. I'd hate to go from electric to low mileage.

kaos16 · July 2015

banana468 said:

The Renegade is a very new addition to the Jeep lineup so it's too early to call on testing. It looks like a Jeep but it's actually based on a Fiat and assembled in Italy.

FWIW, my husband's car love has rubbed off on me to advise:
1) If you want a lease that is fine but understand that doing so is rarely the best financial option. You're essentially renting the car from the dealership with not much to show for it when the lease is over. If you do want a lease, make sure you negotiate the lease just like you do when negotiating the purchase price of a car.

2) Before you buy any car, if you're pregnant and have the car seat you'll be using, take it with you. Some rear facing seats take up an absurd amount of leg room so that the front seats need to be pushed forward. When we have DS rear facing in our 2008 Outback, the front passenger seat needs to be pushed forward and at a 90 degree angle with zero recline. It's not terrible for me as the passenger if we're just going to do a morning commute ride but when that was our family car, a long trip sucked and I felt cramped.

3) If you think you'll have more than one child, look at the LATCH options of the car and see where seats can be positioned. Will you lose all seating in the back with two kids? Does that matter to you? Things to consider.

4) Will you use the infant carrier as your seat choice? Do you care about how easy it is to load in and out? I found that the sliding doors of our minivan aren't "cool" but they certainly make negotiating the load-in with two kids a heck of a lot easier in a parking lot.

5) When looking at any car with kids, I highly recommend leather or leatherette. The puke clean up is infinitely easier when it's not soaking into the upholstery. And you'll have to deal with the cleanup of bodily fluids at some point in the car. It's a question of when - not if.

6) Think of the trips you're going to take. Will you be taking a stroller or a pack n play? Will there be overnights? The first year baby gear can take up a lot of space.

I'd look up Consumer Reports to see what fits your needs. Don't look and buy/lease based on who owns the dealership. That's a shit-ton of money to spend on something when what's available may not be the best fit.

this is so unbelievably helpful. . . . thank you!!!!

thespeshulestsnowflake · July 2015

I have been eyeing the Renegade since it was announced last year! I own a Jeep Liberty and love it. The Renegade is a small SUV like the Liberty but shorter. It is shorter than the 200. I've seen them side by side and it looks more like they took the length out of the engine space than the interior room. I sat in one a couple weeks ago when BF got his new 200 and really liked it. The backseat looked a bit small but it was difficult to tell from the front. The backseat fold down and it gives you a lot more space than you would think, at least based off my Liberty and the Charger my mom owns.

I'm biased to the Jeep brand. I've always loved them and we are a Chrysler family since my mom works for them and I get amazing discounts on them. Right now, at least in Metro Detroit (I'm not sure where you are) the 200 is the vehicle getting the best discounts.

Lulawife · July 2015

I bought a Jeep Patriot 7 years ago and love it. It has a good amount of trunk space for a compact SUV. And I get great gas mileage. I looked at the Renegades when they first were released out of curiosity but thought it was too small. I don't have kids but I have two dogs who I regularly drive around.

Jaslorraine22 · July 2015

I love my Jeep Compass! For one child, you'll have plenty of trunk space- I can fit my son's stroller back there along with luggage, groceries, etc. It's a very smooth ride and plenty of space for the 3 of us. For a 2015, I pay $398/month but it would've been lower had it not been for the negative equity from my previous car.

ohmrs2014 · July 2015

I love my Compass. It has its moments where im over it (I like a new car every so often so I lease but now with a baby on the way I have the lose that mentality LOL) but overall I love it. I pay $323 for my 3 year lease on a 2014. If we have another child right away I do feel like we will outgrow it but I'll cross that bridge when and if it comes.

banana468 · July 2015

kaos16 said:

banana468 said:

The Renegade is a very new addition to the Jeep lineup so it's too early to call on testing. It looks like a Jeep but it's actually based on a Fiat and assembled in Italy.

FWIW, my husband's car love has rubbed off on me to advise:
1) If you want a lease that is fine but understand that doing so is rarely the best financial option. You're essentially renting the car from the dealership with not much to show for it when the lease is over. If you do want a lease, make sure you negotiate the lease just like you do when negotiating the purchase price of a car.

