[Satellitedriver]

Hello All

I am new to the forums and just came into the market for a new car due to the theft of my Dodge Caravan ES.

I have seen everyone talking about the new CVT2 transmission but have yet to hear if the stick is any good. Even the pictures that I have found on the net are all CVT2 save for one pic that was on Allpar that was a spy photo of a 5 speed.

I have searched the Montreal area dealers for a stick to try but there is not one available even base models with no options were ordered with CVT2.

While I am glad to see that they are looking for a way to save on gas consumption in automatic cars there are still the few who enjoy having the car sing through 5 gears hehe.

If anyone has tried the 5 speed model please post your impressions to give me an idea if I am barking up the wrong tree. I know that some of the older Dodges had clunky shifters or clutches that only a person with feet the size of a child can use or required almost 2 feet to depress. Is it a cable system or hydraulic?

Here is a quick rundown of the one that I want to buy:

2007 Dodge Caliber SXT Black with Slate Grey Int.
E package ( 17" Mags, Fog Lights, Sport Interior)
Musigate sound system
Cruise Control
Security Package(Tonneau Cover, Alarm System, Air Filter)
Protection Package(Mud Flaps, Hood Deflector, Sill scuff plates, Allweather floor mats)

Just one other question.... for the color coded interior are you allowed to choose the color? Have seen an odd optioned Caliber SXT.......Black with red inserts? Are you offered a choice? The Dodge website just shows blue available with the black ext or did I read it wrong?

Thanks in advance.

Satellitedriver

 

[Ramsport47]

as far as DCX manuals...I have an '05 Neon 5-speed, and yes...it is hydraulic and very precise...I think it is close to some of the best out there for ease of shifting, and I never miss a gear. I too want a Caliber SXT with a manual, but I don't think it has been released yet...I have never seen one yet either

 

[Silverfox]

There are only two colors for the seat inserts, blue and red. The color coded interior bezels are the same color as the body. You can either have body color or silver. If you get a silver Caliber, you have color coded bezles without spending money on the option.

The 5-speed is a New Venture five-speed transmission, and it is not far removed from the Neon's transmission. It is a hydraulic clutch that shifts very smoothly. Rev limiter is at 6,500 RPMs. The 5-speed is only availible with the 1.8L engine, which is standard on the SXT. The 2.0L comes with the CVT and it is an option.

 

[DodgeGirlKathy]

There are only two colors for the seat inserts, blue and red. The color coded interior bezels are the same color as the body. You can either have body color or silver. If you get a silver Caliber, you have color coded bezles without spending money on the option.

According to the brochure, seat inserts also come in Yellow and Orange. If you play with Build and Price online, you can see that not all paint colors can get colored inserts, and they limit you to certain combinations of paint/insert colors. Not sure how accurate that is, as online is missing the yellow and orange seat inserts. The brochure does not itemize the color combinations, nor does it say what bezel colors are available - but it implies the seat inserts and bezels will match. You'll have to see your dealer and find out what the ordering system can handle.

As for silver Calibers getting a color bezel for free-- really?? I thought it was the option package or model (not the paint color) that determined the inclusion of a colored bezel.

BTW, the brochure also states that the color-keyed interior is available only with the gray INterior, not the pebble beige.

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

Every Caliber is equipped with the Satin Silver instrument panel and shifter trim as standard equipment. The Satin silver is a complementary color for all paint schemes and looks good regardless of color choice.

IMO better then the plain ole grey.

Dan

 

[Satellitedriver]

Today I made a trip to a local dealer and after meeting the owner I asked why nobody had the MTX available yet he gave the "company spin" about how the new CVT2 tranny was so much better than.......... and I agreed with him and said that even with all of that I was still wanting a 5 speed and was wondering when they would be available.

We sat down in his office and looked at the dealer ordering website and optioned out a SXT Sport with a stick and the options that I wanted. After looking at a side note on the build sheet it said that production of the 5 speed version will be commencing on April 3. So for all of you that wanted to try a stick you have 4 to 6 more weeks to wait yet.

I expressed the thought that they would have at least produced a base version with a stick just so that they actually can try it before you start ordering your car, he said that it was the company's choice and not his, and proceed to tell me that he had some on order for the dealership for a while but they were all back-ordered.

Just before he handed me his business card he annonced that my car was on order and he would call me when it came in. I almost fell off of the chair. He explained to me because I was unable to try out the car I wanted and he was going order it and have it held for me when it comes in so that I can test drive it and decide if I want it or not no strings attached.

Wow talk about dealer service! No contract no deposit and I am getting a car to my specs to try!

Now just gotta wait until my personal demo car gets in.

 

[was98strat]

That's dealer speak for "I'm ordering inventory" I got the same speach from my dealer 2 weeks ago...

We'll see