Jeep Patriot Latitude 70th Anniversary Edition is Value Packed

In 1940, the US government issued a requirement for automotive manufacturers to develop and provide a general purpose (gp) “light reconnaissance vehicle” for the US Army.  Willys-Overland eventually won the bulk of the contract and produced 368,000 of the vehicles with others, under license producing almost another 300,000.  Willys-Overland called their vehicle the “Quad”, but very shortly the Army came to call the general purpose (gp) vehicle the Jeep™.

Jeep™ has become one of the few true icons in most of the world becoming synonymous with sport utility vehicles in general.  Through the 70 years since World War Two, a civilian Jeep™ has been produced starting with the JeepCJ-2A in 1945.  Today, Jeep™ produces and delivers five versions of the popular sport utility vehicle for the world marketplace.  Starting with the full size Grand Cherokee SUV at the top of the line and then the Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited, Liberty as a mid-sized SUV with Compass and Patriot being offered in the compact-SUV segment, Jeep™ has an option for everyone.

As Jeep™ celebrates its 70^th Anniversary in 2011, they have created a special edition version in all of their current models.  The Patriot Latitude 4X2 (also available as a 4X4) is no exception with some very nice features added to celebrate the 70^th Anniversary in a very affordable compact-SUV with iconic Jeep™ heritage. Those features are mostly interior including dark slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with the Jeep™ logo. The seats are trimmed with chestnut accent stitching and piping. The other 70^th Anniversary features included for the modest $575 up charge include a unique dark green cluster overlay, 70^th Anniversary logo on the radio screen, berber floor mats and cargo area all trimmed with chestnut binding.

A 70^th Anniversary badge is discretely placed on each of the front doors. 

The model we tested was the Latitude 4X2 midrange Patriot with the 70^th Anniversary upgrade.

The Latitude comes with larger 17 inch tires and style steel aluminum wheels and the bigger 2.4-liter I4 DOHC engine generating 172 hp with a standard 5 speed manual transmission rated at 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.  The car we drove was equipped with the 6 speed auto stick CVT2 Controllable Variable Transmission second generation.  This power train combination is rated at 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.  The second generation auto stick CVT is improved and performs much better than earlier year models.  Though you will not be racing this one from a standing stop, it performed more than adequately in normal city and highway driving as tested. 

Though this Jeep™ is of the “off road” heritage, it is not the full rough off-road performer that its bigger brothers are.  But, it is a very nice and affordable performer for the family that is looking for Jeep™ styling, above average off-road ability of most car based crossover vehicles while  giving a “rugged” look with in a comfortable suburban or city friendly runabout. 

The Jeep™ Patriot Latitude 4X2 70^th Anniversary edition has a base price of $22,720 including the Anniversary accessories.  Adding CVT2 transmission, Media Center 430N 6CD/DVD, MP3/HDD radio with Sirius XM Satellite Radio and steering wheel mounted audio controls, Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth™, USB port for mobile devices, auto dimming rearview mirror with microphone, power 6 way driver seat, heated seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, adjustable roof rail crossbars, soft tonneau cover, daytime running lamps plus destination charges brought the model tested to $26,450.  There are additional options available including a sunroof, Bose speaker system and a pair of nifty Boston Acoustics speakers that swing down from the raised lift gate when open.  Colors available include Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl and Bronze Star Pearl Coat.  The interior for all is Dark Slate Gray.

This is a very comfortable compact SUV to drive and ride in.  It holds five very comfortably. although the actual back storage space is small (as in most compact SUV’s) it is more than adequate for items you may be bringing along to the beach, mountains, a picnic or bringing home from the mall.  With the 60/40 fold down rear seats that fold flat, the carry capacity for this vehicle is very good especially with the wide rear opening and swing up door to facilitate loading. 

The Jeep™ Patriot Latitude 4X2 70^th Anniversary Edition is a good value from the iconic Jeep™ family of sport utility vehicles.

When in Drought, Wash Your Car Rinse Free

With no end in sight to one of the worst droughts in recent history in Texas, car washing is now banned in many communities.  Car washes still operate, but are also under some restrictions as well and are busier than usual resulting in delays when going to have the car washed.  But there is a way to keep your ride shiny and clean even during this period.  And you can do it at home, legally. The answer is Rinse-Free Car Wash by XPEL Technologies.