2) Before you buy any car, if you're pregnant and have the car seat you'll be using, take it with you. Some rear facing seats take up an absurd amount of leg room so that the front seats need to be pushed forward. When we have DS rear facing in our 2008 Outback, the front passenger seat needs to be pushed forward and at a 90 degree angle with zero recline. It's not terrible for me as the passenger if we're just going to do a morning commute ride but when that was our family car, a long trip sucked and I felt cramped.

3) If you think you'll have more than one child, look at the LATCH options of the car and see where seats can be positioned. Will you lose all seating in the back with two kids? Does that matter to you? Things to consider.

4) Will you use the infant carrier as your seat choice? Do you care about how easy it is to load in and out? I found that the sliding doors of our minivan aren't "cool" but they certainly make negotiating the load-in with two kids a heck of a lot easier in a parking lot.

5) When looking at any car with kids, I highly recommend leather or leatherette. The puke clean up is infinitely easier when it's not soaking into the upholstery. And you'll have to deal with the cleanup of bodily fluids at some point in the car. It's a question of when - not if.

6) Think of the trips you're going to take. Will you be taking a stroller or a pack n play? Will there be overnights? The first year baby gear can take up a lot of space.

I'd look up Consumer Reports to see what fits your needs. Don't look and buy/lease based on who owns the dealership. That's a shit-ton of money to spend on something when what's available may not be the best fit.

this is so unbelievably helpful. . . . thank you!!!!

You're welcome! FWIW, DH looked up the trunk space of a Renegade vs. a Honda Fit and you don't get much more space in the Renegade.

Also, the Fiat brand isn't really known for its reliability and Jeeps aren't known for their ride comfort. That car will probably not ride all that smooth and won't be all that quiet and it's a good chunk of money because Jeeps are "cute".

If you're pregnant, spend a little on a membership to Consumer Reports online and look at their car ratings and testings.

And if you can afford to buy vs. lease, look into some used cars. A vehicle is a depreciating asset and loses a lot of its value in the first year. DH and I have done well by buying gently used cars (a 2008 Outback purchased in 2010, a 2011 Odyssey purchased in 2014) and we are still using them and see no issue.

The "cute 'ute" is really popular but you're getting an image and often sacrifice performance/handling and ability to drive when getting one. The wagon or wagon-like car will ride lower to the ground and offers better road handling as a result. And please don't think that small = bad in the snow. If you're going to drive in winter weather, get a set of winter (they aren't just snow) tires.

Finally, if you think we're all about practicality in this house, know we also have an S2000 which make appearances when we're not traveling with our offspring.

emmaaa · July 2015

I'm going to be honest, I am not a huge fan of the Renegade. I think the Grand Cherokees are so much nicer. But that's an aesthetic opinion.

However, my husband has had three Jeeps and each one gave us problems. The ride is not smooth, gas guzzler, engine and transmission problems, the heat AND air went out in two of them, etc. And DH takes good care of his vehicles.

With that being said, he still loves Jeep and so do I. I want a Grand Cherokee SO bad and DH wants an old Jeep for a toy. "It's a Jeep thing" is a motto you hear a lot and it's true. Even with all of the problems we have had with Jeeps, we both want one when we get a new car.

Jaslorraine22 · July 2015

emmaaa said:

I'm going to be honest, I am not a huge fan of the Renegade. I think the Grand Cherokees are so much nicer. But that's an aesthetic opinion.

However, my husband has had three Jeeps and each one gave us problems. The ride is not smooth, gas guzzler, engine and transmission problems, the heat AND air went out in two of them, etc. And DH takes good care of his vehicles.

With that being said, he still loves Jeep and so do I. I want a Grand Cherokee SO bad and DH wants an old Jeep for a toy. "It's a Jeep thing" is a motto you hear a lot and it's true. Even with all of the problems we have had with Jeeps, we both want one when we get a new car.

