The Tuesday before last, my 2002 Kia Rio was hit from behind at a stoplight by a big Ford Excursion with a brush guard, which then pushed me into the large GMC Yukon. A Kia Sandwich.

I had been looking for new vehicles all week, but until Friday I didn't know for sure if they were going to total my car (I assumed they would, but they wouldn't give me a straight answer until then). I still didn't know my settlement, but I went around test driving.

First, Pontiac Vibe: Great vehicle. I loved it, but unfortunately GEICO doesn't love it -- raised my rates significantly (I'm only 21). The heightened payment plus the extra insurance made this a no-go.

Second, Dodge Caliber: Wonderful vehicle. Loved it. Wasn't quite ready to buy yet, and wasn't sure about the increased cost, although he was making a very good proposal, and hadn't asked GEICO for a quote yet. He gave me the VIN so that I could get an accurate quote, and I went over to the Kia dealer because they were having a double-rebate promotion.

Third, Kia Spectra 5: A pretty good vehicle. A bit small for my tastes, but it decreased my insurance rates from my old Kia. The dealer, however, was playing very hard and was telling me I couldn't get a better rate than probably 13%. I told him I had to go "think about it." Think about it meant: go back to the Dodge dealership

I called GEICO and found out that the Caliber also decreased my insurance rates. So, I went back to the Dodge dealership, told him that I'd take if they'd keep my payments under my limit. He went to his manager, and soon enough I found myself owning a 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT in Marine Blue with nearly the same interest rate that I had on my Kia.

And I love it

 

Congratulations on your new Caliber purchase! You'll find that there are alot of new happy owners of this car....and a lot of pissed off people waiting to get theirs! They all want their new toys too!

Enjoy your stay here at DF and if you have any questions....feel free to ask!

 

Yes, congrats on your new purchase...ordered my Caliber 5/1 and still waiting...[&o]

 

Congratulation's NilObject [sm=smiley20.gif] I'm glad to hear your happy with your new purchase!

I am always interested What do you enjoy the most on your new Dodge Caliber?

Kelly S

 

Well, when upgrading from a 98 hp small Kia Rio, it's a big upgrade anyways I love how smooth the ride is the most. It's just a realy pleasurable experience. The next thing is the decreased road noise compared to my Rio. While it still has some, it's insignificant in my opinion. The thing that I will appreciate most someday is the ability to fold down all the seats.

And of course, the better gas mileage is awesome. Added to that, the fact that it has a lot more get-up-and-go than my Rio did.

Basically, I could gush about nearly everything -- I noticed that there are a couple of complaints about the two things I have noticed: 1) the cooling center's "cover" closes on its own too easily, and 2) the center console moves too easily. But, those are livable and fixable

I guess I'm pretty lucky that I found a dealer with two on the lot Sorry to hear that so many are waiting when I just walked in off the street and took one home

 

I thought yours was shipped like 3 weeks ago according to the Dodge Info Center?

 

My car is suppose to be in this week. Just got home from work, and no answer on the answering machine. Coming home from work, I drove by my dealership and I didn't see any orange Caliber sitting there either, which isn't a good sign. I'm gonna give them a call tomorrow and see whats up...

 

Congrats nil

 

Congrats on the purchase.... sweet ride ain't it?

 

I will soon be getting one as well. I spoke with my Insurance Company (State Farm) first to check the rates and mine actually went donw as well. I own a 2004 Dodge Stratus Coupe SXT right now. I was very happy when they told me that and told them I hope to see you in a few weeks with a new car. Now only if I can get a good APR% and payments I can afford. I will be set than. I am looking to get a Caliber SXT (Manual Trans, Sunroof, Fog Lights, Musicgate) That is all I really need :