[Silverfox]

After 3,000 miles, I can say that this is one of the best cars I've probably ever owned. Granted, being 21 and a former college student, I've only owned beaters and/or cheap used cars, so of course this is going to be the best car I've owned. That being said, I've had absolutely zero problems from this car. The engine is smoother than silk and the transmission has been flawless. The tires are still holding their pressure and there are no squeaks, rattles or groans. The doors are still closing firmly and the interior is still rock solid. Remember, these are the things that we were told would break first on first-run cars. I have proved them wrong so far.

If there was a way to decode my VIN and figure out what number off the line this car is, it would give me a better estamate as to how well the car's holding up in comparison to its line-mates. I still think I own one of the first 1,000 produced,

 

[GOT]

Good to hear! I'd have to agree that this is a very smooth running car. In fact I now don't like driving automatics. If you're going to get an automatic might as well get a manual. Otherwise the CVT OWNS the automatic! I'm hoping it's as reliable (and if so kiss automatic bye bye).

The only "getting used to" aspect about the CVT tranny is that we have to learn to accept the better product. CVT is better!

I'd like to know exactly what number my Caliber was in production that would be cool.

 

[DodgeGirlKathy]

I'd like to know exactly what number my Caliber was in production that would be cool.

Isn't that part of the last 8 digits of the VIN?
All of the VIN decoding web sites I've found don't go much past year 2000 though.... and the codes do change over time.

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

Isn't that part of the last 8 digits of the VIN?
All of the VIN decoding web sites I've found don't go much past year 2000 though.... and the codes do change over time.

I think it is the last 6 digits. They should all be numbers and should go insequence of what number car it is. If the last six were 005869 then I think you have 005,869th Caliber built.

Isn't that the way it goes???

 

[Calist]

No, we run by Tracking number and Vin. Vin's are not in order, tracking numbers are.

 

[Xtreme Thunder]

No, we run by Tracking number and Vin. Vin's are not in order, tracking numbers are.

Oops, then how can these guys tell what number their car was off the assembly line? What do the last 6 number digits in the VIN mean?

 

[GOT]

No, we run by Tracking number and Vin. Vin's are not in order, tracking numbers are.

How do find the tracking number?

 

[superbang]

How do find the tracking number?

isn't that the VON?

 

[Acidbath85]

haha the CVT does own the automatic, takes a little to get used to though

 

[BlueHawaii]

#0534591 checking in!!!

they couldn't have made that many yet so I'll guess I have Caliber #4,591 or #591?


yah, the leading digits all stand for something ie. country code, plant, etc. but I have no idea how to decode. the svc. manual should have that info no?

 

[12am]

well aside from a few problems with my cali and a dealership that tries it's hardest to make me hate my caliber.. I still love it like a fat kid loves cake. And I must agree after driving with the CVT I don't know how I could go back to a regular auto transmission ever again.. the instant throttle gratification without downshifts is something I've grown very accustomed to and love dearly... I've driven alot of other automatics and I feel very spoiled now lol... if only I could eradicate the rattles I'd be a more happy camper.