Happy New Year All! Newbie Bhpian here to announce arrival of Black brute Jeep Compass Limited Diesel MT, thanks to this forum and ownership reviews / research for almost 6 months, I took the plunge to experience the Jeep life, wanted to add my 2 cents to this illustrious forum..
Background - Why/How?
It was back in 2020 October, when I sold my previous 5 year old Toyota Etios Liva Petrol to one of the Toyota service rep. Had driven it 60 km everyday without a single breakdown. Circumstances changed / location changed, there wasn't a need to own a car at all except for road trip weekends. So kept quiet for 1 year to live a minimal carbon footprint life.
Fast forward 2021 November, the deteriorated road conditions in Mumbai/explorer bug hit me. This time longed to own something which was
ruthless, feature loaded, secure, so the short list was: Tata Harrier/Safari, Isuzu Dmax pickup, Jeep Compass, XUV700 (didnt want to tug along traffic in an Innova and had my reservations about investing in a CKD version of Tucson). Ignored Skoda sedans/VW in general as I didn't want higher service costs and lower seat position. That said I would have definitely considered Chevrolet Cruze if it was available..
1. Isuzu Dmax Pickup idea got dismissed by family as this wasn't America where we would be ferrying furniture while hauling a boat or a house?! I did like it though.
2. Tata Harrier/Safari: Really considered this until the last minute.
Harrier checked all my requirement boxes and budget. Its street presence, looks and drive quality was good. However I couldn't help ignoring the panel gaps, mediocre interior build quality, documented niggles and dealer apathy. It seemed like Tata didnt need me as their customer. Safari felt big and could notice considerable body roll so didnt go for it.
3. XUV700: Was marvelled by its features. It also felt refined/thoughtfully designed and with at least 6 seats whenever needed! However was it worth the wait of 3 to 6 months? I didnt know the answer..so ignored it.
4. Enter Jeep Compass: It was way beyond budget, it ranked a low 14 in it's host country list of 'compact' SUVs:
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/...s/compact-suvs
Test drove Petrol AT, the traffic prevented me from unleashing it's true power, as documented at lower rpms the automatic powertrain felt underpowered but the ride quality(NVH,suspension system)/ solid build / tasteful interiors / exterior looks captured my imagination. Further research, obsessively reading up Team Bhp and Youtube reviews on Jeep Compass / Harrier I ended up test driving the Diesel Manual which was enough to blow away any concerns of underpower in traffic..so Diesel MT Limited left me impressed while it was beyond budget..
Buying process and Initial impressions
Got to know that the prices were hiked in December only, so was waiting out for any offers, considered the Harrier all over again/also checked out a pre-owned Compass. However got a call from the dealership saying a Black Limited Diesel just got allocated to them and they were willing to shave off 'document support' charges, match insurance quote and offer a few accessories. They would also be able to deliver the car the same week.
After working out the finances booked the Jeep Compass immediately, did the PDI as per Team Bhp checklist - noted some gaps in the underbody cladding, sharp air deflector lip in the front, heard the creak when doors are fully stretched..after some deliberation okayed the vehicle.
Initial impressions
Got the delivery of vehicle within 4 days after PDI / full payment with the license plate. After a memorable key handover and puja it was time to take it for a spin!
First impressions: We are awestruck!
Sound system is better than most cars I drove in the US (Altima/Rogue/Camry), can hear the diesel engine make some sounds outside, however inside the cabin NVH cladding dampens it considerably. However it's not completely silent as in premium petrol cars. There is no vibration in the gear lever / steering and in general we have a much much quieter cabin as compared to the Liva I drove for 5 years. I can navigate all the neighbourhood speed breakers without changing gears, noticed that autos / cars are giving me the right of way at crossings, high seating position gives a secure feeling, the steering is effortless while taking u-turns and also very stable while negotiating expressway curves. Impressed with Suspension system too as it navigates potholes and speed breakers without a thud/jerk while letting me feel the road at all times. The first gear lets me navigate slow traffic at a good speed without changing gears, second gear gives explosive power to overtake most vehicles at a signal, higher gear shifts are smooth. Looking forward to activating and using the Jeep life app.
Its still initial days, as of now I intend to keep it for a long time, will be contributing my inputs in this forum as I discover something new. I m really thankful for the contributors in this forum, all the info was so detailed and relevant.