I was wondering if using the autostick is hard on the transmission. Was it really made to take manual shifts on a constant basis? Like city driving? Or should the autostick only be used sparingly, and only in HWY driving. If it's the latter why use it at all?

 

I wouldn't think its really hard on a transmission at all. The Autostick in a Caliber just simulates gears anyways so it wouldn't be any different than it shifting while you're going down the road, even in city traffic.

 

And it makes it a heck of a lot faster

 

Heck of a lot faster and a ton more fun to drive....and it also gives you a TAD bit more control over the car in terms of using engine breaking and that sort of thing. That is, until the auto stick shifts down for you or something.

I mean, Caliber is kinda a fun car to drive already...so the Auto stick just helps matters!

I'm sure if you really messed around with it the wrong way, you MIGHT hurt the tranny...but then again, there are a lotta safe-guards inherent to the system, so maybe not!

 

I'm really happy we got the R/T, and the AutoStick is definately one of the reasons. I'm also happy that my wife, who it totally unwilling to learn to drive a stick is starting to use the Autostick mode. Maybe she'll start to understand how gears work and I can influence her to learn to drive standard [sm=lildevil.gif] [sm=gears.gif].


After all, what if she's put into a life-or-death situation where she had to drive stick? [sm=escape.gif]

 

I am looking forward to getting my Caliber R/T and checking out the Autostick. Funny part is that I haven't even driven a Caliber, and I ordered one.

Spoke to the dealer today, and my car is in "D" Status and has been assigned a VIN.

Later

Mike

 

You did exactly the same thing I did, used blind faith in puchasing! I went to my local dealership to purchase a new Dodge Neon, only to find out it was discontinued and replaced with the Caliber. It was the first time I'd ever heard of the Caliber vehicle. I placed an order on 5/1. Anyway, the dealer shows me the brochure on the Caliber, and I instantly fell in love with the design and the many options available for such a small car! That very same day, I whipped out my check book and put three grand down for the car. Let me tell you, I was a little 50/50 as to whether or not this was a smart thing to do, considering I havn't test drove or even seen the car first hand. Mt girlfrind who was with, was totally against it. The thing is, I went to that dealership with plans to leave that very same day with a brand new vehicle, instead I end up ordering one. Of all the brand new vehicles I've owned in my life, this will be number three, I've never ordered, always bought what was on the lot. If it wasn't for that Caliber brochure, I know for fact I would have left the lot with a brand new 05' neon that day...

 

Don't worry you will love the car,it is so much fun to drive.I did the same thing you did,drove my Explorer to the dealer looking for a more economical 4(AWD)vehicle,they had a Inferno Red R/T that I drove away with.I have never owned a Dodge before,but this car is a pleasure can't wait to take a drive to South Carolina next week(700mi).I make excuses to drive somewhere with the car.