Dodge Caliber (2006 - 2009) 2.0 CRD SXT Sport 5d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm stupid and that I'm more interested in looks than drive ability.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They too also think I'm stupid and should have never bought an american car. However they change there tune when I give them a lift and there is plenty of room for everyone. One friend also commented saying it looked like a Range Rover, however I think they are blind.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No don't think I would be getting another dodge anytime soon. Maintenance is becoming a little bit of a problem with parts taking weeks to arrive. And service parts are becoming very expensive.

What are you likely to buy next?

I am a person who is very hung up on looks, however I will be thinking a lot more about driver conform this time. Currently look at either a Alfa Romeo Mito or Abarth Grande Punto.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,000

When did you buy the car?

March 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I believe I got a really good deal compared to other cars on the market at where of a similar age and mileage (good £700 more expensive).

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I purchased this particular car as I was after something a little different from the norm. The caliber offered something big and butch that no other car manufacture offered.

What was the dealer like?

There was a few things wrong with the car that the dealer said they would sort out before collection. (Front Shock replacement, broken electric wing mirror and corroded alloys) Although they fixed the alloys and shocks before I collected the wing mirror took 12 months of chasing before the fixed it. And that only happened because I sent an email to the head office complaining.

What's it like to drive?

The driving really is the worst thing about this car. Which is bad considering that what your meant to do in a car. The steering wheel only adjusts for height and not reach which makes finding a comfortable driving position very difficult. The centre console plastic trim digs into your leg when you foot is not on the clutch, body roll is a really big problem when cornering and road noise is a really big problem. However there is one good thing. The power produced by the 2.0 TDi VW engine is brilliant which makes overtaking a dream, even with a fully loaded car.

What's it like to park?

Parking is really a pain due to the very thin high window at the back of the car, and due to the back bumper steps out you really have to know the cars limited to heart. However the front though it looks big, is closer than you think when sat in the car. Just have a friend stand right at the front when you are inside and you'll see what I mean.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The rear lights had a tendency to leak and fill with water which in turn blows the bulbs. There is a quick fix that I did myself which is to run a bead of silicone around the edge were the lens meets the black housing. Did mine 6 months ago a one wet winter later and they are still bone dry.

What's most practical about your car?

The large boot and easy to fold seats is a very big plus on this vehicle. But even with the seats in place the boot is big enough for 4 medium suit cases. Head room in the back is fantastic for even 6 foot passengers and the leg room is good too.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The auto dimming rear view mirror is excellent, however the rear centre head rest will sometimes get in the way and cause a shadow. This in turn makes it completely useless. The other feature I like is the electric folding door mirrors. This is very handy when parking down narrow streets.