22nd Jul 2010, 14:03
Well, number one, if you really paid $20K for a Caliber, it better have been the R/T. I know my fully loaded Caliber R/T with all wheel drive came to roughly $20K after all was said and done, so if it's just a base model, you got screwed.
Number two, if you STILL owe that much after 3 years, you REALLY got screwed. But that's really not here nor there, just thought I'd share that.
My Caliber is an 08 and is close to 100K miles right now. Zero problems outside regular maintenance. I know 2 other Caliber owners (sister/good friend) that really like them, and as far as I know, haven't had any issues.
I'm thinking you are lucky enough to have gotten a lemon. I honestly feel your pain. I got my Caliber because my Chevy Malibu was by far, the biggest pile ever made, EVER. Sorry you had a bad experience :(
21st Jul 2010, 18:30
This SHOULD be covered by Chrysler's warranty, however my past experience has been that they usually refuse to HONOR their warranty (which is why I now drive only Ford and GM). I almost bought a Caliber in 2006, based on a quarter million miles of totally trouble-free driving in a previous Dodge. I was very concerned about the CVT, as it was new and I was afraid of problems. I'm sorry to hear that many Caliber owners are having problems. The cars are very sharp, very useful, and seemed to be a great value for the money. I'm glad now, however, that I went with my instincts and bought a Ford. It has proven to be 100% flawless in every respect.