Any Dodge Caliber owners here??

[TR Custom Parts]

Looking to get one of these for the wife to make up for the mileage my Hemi Ram gets.

 

[theamcguy]

I've got a 2008, my wife loves it. Nice car. I can't figure out why these things are not flying off the lot. I got a base model with a manual trans but did get the A/C and the cruise control, power locks, power windows, and power mirrors. Gets good mileage, no problems.

 

[Pronto]

Al just worked on a 07 with 37k on it. Both front control arms, ball joints, A/C compressor was squelling and tires were gone. Driven by a woman that uses it for a cleaning service.

 

[counterman]

I sell them new and used. Overall, a great little car. The cvt trans takes a little to get used to, but it really promotes in town fuel economy. Typically, 22-23 in town, and 27-28 highway. Non SRT4's are not dragsters, and they are a very basic little car. New, 17-18k will get you a nice one, and used, they typically bring 7k on up depending on model and year. I can say that I can sell them and not worry about them biting me in the behind. More room and better fuel economy than a PT Cruiser--another solid little car. PT's on the way out, however. Calibers and stablemates Patriot and Compass got new interiors for 10 with nicer dashes, and somewhat higher quality interior plastics. More cargo capacity than a C5 Galaxy with the seats folded, too! Warranties are 3/36 bumper to bumper with 5/100 on powertrain on 10's, new or used. The 07-09 cars have remainder of 3/36, and had lifetime powertrain to first owner only. Rudy.

 

[By-Tor]

I sell them new and used. Overall, a great little car. The cvt trans takes a little to get used to, but it really promotes in town fuel economy. Typically, 22-23 in town, and 27-28 highway. Non SRT4's are not dragsters, and they are a very basic little car. New, 17-18k will get you a nice one, and used, they typically bring 7k on up depending on model and year. I can say that I can sell them and not worry about them biting me in the behind. More room and better fuel economy than a PT Cruiser--another solid little car. PT's on the way out, however. Calibers and stablemates Patriot and Compass got new interiors for 10 with nicer dashes, and somewhat higher quality interior plastics. More cargo capacity than a C5 Galaxy with the seats folded, too! Warranties are 3/36 bumper to bumper with 5/100 on powertrain on 10's, new or used. The 07-09 cars have remainder of 3/36, and had lifetime powertrain to first owner only. Rudy.

Just how many cars have you sold with this little gem?

 

[counterman]

By-Tor, on average, I sell 12-14 cars a month, new Mopars, and all makes used. What, exactly, are you asking me? The Calibers, Patriots, and Compasses are solid small cars that give good service, and compare well with other cars in their classes. Are they mini Rolls Royce models hand assembled by elves in Europe? No, not close. Are they decent cars that provide good value and fuel economy for the money? Yes. The engines are part of the World Engine family, and power many a Mopar, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi up and down the food chain from basic to sporty. The cvt relied on the undisputed masters of the gendre--Jatco, for a reliable design that would suit cars up and down the price range. Thanks, Rudy.

 

[Silver Fox]

Mark,

In my last job, I travelled a lot and used a lot of different rental cars, including the Caliber. I didn't really care for the Caliber for the week I had it. Uninspiring to drive, limited visibility from what I recall, it did not do j-turns very well, and the transmission would kick off line if you torque braked it for more than 30 seconds waiting at a redlight (I know it is a front wheel drive...). I can't recall where the rev limiter kicked in (something I test in every rental car I use - e.g., the Cobalt I had the other week would limit the revs to 4000 in neutral). The trunk area wasn't the biggest either, the handling so, so, at best. If you are looking for a cheap car that will last for a few years, it would probably be okay, but I think I would look at a Mazda3 or something like that instead. More fun to drive and probably get about the same mpg.

 

[chopped39]

Al just worked on a 07 with 37k on it. Both front control arms, ball joints, A/C compressor was squelling and tires were gone. Driven by a woman that uses it for a cleaning service.

Thats why I tell people to buy them. They make me money. Do a window regulator. I cant believe this design Love when people say they dont have any problems with these cars. Bring them in for service and we will let you know what your problems are:biggrin: That goes for all cars. They are all junk. Buy the best warranty you can get and when its close to the end get rid of the car and buy another one.

 

[Heg87t]

Mine works fine

Looking to get one of these for the wife to make up for the mileage my Hemi Ram gets.

We have a 2008 CXL with about 35K on it and no problems bought if from a dealer who got it from the Chelsea proving grounds with 4,500 miles on it. Got a pretty good deal. 2.0L CVT. CVT does take some getting used to. No problems at all with it so far.
Only complaint I have it the amount of road noise. My 4WD Silverado is quieter.

