I am considering purchasing a 2008 Caliber SXT with 65k miles for $12k. The only thing is that I've read a few bad reviews and I would like some recommendations. Should I make this purchase? Are these cars really as troublesome as people make out?

 

Only Common problems with these things are Front end suspension. If you can put up with few hundred dollar of suspension work every 30k miles (considering you alrdy have 65k), it will be a good car.

But Honestly, what other compact Hatch Back out there can you really buy for 12k? Imports like Toyota and Mazda are pretty expensive, Ford Focus isn't any better than the Caliber.

 

Peanut,

If you need a build sheet for any vehicle you are looking at, PM me the Vin and I will send it to you.

 

I have had trouble with my caliber three times since I have had it. The first time it was the electronic throttle light. Which was misdiagnosed 5 times. And included six trips to the dealership. And cost about $400 all together to repair. The second time was a bearing in the alternator. Cost about $400 to fix that. The third time it was going down the road and died. Local mechanic said that it needed a new engine because there was no compression. Said about $3000 to repair the vehicle. Got a second opinion. Blown fuse in it. Fuse was linked to one of four parts that costs less than $400 dollars. All in all it has been a good car. Great gas mileage. Only drawback is that when something does go wrong it is a pain to get it fixed. No one I have dealt with seems to know how to pin point the exact problem with the car the first time. So good luck! If you do buy it,

 

Sounds like your local mechanic is an idiot.

 

I had a 2008 Compass (same car) that I was very happy with. 40K on it and no issues before I traded it. Consistent 29mpg.