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Dodge Caliber
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Comments
Please take all of your extras off the car when trading it in, they don't help - nor do they care. That car will be "thrown" in the back lot for some used car lot guy to snatch up to resell.
Aftermarket products rarely add value. OEM is usually better for trade.
The prices you see listed on used car lots are rarely what they sell for. Therefore, the trade offer will be significantly lower than that.
If there is nothing wrong with the car, I would keep it. Drive it until it dies, then dotnate it.
The REALLY profitable side of the car business is used cars. They offered my friend 3000 dollars for a 2001 F-150 pickup truck in mint shape. A similar truck sits on their lot with a sticker price of over 11 grand. THAT'S 8 grand in profit just by moving ONE used vehicle!! You do the math.
What they give you on a trade-in bears little or no resemblance to what the price is when that vehicle ends up on their used car lot.
Has anyone used DCX's "Friends and Family" discount?? Is that like "1% over discount"??
I'm thinking about purchasing a Caliber in the near future but I have a question about CVT. Could someone please explain the whole concept of CVT and potentially discuss pros/cons? Is it actually an automatic transmission or is it treated more like a manual where shifting of gears is required?
Thanks, in advance, for your answers.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses a belt (or chain) that connects two pulleys to provide an unlimited number of ratio changes and uninterrupted power to the wheels. So it's ALWAYS in the most efficient power setting, relative to your speed.
They are supposed to offer better fuel efficiency than conventional automatic transmissions.
Yes I got the 500 rebate plus 500 dealer participation plus some other money off to get me at 19500 plus tax and title fees only.
The model -- Caliber R/T with extra cost Sunburst Orange, with extra cost Sunroof. It stickered at just under 21,000. I could have got more off, but we thought it was a great deal and it came off the truck and we bought it. The first in our area over 30 days ago to have an R/T !!!!
No rattle at freeway speeds but YES, OH YES I hear lots of loud ticks in the garage when I am working after my wife pulls in. Thought it to be normal cool down ticks, but mayber a little louder than normal. It is a new car with not that many miles on it though.
Of course, who knows WHAT will happen when we get to 666 Caliber owners in CarSpace!!
Hmmm...nothing happened. Oh well, back to the Caliber.
For those of you with an R/T, do you feel that the AWD helps the Caliber in the handling department? I like the larger engine that comes in the R/T, but am not sure if the extra weight of the AWD system is worth it. Hoping that Dodge releases a FWD R/T soon.
While at the dealer they took a look at my wipers, which work great but appeared to rest a bit high on the windshield. There are black "sideways T" marks on the windshield where the wipers are supposed to rest when not in use. Minor adjustment.
They also said that several Caliber owners have asked about the sometimes loud tapping or ticking when the exhaust is cooling down. At this point DCX is saying that this is normal operation. Sometimes, I can hear this tapping when at red lights, too, so I'll turn up the radio for the time being. :surprise:
So far so good...
Does anyone know how long it takes to get the car if you special order one? Also if there are any extra fees or anything for having it customized?
You might want to re-consider ordering alloy wheels, though. In my opinion, they don't look that much better than the steel wheels with the covers on the SXT and they are much more expensive to replace if you hit curb or something like that. The SXT, however, does NOT have cruise as standard, and I'm sure this is something you would also want.
Personally, I did not care for the silver, because of all the black trim around the roof and the big silver wheels. That said, the grey interior is a must. The tan interior still gets the silver console, white gauges, chrome shifter, and black-face radio. To me this looks really mis-matched. Both Silver and Steel Blue are available only with the grey interior, and I think maybe White too...
A SXT CVT with fogs, cruise, and Musicgate has a total MSRP of $17,820 - I think. The wheels would be about $450 on top of that. The cruise is $250, fogs $85, and the super deal is the $400 for the upgraded stereo package. You probably could not buy speakers for that price.
Sometimes a dealer can modify the orders they have already placed within certain limits. This way, you can get what you want without starting over from "square zero."
I'd call your local Dodge dealer first thing Monday morning and see what they have on order already and go from there.
If they know you are a serious buyer, they may get the car for you sooner than you might think possible, and you can get a good deal too. I suggested MSRP-$1000-rebate to others, and I still think those numbers are "fair" for the Caliber.
Your certainty about the car will get you a good deal. What dealer wouldn't love to order a car, knowing it was already sold? All he has to do is 1) call you when its in, 2) prep it for delivery, 3) and take your money. I'm thinking he'll do alot to get to step three as quickly as possible.
2. I traded a 2004 Saturn Ion for my Caliber SXT and the insurance cost was almost identical. I guess the added safety features offset the increase in the value of the car. With the CVT you get 4 wheel-ABS included and all Calibers have the head curatin airbags, as well as the new generation front bags.
I'm older, married and live in Ohio, which generally has reasonable auto insurance rates. My insurance company does a monthly draw from my checking account, which is really quite convenient. You may not be able to do this being on you father's policy - I don't know.
That said, I'm paying $43 per month for full coverage on my new Caliber, which includes $300K liability and a $500 deduct on collision and comprehensive. We also have a 2002 Grand Caravan Sport (with ABS and front bags) and the exact same coverage. The minivan costs us $36 per month to insure, so the Caliber seems reasonable to me - its five years newer, more fun to drive, and only $7 per month more.