There is an excellent muffler on these cars! (sorry, shamless plug for my company!! )

 

[Pronto]

Oh ya, that was another failing issue, the exhaust system was all wiggly. The rubber hangers have all stretched out and the system was banging around.

 

[whitecobra98]

got stuck with one as a rental twice....biggest POS ever, and one of them only had 600 miles on it..no power, no visibility, no room.....throwaway car just like the Neon

 

[troGNman]

I drove one last night for my P/T gig. It seems roomy inside but felt cheap and plastick-y. I couldn't get used to the engine pitch never changing when you floor it with the CVT. I had to merge onto the freeway and the engine sounded the same from 35 mph to 75.

 

[theamcguy]

I don't what you guys are complaining about. I paid $15K for mine brand new. Base model, manual trans, has power windows, locks, mirrors, A/C and a drink cooler in the glove box. AM-FM-CD. 15K out the door and I ordered the car. I was not expecting a $15K car to be like a $30K car. Just basic transportation, good gas mileage, minimal maintenance. So far it has handled all 3 with ease. Is it a stop light bandit heck no it's a family car that moves people from A to B. When I bought mine all of the nearest competitors were at around $20K for the same features I got for $15K in the Caliber. Some eople drive the heck out of their cars, we don't. I have a 1995 Escort Wagon, 152,000 mi. Original clutch, original rear brake linings and they still have 30% of the lining left. Original CV axles origianl everything except timing belt, water pump, plugs and wires. It's all how you drive and care for the car. Some people can trash a car in 30,000 mi.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

I don't what you guys are complaining about. I paid $15K for mine brand new. Base model, manual trans, has power windows, locks, mirrors, A/C and a drink cooler in the glove box. AM-FM-CD. 15K out the door and I ordered the car. I was not expecting a $15K car to be like a $30K car. Just basic transportation, good gas mileage, minimal maintenance. So far it has handled all 3 with ease. QUOTE]

That's all I am looking for. Got the Buick and Dodge Ram for me, Caliber would be for the wife to bomb around town.

 

[CaptainInsane-O]

Coworker has an '09 & it's had quite a few problems, including the aforementioned front suspension issues. IMHO you should check out the Mazda3 and Chebby HHR (or Mazdaspeed3 & SS HHR, why not the wifey have some fun?)... FWIW, My sister bought a 2010 Mazda3 s Sport a few months ago & loves it. They have a solid history for having very few problems & fit-finish/trim feels a lot less plasticky and cheap than the Caliber.

 

[Heg87t]

We have a 2008 CXL with about 35K on it and no problems bought if from a dealer who got it from the Chelsea proving grounds with 4,500 miles on it. Got a pretty good deal. 2.0L CVT. CVT does take some getting used to. No problems at all with it so far.
Only complaint I have is the amount of road noise. My 4WD Silverado is quieter.

There is an excellent muffler on these cars! (sorry, shamless plug for my company!! )

OK. I am goign to resurect an old thread.

The car has developed a clunk or rattle in the front end over small bumps. Is this the symptom of ball joint and/or control arm bushing failure? Either doesn't seem too hard to R&R just bolt in.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

Funny, I was going to resurrect this thread myself. Never did buy one, but wife found one last week at a local dealership. One owner, locally, R/T model, optioned to the hilt with 2.4 motor, 18" wheels, sunroof, etc. Took it for a test drive and gave it a good romp. Didn't think it was that bad of a vehicle for what it is. Went to the International Auto Show the previous weekend and realize I can't really afford anything new right now.

Asking 11,900 for it and they wouldn't budge a dime on the price. Told them I have never paid asking price but still nothing. Said thanks for the ride and left. Good car fax on it but they have been sitting on it since MAY!

Your clunk sounds like the ball joint issue, got to replace the whole control arm from what I have read. Doesn't look like a real hard job to do. Rock Auto has complete arms for around $120 or so.

 

[Heg87t]

Your clunk sounds like the ball joint issue, got to replace the whole control arm from what I have read. Doesn't look like a real hard job to do. Rock Auto has complete arms for around $120 or so.

Yeah I am thinking the control arms will have to be done. Hoping that the guys who replied earlier with experience will chime in.

 

[chopped39]

The control arm bushings are very common problem but I have had a few towed in for broken ball joints as well. I replace the whole arm when I do them. Use dealer arms. I replaced alot with aftermarket arms and the aftermarket arms suck. I have had bushings slide right out of new arms. Sway bar frame bushings go bad . upper strut mounts go bad also. good luck

 

[John Larkin]

Check sway bar bushings first. They clunk exactly as you describe.