I agree that the Grand Cherokee is the best one out there. Had I been able to afford it, I would have chosen that Model hands down- I don't know that you'd be paying anything less than a little over $400 a month though.

emmaaa · July 2015

Jaslorraine22 said:

emmaaa said:

I'm going to be honest, I am not a huge fan of the Renegade. I think the Grand Cherokees are so much nicer. But that's an aesthetic opinion.

However, my husband has had three Jeeps and each one gave us problems. The ride is not smooth, gas guzzler, engine and transmission problems, the heat AND air went out in two of them, etc. And DH takes good care of his vehicles.

With that being said, he still loves Jeep and so do I. I want a Grand Cherokee SO bad and DH wants an old Jeep for a toy. "It's a Jeep thing" is a motto you hear a lot and it's true. Even with all of the problems we have had with Jeeps, we both want one when we get a new car.

I agree that the Grand Cherokee is the best one out there. Had I been able to afford it, I would have chosen that Model hands down- I don't know that you'd be paying anything less than a little over $400 a month though.

UGH, I know! We just bought a car about 1 1/2 years ago and that payment is $407 so I'd be willing to pay close to that for a Grand Cherokee. I will also buy a couple of years used as well.

justsie · July 2015

I bought a Cherokee about 6 months ago, and I love it way more than I thought I did when I got it! It looks different on the outside, but it is way roomier than my old civic and was an easy drive to get used to. My FI's whole family owns jeeps, so I guess I'm hooked too now.

southernbelle0915 · July 2015

I'm not really a fan of the renegade's body style. Sorry! I don't know much about it since its so new.

If you're looking for a small SUV, I drive a Buick Encore and I LOVE it. I know it's not in the Ford lineup but it's a really great car and it's a lot more spacious than it looks. Super smooth and quiet ride (like a Buick) but sporty and compact. Anyway... If you're only looking at the ford line up, just ignore...

pinupbride6189 · July 2015

I can't say anything for the Renegade, but I bought a Subaru Forrester last August, and I love it. Lots of space, very comfortable, easy drive, great safety ratings, and great gas mileage. We call it our fun car, because we use it when we pack up the pups to head out to the lake or wherever.

Again, not in the family of cars you seem to be more interested in, but a great car nonetheless.

msuprincess04 · July 2015

I bought a 2015 Jeep Cherokee last month. It's awesome. It's got plenty of space without feeling big, has great gas milage, and is easy to drive. And the panoramic sunroof is amazing.

kaos16 · July 2015

southernbelle0915 said:

I'm not really a fan of the renegade's body style. Sorry! I don't know much about it since its so new. If you're looking for a small SUV, I drive a Buick Encore and I LOVE it. I know it's not in the Ford lineup but it's a really great car and it's a lot more spacious than it looks. Super smooth and quiet ride (like a Buick) but sporty and compact. Anyway... If you're only looking at the ford line up, just ignore...

Nothing to apologize for. . .. I test drove it and decided the same thing! I liked it so much better online. In person it almost seemed cheaply made to me. There was also 0 knee room in the back seats.

Then I went next door to Ford and found the perfect vehicle for me and my current needs. An Edge. I love it. I pick it up within the week

emmaaa · July 2015

kaos16 said:

southernbelle0915 said:

I'm not really a fan of the renegade's body style. Sorry! I don't know much about it since its so new. If you're looking for a small SUV, I drive a Buick Encore and I LOVE it. I know it's not in the Ford lineup but it's a really great car and it's a lot more spacious than it looks. Super smooth and quiet ride (like a Buick) but sporty and compact. Anyway... If you're only looking at the ford line up, just ignore...

Nothing to apologize for. . .. I test drove it and decided the same thing! I liked it so much better online. In person it almost seemed cheaply made to me. There was also 0 knee room in the back seats.

Then I went next door to Ford and found the perfect vehicle for me and my current needs. An Edge. I love it. I pick it up within the week :)Every time I see the Ford Edge drive down the road I just think of how nice it is! I've heard great things about them.

banana468 · July 2015

The Renegade definitely has a rep for being cheap and FCA is going to need to work hard to improve their reliability ratings. The vehicles made in Italy (think the 500) may be cute but they're not rated well.

Jeep Renegade

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