XPEL Technologies of San Antonio developed their Rinse-Free car wash as part of the of their primary product line of protective customized automotive finish coating films for dealer or aftermarket application.  Designed to thoroughly clean and prep the finish of a car before application of the custom XPEL films, the product has quickly become a product of choice for vehicle owners wanting to clean their cars while protecting the finish as well.

XPEL Rinse-Free Car Wash cleans the car finish quickly and easily without having to rinse the surface as you wash, eliminating water waste.  The product is environmentally safe with a patented lubricating polymer formula that removes the dirt without scratching and enhances the finish as it is wiped away.

XPEL Rinse-Free Car Wash is mixed one ounce (5 capfuls) with a gallon of water in a bucket.

Dip your wash mitt in the bucket and wipe one section with the wash. Dry the section with a high quality micro fiber cloth towel.  Then move onto the next section.  Quick, easy and leaves the car surface sparkling clean.

This product really works well.  I have been using it on the high luster finish of my Inferno Red Chrysler Crossfire Roadster (see my BLOG header pic) for many months now and have been amazed at how well it cleans and leave the finish with a show room luster in only a few minutes of work.  Without having to rinse, you can even wash your car in the garage.

XPEL Rinse Free Car Wash comes in a 16 ounce bottle for $8.95 or a one gallon jug for $39.95.  The 16 ounce bottle will do about 16 washes, so should be just right for the car owner who takes care of his car at home. And, at $8.95, a whole lot cheaper than the car wash down the street.

XPEL Rinse Free Car Wash is available on line from XPEL on their website http://www.xpel.com/products/tools.asp?product=Rinse%20Free%20Carwash%20System.

I also recommend purchasing their Microfiber Wash Mitt ($5.75) and Green 16X16 Super Plush Microfiber Towel ($5.75).

XPEL makes custom films for several manufacturers with one of the most prominent being BMW.  If you have seen a BMW with what appears to be a custom finish on the hood, roof or rear deck lid, it is XPEL Film applied by a dealer.   You can learn more about XPEL Automotive Finish Films at their website www.xpel.com .

Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn - Luxury Truck of Texas

Last Fall, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) held their annual Truck Rodeo near San Antonio to judge over 50 entries by manufacturers in several categories of consumer grade trucks including SUV’s and pickup trucks. All of the auto manufacturers covet the highest award in the categories they have entered due to the prestige it brings them in one of the largest automotive markets in the US.  The Truck of Texas  Awards are highly prized for the recognition of the efforts of the manufacturer to produce  the vehicle as well as the marketing advantage it gives them for the model year in the state (Texas) with the largest truck sales in the country.

The 2010 TAWA Truck Rodeo crowned a “new sheriff in town” in several categories out of the bunch of entries from the Ram Truck Division of Chrysler.  The ultimate prize “Texas Edition Luxury Truck” went to the Ram Laramie Longhorn.  The designated Ram winner was the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn, but the award also extended to the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn versions as well.

All of these Ram Laramie Longhorn trucks have exceptional design from the very functional yet handsome exteriors to the outstanding interior design typifying the essence of Texas in both materials and ornamentation. Exterior identification is bold in size and placement allowing quick identification of this Texas Edition truck.  The Interior is where the Ram really stands out above and beyond the competition. 

The crew cab seats 5 very easily and the seats are done richly in hand stitched leather with very fine tooled surfaces on both seats and backs.  The tool scroll work appears in several other areas including the chrome rings around the speedometer and other instruments as well as on the faces of the indicator plates inside the instrument cluster.  The use of leather Laramie Longhorn Edition badges stitched to the seats and the storage consoles add nicely to the ambiance.  The backs of the front seats have “saddle bag” storage pockets attached with tooled leather pouch flaps closures with “silver buckle” appearing clasps.  The floor carpets and weather mats continue the Texas design including molded barbed wire on the mats which are also fitted with snap out carpet inserts.

Just recently we were able to test drive the biggest and baddest of the Laramie Longhorn  bunch, the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4X4 “dualie” with dual rear wheels.  This is one serious truck.  Even with the “dualies” the heavier suspension and the 5.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel, this truck runs easily around town and very smoothly and quietly on the highway.  Don’t get me wrong, this truck is big and with the “dualies”, the rear fender skirts require a much wider footprint than you might be used to.  The negative, as you would expect, is that it does not fit inside the typical footprint of a parking lot space.  You do need to choose your spot so that you can use some of the space in front or behind you.  But, on the other hand, it is so comfortable and easy to drive with many luxury features easy to use close at hand, you do not mind the size.

