Hi all,
I am in the market for a new car, and the Caliber is on my short list.
I want a SXT with the 1.8L 5spd manual.
Couple of quick questions:
- Does the A/C run all the time, including when the heat is on? I think the chill zone still operates when the heat is on (meaning it's cold), and this doesn't help fuel mileage. Is there a way to shut off the A/C when the heat is on? More for the fuel mileage, typical A/C compressor robs 5 hp, over 8 years of planned ownership and lots of driving, that's lots of fuel
..
- What is the real world fuel mileage (regardless of broken in motor/not broken in) so far?? The Matrix still does better fuel mileage (by EPA standards) but Consumer reports says the Matrix does 9L/100km or so average/combined in real world testing (automatic was tested). I expect the Caliber to do worse, but really, I don't think 28/32 mpg is all that good.
Also, what kills me about Canadian dealerships.. they post the L/100km on the window sticker, AND they post MPG... but they use UK MPG, which is ridiculous.
I do expect the Caliber not to be as reliable as the Matrix, but it is much cheaper to buy. I hope cost of ownership is reasonable. I do like the side airbags though.
Also, I noticed that my pants would get dirty in the winter cuz the rocker panel is quite massive. I have to over-extend myself to get out (on the tester).
And parallel parking, whoa, can't see the front, nevermind the rear. The Matrix is easier to drive overall, but, the Caliber is the least expensive and NICE American car that I could afford, and I should get it!! hehe..
so any real MPG so far? So I can use it as a baseline? CVT results are ok, I'd like to compare it to what they've published.
Again, 28/32 isn't so hot for the manual, but, I can live with it I think.
FOLLOW UP: I just read another post with the same question... any manual owners out there yet??
I expect the first few fill ups to be kinda bad for MPG, but, as soon as I put on 160,000 km, I don't expect the mileage to improve either
. I drive about 35-40K km/year.
thanks!
Cheers
Myron - Toronto, Canada
I am in the market for a new car, and the Caliber is on my short list.
I want a SXT with the 1.8L 5spd manual.
Couple of quick questions:
- Does the A/C run all the time, including when the heat is on? I think the chill zone still operates when the heat is on (meaning it's cold), and this doesn't help fuel mileage. Is there a way to shut off the A/C when the heat is on? More for the fuel mileage, typical A/C compressor robs 5 hp, over 8 years of planned ownership and lots of driving, that's lots of fuel
- What is the real world fuel mileage (regardless of broken in motor/not broken in) so far?? The Matrix still does better fuel mileage (by EPA standards) but Consumer reports says the Matrix does 9L/100km or so average/combined in real world testing (automatic was tested). I expect the Caliber to do worse, but really, I don't think 28/32 mpg is all that good.
Also, what kills me about Canadian dealerships.. they post the L/100km on the window sticker, AND they post MPG... but they use UK MPG, which is ridiculous.
I do expect the Caliber not to be as reliable as the Matrix, but it is much cheaper to buy. I hope cost of ownership is reasonable. I do like the side airbags though.
Also, I noticed that my pants would get dirty in the winter cuz the rocker panel is quite massive. I have to over-extend myself to get out (on the tester).
And parallel parking, whoa, can't see the front, nevermind the rear. The Matrix is easier to drive overall, but, the Caliber is the least expensive and NICE American car that I could afford, and I should get it!! hehe..
so any real MPG so far? So I can use it as a baseline? CVT results are ok, I'd like to compare it to what they've published.
Again, 28/32 isn't so hot for the manual, but, I can live with it I think.
FOLLOW UP: I just read another post with the same question... any manual owners out there yet??
I expect the first few fill ups to be kinda bad for MPG, but, as soon as I put on 160,000 km, I don't expect the mileage to improve either
thanks!
Cheers
Myron - Toronto, Canada