[ricardocerverablanco]

Hi.

This is a car I always wanted since it came out, I been looking to buy one now "a 2009" but all MOT history shows they have the same problems with transmission, suspension and injectors.

Has anybody own one for long enough to know if after correcting these issues the problem is gone or this car is one to avoid...

Thanks.

 

[ccg2301]

Hi and welcome to the forum, what you have to remember is that these cars are getting old now, plus some with very high miles on the clock, so some work or upkeep will always be required to keep them in top condition. I've had mine (2007) over two years now and maybe its because I bought a car (diesel) with the manual transmission, as I heard to many bad stories about the CVT transmissions. So never had any engine of transmission issues so far. I did have to replace my front subframe last year but get the part quickly and cheaply on eBay. Not had any suspension problems so far, but have had the odd little electrical gremlin which have disappeared as quickly as they appeared. Overall my experience is been positive with my car but every car is different, at this age its all about condition and level of care that the car has been shown (servicing with receipts) during its life time, the MOT (yearly safety check) online service is a good judge of how past owners have treated their cars, because if an advisory is still there the next year after the test, obviously the owner didn't put the cash into fixing its faults in the first place. Personal opinion is if this car is having these issues over and over again, walk away. There are others out there. Good luck in your search.

 

[ricardocerverablanco]

Thank you very much for the reply, I kind of assume that whatever issue the car could have would have already been repair and as you say is always gonna be some problems with a car this old now.
I do want to get the diesel one as the CVT i'm sure they are a nightmare.

I gonna start hunting for one...

Thanks again.

 

[Chargerguy69]

Hi.

This is a car I always wanted since it came out, I been looking to buy one now "a 2009" but all MOT history shows they have the same problems with transmission, suspension and injectors.

Has anybody own one for long enough to know if after correcting these issues the problem is gone or this car is one to avoid...

Thanks.

If the engine is taken care of... It can last as long as any other... The transmission is another matter... Fortunately ours lasted for 171k it locked up and when I took it apart I found out the primary pulley broke apart. And after rebuilding it the TCM has a battery disconnect code. A new one is about $400-$600 and then needs to be programmed for about another $150 or so. My advice... Walk away from it... Unless I gave you this info too late.

 

[AUSSIE DODGER]

Have you considered a 2010-2012.slightly more reliable cvt 2...my tip is. What ever you buy used there are always repairs that will take up to $2000-2500 to bring back to tip top. Also buy a used car which has a service history. Mine has 178,000 goes perfecto. Then again, I serviced/flushed everything 2.5 years ago when purchased. Now love it.

 

[ricardocerverablanco]

If the engine is taken care of... It can last as long as any other... The transmission is another matter... Fortunately ours lasted for 171k it locked up and when I took it apart I found out the primary pulley broke apart. And after rebuilding it the TCM has a battery disconnect code. A new one is about $400-$600 and then needs to be programmed for about another $150 or so. My advice... Walk away from it... Unless I gave you this info too late.

I havent buy it yet, also, something I havent mention is that I currently living in the UK and the car I'm planning to buy is in Spain, I dont know how this works in america but in most european countries cars has to go through a road worthy mechanical test every year and at least in uk is easy to check online.

That said, I really like the Caliber, so I am kind of checking all pros and cons before getting one and put extra money aside to solve, repair or check these issues before they happen.

 

[AUSSIE DODGER]

I havent buy it yet, also, something I havent mention is that I currently living in the UK and the car I'm planning to buy is in Spain, I dont know how this works in america but in most european countries cars has to go through a road worthy mechanical test every year and at least in uk is easy to check online.

That said, I really like the Caliber, so I am kind of checking all pros and cons before getting one and put extra money aside to solve, repair or check these issues before they happen.

I reside in NSW Australia...every year must get pink slip to obtain 12 months registration..however if I was to buy a car in another state in Australia I must obtain a blue slip examination( they go through everything and if repairs are required you must complete if not the car is not permitted registration in NSW. So best check if in the UK this may apply if importing outside of the UK