Is this a good buy?

[pomegranitelinz]

I want to buy a 4x4 to give a higher driving position for longer journeys. The car that I looked at was a Dodge Caliber CRD SXT 5 Door 2008 47000 miles. The mileage attracted me to this car as other 4x4 seem to have higher mileage almost double for sale within my budget (£4000)
Would appreciate your thoughts.

Lindsay

[good_mojo]

I don't know the car and take reviews with a pinch of salt. However, the parkers review is hardly glowing: http://www.parkers.co.uk/dodge/caliber/

I think it is front wheel drive rather than a 4x4.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/dodge/calib...-sxt-5d/specs/

It may not matter if you don't need the four wheel drive, but it will explain why it is cheaper than a proper 4x4.

[TomRS]

Personally i wouldnt get hung up on millage.....

Its just a number and a diesel variant will most likely last well over 200-300k miles.
Plus at that age higher milliage cars are likely to have had all the bushes/ball joints done at least once through an MOT.
Personally i'd rather have something like this.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...code=p&adPos=6

or

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ode=p&adPos=10

Two examples of a very quick Autotrader search, both get good write ups and are much nicer than the Dodge.

I'd swing towards the x-trail as i know someone who has one and its been nothing but reliable and has comfortable and economical, also has 2wd/4wd and diff lock switching.
That one has had new struts and springs and has the premium sound system with sat nav etc.
Heated electric seats... very nice indeed!

[ZedTeeT]

Personally I'd avoid like the plague. The American brands have hardly covered themselves in glory. Their reputation is poor, with unreliability and expensive parts prices well documented. I Believe they have now packed up and gone back home where the clientel is less informed. Anything and I mean anything Korean or Japanese would be a safer and more reliable bet.

I had a look at a Dodge Avenger a few years back and can honestly say that it was quite simply the nastiest modern car I'd ever been in. The interior made my van feel like a Jag.

[pomegranitelinz]

It makes sense what you say. Didn't think a Nissan or BMW was in my budget range. I'm not in a hurry so will keep looking. Thanks to all for their contribution. Will post update when I finally decide

Lindsay

[mininuts]

Originally Posted by pomegranitelinz

I want to buy a 4x4 to give a higher driving position for longer journeys. The car that I looked at was a Dodge Caliber CRD SXT 5 Door 2008 47000 miles. The mileage attracted me to this car as other 4x4 seem to have higher mileage almost double for sale within my budget (£4000)
Would appreciate your thoughts.

Lindsay

My mother in law owned a Dodge Nitro about three years ago. She only had it for a year or so, what a load of rubbish! Very, very poor build quality and lots of issues with reliability.
Personally, I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot barge pole The Japanese equivalents would be the way I go.

[FrazzleTC]

I'd not touch a Dodge Caliber with a barge pole. Very shoddy build quality, and not pleasant in any way. Stay clear.

[TomRS]

Originally Posted by pomegranitelinz

It makes sense what you say. Didn't think a Nissan or BMW was in my budget range. I'm not in a hurry so will keep looking. Thanks to all for their contribution. Will post update when I finally decide

Lindsay

That x-trail is fully loaded really worth the money!

[Darcydog]

Originally Posted by pomegranitelinz

I want to buy a 4x4 to give a higher driving position for longer journeys. The car that I looked at was a Dodge Caliber CRD SXT 5 Door 2008 47000 miles. The mileage attracted me to this car as other 4x4 seem to have higher mileage almost double for sale within my budget (£4000)
Would appreciate your thoughts.

Lindsay

Have a look at the Hyundai Terracan

Not the prettiest - and not a "Soft Roader" granted - but has a very good reputation for reliability -

http://www.parkers.co.uk/hyundai/terracan/