This is also a work without a doubt. Looking at the power train and related mechanical features, the Ram 3500 is more than equal to or superior to its competition.  The Ram is the only truck in this class that is diesel equipped with the venerable Cummins 6.7L I6 Turbo Diesel engine generating 350hp at 3000 rpm.  With the 6 speed automatic transmission, the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn has towing capacity of 12,900# and a gross combined weight rating of 21,000#.  And, when not towing, it can get up and go when it needs to. Mileage ratings were not available.  Travelling Austin to Kerrville and back, the average was 14.7 mpg.  Around town, it was 13.7 mpg.

But the luxury touches really make this one stand out. It has a long list of standard luxury features but, the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4X4 Crew “dualie” also includes exclusively the following: heated seats both front and rear, vented (cooled) front seats (including the seat backs), lighted glove boxe, Garmin navigation with voice activation, parking assist sensors with rear camera and an entertainment system with 10 speakers in the cabin.  This is a  town and ranch family truck with all these features.

As equipped, the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4X4 Crew “dualie” stickers at $61,705.  The comparable vehicles from other manufacturers are in the same range.  It is notable that you can have this Texas luxury ambiance in several dual and single wheel levels in the Ram 3500 and single or dual wheel levels in the Ram 2500 or consider the Ram Laramie Longhorn 1500 Crew.  In any version, this is a distinctive and well crafted truck that will make any Texas truck owner proud.

P. Terry's brings Hamburgers in simple style to Lakeway

P. Terry’s Hamburgers,  already a legend in Austin, opened its newest store this week in Lakeway directly across RR 620 from Lake Travis High School.  We went for lunch on their second day wanting to check out a real “Taste of Texas” cheeseburger and fries now being served in Lakeway.

First we want to note that the new staff, augmented by P. Terry’s veterans, was working smoothly and efficiently at the noon hour handling the steady flow of a full dining room and drive through.  P. Terry’s  takes great pride in their team and it showed in the fast and courteous service we received and observed on only their second lunch hour since opening.

Sticking to the basics, we had combo meals, the Double w/cheese, fries and drink ($5.60). We also tried the special limited time only Maine Root Beer shake.  It was the real deal, refreshing yet not filling.  The burgers were as P. Terry’s  regulars have come to expect.  Fresh all naturally raised Angus beef patties sizzling on fresh buns with local tomatoes and fixings made just how you like it.  The fries are fresh cut on site and cooked in 100% canola oil served hot and crisp to match the burger.  A hint…a single order of fries is more than adequate for two, unless you are one of the hungry from Lake Travis HS across RR 620.  Austin Monthly Magazine has called P. Terry’s “anti fast food” while The Austin Chronicle has named them “Best Fast Food” in their annual poll.  I think something like “Best anti fast food - fast food in Austin” is about right.

P. Terry’s began some years ago as many of the best of Austin have, starting as a food trailer serving excellent food at reasonable prices to the Austin community.  As several have done, their “recipe” for simple high quality food at  affordable prices, became a winner resulting in that location becoming brick and mortar at Barton Springs and South Lamar.  With the addition of Lakeway, there are now five P. Terry’s locations serving the Hill Country hamburger hungry.

Hamburgers are the basic menu item, but P. Terry’s offers a delicious chicken burger and a unique veggie burger if red meat is not on your menu for the day.  They will also serve your hamburger without the bun, wrapped in lettuce if you want.  Their breakfast menu (at some locations) includes an egg burger made from local organic eggs, breakfast potatoes and banana bread to go with hot coffee or fresh juice.

The new P. Terry’s  location in Lakeway, on the edge of the native limestone formation facing back to the city from RR 620, has one of the best views of any hamburger “stand” anywhere in Hill Country.  The eclectic building in the P. Terry’s style sits easily in the nicely landscaped natural location with plenty of parking, inside seating and shaded outside patio with a play area for children.  It features a drive through and is open daily 11 am to 10 pm and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.  Breakfast is not served at this location at this time.

Finally, a true all adult convertible

MURANO CrossCabriolet™ Coupe

 – ROOM FOR FOUR WITH A VIEW                                     

Nissan continues to impress with its innovation and out of the box thinking on new products while also making existing products more interesting and desirable for the consumer.  Their latest, just coming to market, is an industry first true cabriolet coupe based on the very successful Murano LE all wheel drive (AWD).  Admittedly, this concept will have some limited market appeal, but building it on the popular and proven Murano LE AWD platform with some modifications and engineering tweaks (not the least of which is making the four door cross over a two door coupe with a soft top) is a stroke of market brilliance by Nissan.

