I have always remained with foreign car makers...mostly becuase of reliability and appeal. But, now that I have a family and my Montero Sport is racking up miles...I want to get a nice economic family car. I saw the Caliber and it seemed to fit the bill.

But, my concerns are...and if anyone who can answer my questions...would be greatly appreciated.

1.) I have heard many concerns from my peers about the dependability of the Dodge brand. Several gave stories about how they had to repeatedly take their cars in for service after service...and they are not car abusers. They said they were turned off by Dodge cars after their experience.

2.) Since I'm under the impression that these will be first production models (I'm having mine custom ordered...since I don't like the models the dealerships seem to be getting in. I just want a decent SXT model) - have their been any reports of issues? I know that engine issues are often present with first production models...I don't want buyers remorse.

3.) I've heard rumors of a 2008 model already going to be introduced in late summer...is this true? And if so...should I expect major changes...if so....what?

4.) If something was to ever go awry with a Dodge vehicle - is the experience with Dodge to get your car back to top-shape a headache or a ride through the park experience? Are the parts and labor expensive since it is a domestic car?

To those who help me...a first time Dodge *potential buyer...I appreciate your help and advice in advance.

V/R,
Joe

 

1) You will always find a group of unhappy people against a certain brand of vehicle. I owned a PT Cruiser for 4 years and don't have one complaint. I now have a Caliber and no complaints at all, actually, for the price I am over thrilled.

2) First production cars "might" have issues, but most cars have re-calls even 2nd to 3rd generations. Just make sure you buy the Bumper to Bumper warranty

3) Heard that rumor is just that. A nice fat Rumor

4) I have never had an issue with a Dodge/Chrysler repair centers that you don't get at any other dealership. If you have issues, raise your voice and call the HQ and give them crap and watch your service level go through the roof.

Cheers!

Peter

 

I am probably purchasing an SRT for 16,420 with all incentives...500 rebate and military discount. Excuse my ignorance...but what is bumper to bumper warranty and the cost? Can you give me a little info with your experience with the Dodge Caliber since you had it? How does it handle on a daily basis...your satisfaction on the interstate? I have driven it...but not past 50 mph...

 

Usually, the SRT models aren't eligible for rebates, though your experience may vary.

 

The SRT model isnt even out yet....and probably wont be out anytime in the next 6 months or so.....at earliest we're talkin end of the year....

Of course, that could change, but I do know that you can NOT buy an SRT-4 Caliber at the moment. Were you referring to the SRT-4 Neon by chance?

 

I have owned 3 Caravans and I am happy with Dodge product, service etc. I am going to get a Caliber SXT, but I will wait awhile until the the supply goes up and demand goes down a little ie (for a better deal). Plus if the 2008 Caliber will be out later this year, Dodge will be able to get any bugs out if need be.

CB

 

i'm sorry i meant an SXT.

 

what bugs are present? if a 2008 model is released...what would be changes or additions? anyone hear anything?

also...when you need to have your car repaired or maintanced...is the price discouraging? also...how often has anyones dodge car broken down or needed to use their warranty? i don't ever recall ever having to use warranty on foriegn cars...

 

The only thing I've ever needed to have replaced was a fouled spark plug in my Neon which was replaced under warranty. But thats something that can happen on any vehicle, domestic or import. Other than that, I've been in the clear.

 

Ok, one thing people dont seem to get is that although there can be trends for a company, expecting that just because you buy foreign it will be trouble free by buying something else will be trouble prone is just ignorant.

For example, a guy at a Sport Trac site I go to had a Sport Trac, and had 0 problems with it, he needed something bigger so he got a Nissan Titan. A complete engine and exhaust rebuild later, and then more work from there, and he dumped the Titan and went to an F-150 and it has been trouble free ever since.

So import or domestic does not mean much anymore, its just luck of the draw. None of my Ford vehicles ever gave me a single problem, and although only a week into it, this Caliber seems pretty solid.

But, its a new vehicle and you never know, thats what warranties are for. Just buy what you want, and try to stop believing that imports are somehow the holy grail of automobiles, because they arent. Their average problem rate is within .5 problems per vehicle as the domestic average. Thats too small to even matter anymore.

Buy what you want, and understand that the Caliber could give you 100,000 miles of trouble free service, or the engine could fall out when you leave the parking lot (not likely, but you get what I mean). The odds are in your favor that it will give you good reliability though, since its at a new plant and is based on a lot of proven designs.

Did you know that the CVT is made by the same company that makes the CVT for Nissan? The components of the car are similar to some of the japanese rivals, build quality is far from as black and white as it was ten years ago.