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There are few love stories as complicated as the consumer’s relationship with the Dodge Caliber. Once a source of frustration, resentment, and heartache, the car may have been given too hard of a time in its glory days. Over the years, drivers’ hearts have softened.
The Dodge Caliber is a compact car that has been on the market since 2006. It was met with a mixed bag of positive consumer reception and scathing, critical reviews. Over time, these mixed reactions have caused some people to hesitate before purchasing one.
We’ll give you an accurate picture of what to expect if you buy one of these vehicles, including a breakdown of the Dodge Caliber’s insurance costs. We’ll also compare it to other Dodge models so you can make the best decision for your needs.
A History of the Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber was first released in 2006 as a 2007 model. It was the successor to the Dodge Neon, which had been discontinued in 2005. It was meant to be a more affordable and practical alternative to other small cars on the market, and it was generally well-received by consumers.
However, the model was discontinued and the last Calibers exited production in 2011. Now each Caliber’s age and degradation will be the primary factors a buyer will need to consider before purchasing one of their own.
The Dodge Caliber’s Debut
When the Caliber debuted in 2006, it had a slew of issues, including a platform designed in part by Mitsubishi that many critics said handled badly. That design, along with its now outdated, constantly breaking driving technology, was the bane of its existence.
In addition, the initial model had a cheap-looking interior with subpar materials. Fortunately, Dodge listened to the criticism and worked to improve the design over its five-year lifespan.
The final model year for the Dodge Caliber was 2011. In that year, Dodge released a special edition called the Uptown Edition that featured leather seats and an upgraded sound system.
The Uptown Edition was the most expensive Dodge Caliber ever made, with a starting price of $23,995. This begs the question: Is it better to buy an older vehicle like the Caliber, or would it be smarter to buy a new vehicle from the dealership? What is the true cost of car ownership?
What to Expect With a 10+ Year Old Dodge Caliber
With a Caliber that’s more than 10 years old, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the vehicle is likely to have high mileage. It’s not uncommon for a Dodge Caliber with over 100,000 miles on it to be available for purchase.
Second, the vehicle may have some cosmetic damage. They are known for having peeling paint, so if you’re looking at one that’s more than a decade old, it’s likely to have some exterior issues.
Finally, the vehicle is likely to have outdated technology. The Caliber was never known for having cutting-edge tech, but any car that’s more than 10 years old is going to feel dated.
This vehicle was given a 4/5 reliability score by RepairPal.com, but some owners have complained about a variety of problems with their automobiles, including faulty transmission systems, engine malfunctions, poor suspension parts, and water leaks.
On the other hand, some retro features of this vehicle may be a welcome surprise. You will hopefully be able to enjoy the “Chill Zone” beverage cooler in the glovebox, a little flashlight built into the dome light, the “MusicGate Power” drop-down speaker in the rear hatch, and an iPod holder in the armrest.
The Dodge Caliber’s Insurance Costs
The Dodge Caliber is a practical and affordable option for many drivers. It’s a compact car, which typically means lower insurance rates than larger vehicles. However, the Caliber’s insurance cost will vary depending on a number of factors, including your driving record, the state you live in, and the deductible you choose.
On average, Dodge Caliber insurance costs $1,146 per year. This is less than the average insurance cost for a Dodge Challenger, which is $1,567 per year. These numbers will vary significantly from insurer to insurer.
It is always recommended to get rates from multiple companies before committing to a single policy. This can also be a good reason to work with an insurance broker, who can compare multiple car insurance plans and policies at once to give you a quick rate rundown and compare the different coverage options.
The Dodge Caliber vs. Other Dodge Models
When it comes to choosing a Dodge vehicle, you have a few different options. The Dodge Challenger is a larger car than the Caliber and has more horsepower, but it also costs more to insure.
The Dodge Charger is another option, and while it’s not as large as the Challenger, it’s still bigger than the Caliber. It also has more horsepower than the Caliber and costs more to insure.
If you’re looking for an affordable option with good fuel economy, the Dodge Dart is a good choice. It gets up to 36 mpg on the highway and has a starting price of $16,995. The Dodge Journey is a good option if you’re looking for a larger vehicle. It has three rows of seating and gets up to 25 mpg on the highway.
The Bottom Line: Practical, affordable, reliable?
The Dodge Caliber is a discontinued model, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering. It’s a practical and affordable option, and its insurance cost is lower than many other Dodge models.
The sticking point will likely be how this specific Caliber was used and abused before the day you showed up to buy it and what its mileage looks like. You should also compare rates from multiple companies to get the best deal out of your car insurance policy.
In the end, your vehicle is so much more than a means to get you from point A to point B. It becomes a piece of you and your identity. If your heart is calling on you to go out and purchase a 2010 Dodge Caliber, that is completely up to you. Just know what you’re in for, and don’t forget to enjoy that “Chill Zone” glove box beverage cooler.
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Luke Williams writes and researches for the car insurance site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and helping others make smart car-buying decisions.