Normally I would spend the balance of this review talking about my experience with the usual subjects and performance of the Murano CrossCabriolet™  (suffice it to say it is every bit as good as you would expect from Nissan). But this driving experience was so extraordinary; I thought I would tell you what consumers told me as they saw the CrossCabriolet for the first time, up close and personal. 

The test unit we had was in Sunset Bronze with Cashmere leather interior trimmed in light wood grain.  It was drop dead gorgeous and it got lots of “looks” top up and more so, top down. This was our first “ride and drive” in over 7 years where everywhere we went, people stopped us and asked to look at this remarkable vehicle usually starting with a comment like “wow, what is that?”

Comments and questions came at stop lights, grocery store parking lots, restaurants, wineries and shopping mall drives as well as on the roads.  Hill Country in Central Texas liked this car. People of all ages stopped to take pictures (some snapping as they drove by) with high interest from young people who quickly sent the pictures to their Facebook or tweeted their friends after we told them it was a 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet™. 

Nissan planned that their target market for the Murano CrossCabriolet™ was going to be mostly women and those generally of “means”.  Our interactions with interested consumers confirmed that based on those we talked to.  The Murano CrossCabriolet™ is said to “start at $46,390” per the current Nissan website.  Looking at pricing for a Murano LE AWD with added extras found on this test car showed the Murano LE AWD to be about $43,060 similarly equipped or about a $3,300 premium for the CrossCabriolet™.   The women who approached us were clustered in two groups that I would describe as one being mothers mid 20’s to mid or later 30’s with small children and the second being women in their 40’s to 60’s.  Price for both groups did not present a problem.  The fact that it was a full four person convertible (excuse me CrossCabriolet™)  and easy to get in and out of (excellent one button moving passenger seat for entry to back seats) appealed to both groups.  They told us that other manufacturers convertibles they perceived as similarly equipped and of interest were at price points much higher than the CrossCabriolet™.

The mothers liked the high sides, reinforcement of the body and innovative pop up roll bar behind each seat. They told us that they felt this was terrific opportunity for them to have a family convertible safe for the children and fun for the adults all in one.  For the more mature women, they added comments about the top up roofline being good especially with the added glass skylight in the rear, the one button quick and efficient opening and closing of the top, ability to hold four adults very comfortably and include luggage and golf clubs in the trunk (even with the top down).  The high sight lines provided by modifying the Murano SUV and equipping it with 20 inch split spoke Titanium finish aluminum alloy wheels makes the CrossCabriolet™ an easy drive as well. 

Did I mention colors?  Some really cool colors that appeal to both men and women are available.  The Sunset Bronze, Glacier Pearl and Caribbean (hint: color of Carribbean  ocean in a quiet island cove) are hot for the ladies while the guys will have to settle for Super Black, Platinum, Graphite and Merlot.  

Just in case you think only women asked about the CrossCabriolet™, about 30% of those who asked to see it up close were men of all age groups.  The Murano as an SUV (particularly  at the LE AWD trim level) is well known to them and the opportunity to own it as a unique cabriolet convertible at the same time was very appealing to this group.

We won’t list all of the features found on the CrossCabriolet™ but rather tell you to go to the Nissan website and look at the Murano LE Features and Specifications  listing.  The CrossCabriolet™ is option loaded similarly to a very premium level from features to trim, to functionality to comfort and to value with some unique extras.  A couple of those being a auto adjusting sound system and a button for enhanced air conditioning cool air flow from top of vents when the top is down.

The only down side we noted (it came up in questions) was maybe fuel economy.  The CrossCabriolet is powered by the venerable 3.5L 265 hp V6 mated to the Xtronic CVT transmission which is a performance efficient power train.  Nissan estimates MPG to be in the range of 17-22.  We did not get the impression that the mileage rating for this vehicle would slow down sales from the groups we talked to.   In fact, I would say, had we a dozen to sell this week, we would have sold them all on the spot.  Nissan says that they are beginning to produce the Murano CrossCabriolet™ as I write this review.  Go to the Nissan website http://www.nissanusa.com/muranocabriolet/ for updates on availability.