2008 Dodge Caliber - Love my Baby!
The Dodge Caliber came out in 2007-08 and I planned from the start to get one because at the time gas-saving economy-sized vehicles were all the rage. So I did my research and decided on the caliber because it isn't too small nor too large, they're within a reasonable price range for people seeking a nice ride that won't break the bank, and it's actually a fun car to possess. They also came in a range of non-traditional colors, although the color I wanted at the time was not in stock (burnt orange). I feel my decision to go with silver was a better choice ultimately because it blends in and attracts less wanted attention from you know who! ;-) There's also ample space to carry large items; I've had 2 adult 22+ speed bicycles inside at once, and on other occasions have carried a 27 inch... (more)
The Dodge Caliber came out in 2007-08 and I planned from the start to get one because at the time gas-saving economy-sized vehicles were all the rage. So I did my research and decided on the caliber because it isn't too small nor too large, they're within a reasonable price range for people seeking a nice ride that won't break the bank, and it's actually a fun car to possess. They also came in a range of non-traditional colors, although the color I wanted at the time was not in stock (burnt orange). I feel my decision to go with silver was a better choice ultimately because it blends in and attracts less wanted attention from you know who! ;-) There's also ample space to carry large items; I've had 2 adult 22+ speed bicycles inside at once, and on other occasions have carried a 27 inch apple desktop computer, moved mid-country from the east coast to the Midwest/south with the car loaded with half of my house's possessions, a small/standard sized barbeque grill, and several pets.
Loaded the car...And my roommate's pet...And we hit the road traveling from Texas to a few cities in Kansas to visit friends and family. I love traveling in my car because it is the perfect size for long distances. If you're traveling far, you can load the car with snacks/travel gear and everything's in arm's reach! Very convenient when you're grabbing for water, snacks, refreshments on the ba... (more)
Loaded the car...And my roommate's pet...And we hit the road traveling from Texas to a few cities in Kansas to visit friends and family. I love traveling in my car because it is the perfect size for long distances. If you're traveling far, you can load the car with snacks/travel gear and everything's in arm's reach! Very convenient when you're grabbing for water, snacks, refreshments on the back seat or passenger floor.
I fell in love with the AV connector that allowed me to listen to my iPod. Graduating from cassettes and cd's was a big deal for me at that time :). Then there are the seats that hug you as you nestle in to drive. I also loved the sound of the VVT engine as I coasted down the interstate for my test drive. The rev of the engine made it feel more sporty and luxurious. And who doesn't love the "new-car" smell?! Comfortably fits 2 adults and 3 children, or 4 "average-sized" adults.
I fell in love with the AV connector that allowed me to listen to my iPod. Graduating from cassettes and cd's was a big deal for me at that time :). Then there are the seats that hug you as you nestle in to drive. I also loved the sound of the VVT engine as I coasted down the interstate for my test drive. The rev of the engine made it feel more sporty and luxurious. And who doesn't love the "new-car" smell?! Comfortably fits 2 adults and 3 children, or 4 "average-sized" adults.
I don't have much to say against my baby (it's what I call her). I bought her in 2008 and she's been going strong every since. I'm pretty good with keeping up with general maintenance so, I've had minor repair costs over the years, and the dealership is always telling me how great the condition of my car is. If you seek space for a large family or something like bursts of high speed in a short amount of time, then this isn't the ride for you. Also, there isn't a way to tow trailers/ATV's/U-Haul's on back because it's just a plastic bumper without a hitch.
I don't have much to say against my baby (it's what I call her). I bought her in 2008 and she's been going strong every since. I'm pretty good with keeping up with general maintenance so, I've had minor repair costs over the years, and the dealership is always telling me how great the condition of my car is. If you seek space for a large family or something like bursts of high speed in a short amount of time, then this isn't the ride for you. Also, there isn't a way to tow trailers/ATV's/U-Haul's on back because it's just a plastic bumper without a hitch.
2008 Dodge Caliber - Damn caliber.
When I originally bought the car, there were only two used cars in the crossover category. The Caliber and the Pontiac vibe. Vibes kept their value better than the caliber did, so those were all out of my price range. I have since learned why the caliber does not hold its value like the Vibe does.
When I originally bought the car, there were only two used cars in the crossover category. The Caliber and the Pontiac vibe. Vibes kept their value better than the caliber did, so those were all out of my price range. I have since learned why the caliber does not hold its value like the Vibe does.
I am a band teacher. The week after I purchased the car, I had to take instruments in to Marshall Music for summer repairs. I fit 1 tuba, 4 trombones, 6 trumpets, 3 saxophones, 8 clarinets, and 3 flutes. It was amazing.
I am a band teacher. The week after I purchased the car, I had to take instruments in to Marshall Music for summer repairs. I fit 1 tuba, 4 trombones, 6 trumpets, 3 saxophones, 8 clarinets, and 3 flutes. It was amazing.
It's the perfect size car for me. Not too big like a full sized SUV, and not too small like the compact vehicles that keep coming out.
It's the perfect size car for me. Not too big like a full sized SUV, and not too small like the compact vehicles that keep coming out.
The continuously variable transmission requires at lot of maintenance and even with keeping up with the maintenance, it doesn't always run well. I can not use my air conditioner during the summer months because it puts too much strain on the engine and my car will stall out. The sub-frame of the car rusted out because Dodge used a low grade steel. Luckily I caught it before the engine fell out of the car (which could be scary if on the highway). I've had to replace more corroded wires than I have on any other vehicle I have owned. The brakes constantly make noise, even if I just had new pa... (more)
The continuously variable transmission requires at lot of maintenance and even with keeping up with the maintenance, it doesn't always run well. I can not use my air conditioner during the summer months because it puts too much strain on the engine and my car will stall out. The sub-frame of the car rusted out because Dodge used a low grade steel. Luckily I caught it before the engine fell out of the car (which could be scary if on the highway). I've had to replace more corroded wires than I have on any other vehicle I have owned. The brakes constantly make noise, even if I just had new pads put on. The calipers are smaller than average, so the brakes always make noise. The roof of the car leaks, so if the car is out in the rain, there are puddles on the floor of the car. I've read online that this is a common problem. When I reached 141,000 miles, the dealership told me that the electronic throttle control and PCM both needed to be replaced at a cost of $2200 (which is more than the blue book value of the car). When I pointed out about the blue book value, they immediately wanted me to trade it in. I said I would never purchase another dodge for the rest of my life. A car shouldn't be at the point where it's too expensive to fix it at that low of mileage. Every car that I've driven before this one at least made it to 280,000 miles before it had to be replaced.
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