1. We have $1000 deduct. No points. No tickets.
2. We have a bit higher limits.
3. We paid $221 for the T&C for 6 months, now paying $226 for the R/T for six months! $5 dollar difference.
4. The payments only went up $12 per month.
5. The gas mileage went from 20.2 to right now 26.6 avg.
6. I am happy we are saving a couple of bucks a year.
7. Estimated fuel use for 15,000 miles per year
02 T&C 15000 / 20.2avg =742 x 2.75 per gal = $2040
07 Caliber 15000 / 26.6avg =564 x 2.75 per gal = $1551
2040-1551=489 5 x 12=60 (diff ins per year)
489-60= $ 429. in savings. So I save two car pmts per year!!!! I hope mileage goes to 28 avg save another $80
Please note these are REAL mileage figures, I use recpts and verify with several different fillups to be sure!!
Just to remind We have the larger motor 2.4 R/T, SXT will be better on gas!
We are saving $32 per month from what we pay now for our Mustang GT so the rate doesn't seem bad but would love to have a rate half that price!
Be sure to read: Dodge Neon vs Dodge Caliber
79CustomD
I will probably get the SRT in a year or so when it comes out, but I may stay with the mileage car.
I'd also like to know about the performance and economy of the 1.8 5 speed. If its as nice to drive as the 2.0 CVT and gets 35 MPG, I'd also consider downsizing to another Caliber and letting my wife drive the one I have now, but I don't see that as likely.
PS: Our 2002 Grand Caravan Sport just turned 29,000 miles the other day. She really drives it hard, LOL
Why would they add a V6 to this thing? Lets go right back into no mileage land! Why not put one in the PT then!
my price with discount is $18850 (+ dmv of about $220)
what do you all think? is this an ok deal. it includes 7 year 100k ml warranty with raod side assist at no charge.
thanks for input!
2007 MODEL YEAR
CALIBER SXT SPORT
Base Price: $ 15,425
DODGE CALIBER SXT
Exterior Color: Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat Paint
Interior Color: Light Slate Gray
Interior: Cloth Seats with Color-Keyed Insert
Engine: 2.0L 4-Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT Engine
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transaxle II
STANDARD EQUIPMENT(UNLESS REPLACED BY OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT)
FUNCTIONAL / SAFETY FEATURES
Front Advanced Multistage Air Bags**
Front and Rear Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags**
Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
Solar-Control Glass
Rear Window Defroster
Rearview Day/Night Mirror
Sentry Key(R) Theft Deterrent System
Keyless Entry
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Sliding Sun Visors with Mirrors
Power Accessory Delay
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Power Mirrors
Speed-Sensitive Power Locks
Power Windows with Driver's One-Touch-Down Feature
Passenger Assist Handles
Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering
Touring Suspension
12-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet
Auxiliary 115-Volt Power Outlet
Illuminated Entry
INTERIOR FEATURES
Air Conditioning with Chill Zone(TM) Storage
Illuminated Cupholders
Tilt Steering Column
AM/FM/CD, Chgr Ctrl, Aux Input Jack
4 Speakers
Sliding Armrest with Cell Phone/MP3 Holder
Flexible Seating Group
Driver's Seat with Height Adjuster
Rear Fold-Flat-Forward Seat
Rear 60/40 Split Recline Seat
Fold Flat - Load Floor
Interior Removable/Rechargeable Lamp
Satin Silver Shifter Bezel
Satin Silver Instrument Panel Bezel
Front and Rear Floor Mats
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Liftgate Door with Fixed Glass
PRICE INFORMATION (contd.)
Halogen Headlamps
17" x 6.5" Steel Wheels
P215/60R17 BSW All Season Touring Tires
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Sunburst Orange Pearl Coat Paint $ 150
Sunburst Orange Seat Insert
Customer Preferred Package 24E $ 645
Sport Appearance Interior Group
Color-Keyed Instrument Panel Bezel
Cloth Seats with Color-Keyed Insert
Color-Keyed PRNDL Bezel
Fog Lamps
17" x 6.5" Aluminum Wheels
Driver Convenience Group $ 400
Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
Temperature and Compass Gauge
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Universal Garage Door Opener
Heated Front Seats $ 250
Continuously Variable Transaxle II $ 1,000
Anti-Lock Front Disc/Rr Drum Brakes
2.0L 4-Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT Engine $ 100
Power Sunroof $ 750
Speed Control $ 250
AM/FM Radio with Cass/CD/6-Disc/MP3 $ 420
DESTINATION CHARGE $ 560
TOTAL PRICE:* $ 19,950
my price with discount is $18850 (+ dmv of about $220)
i ended up getting the aforementioned caliber! the dealer in this area (well, one of the 3) offers the old Dodge 7 yr/100k warranty free.
I did end up getting the "Platinum Plan" warranty that covers EVERYTHING for about $1600, much less than the usual $2200, because the dealer already warrantys the basics so well.
I also opted for the Xzilon interior and exterior coating that guarantees paint and carpet/vinyl/leather for 5 years. This includes a 1 day rental/replacement vehicle.
all said and done, it came out to $21000, everything inclusive....
and of course it's beautiful!
anyone who's considering test driving this car..GO FOR IT!
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/07caliber.htm
we sell chrysler/toyota. if they are hardcore about mileage ill steer them toward a corolla or , if they want more cargo carrying capability, the matrix. the caliber will make its name with its style and cargo room, but not with fuel efficiency. the pt cruiser suffers from the same shortcoming, thought the calibers numbers would almost have to be better than that car.