[msuggs]

We went to the dealer on Monday to get more info on the caliber. We had test driven one last week at another dealer and are familiar with the car. They said the early delivery models will not be on the high end of features and that you could not order the E pakage shown on the website, even though it is listed. They have a restriction on this option package. You can get the same options by getting the D package and just adding on features. Dosn't make sense, but OK. I think you would only be loosing the 'sport' touches. They said the E package is the Sport package even though it dosn't say that.

Trying to decide on whether to order one or wait to see if they get in what we want. They didn't sound optimistic that we would find anything soon. We want a lot of the options. Mainly because we are going from the PT cruiser and everyone we had was either limited or special edition and we like the extra features.

I will take pictures of the one they have if it's there when I go back. The dealer had two but sold one already. They have a black SE with very few upgrades so we are passing on that one. They also said they are getting 9 alloted to them for April shipment, but none will have the D package. They also said all the requests they have had are people wanting the extra features.

They said Dodge wants to get the lower end cars out there first so people will buy them and they can get them on the road. But all of their requests have been for the SXT with more features. Go figure.

Has anyone else seen the SXT's with added features? We basically want everything except heated seats and upgraded CD changer. 2.0L is the most engine we want due to gas mileage drop on the 2.4L.

The public speaks.

 

[Fuzz 40]

The dealer is usually not the best place to go for information. In your case they might know what is going on but usually dealers are just taking an educated guess. As far as what cars on going on the lots, I know DCX is trying to get it into the hands of the public as quick as possible.

As far as the features, I am guessing they wanted to get the cheap afforable cars out there for people to drive and get excited about, maybe even purchase them, as far as the people who want more options are willing to order their car with what they want and then wait for it. This is all just a guess on my part but it is the only reason I can think of to explain this.

 

[Silverfox]

The SEs and SXTs were released first to test the market. If the car does well, the R/T will release for its base price with no incentives. If it doesn't do well, the R/T will release under MSRP with incentives. Most dealers will not order the SEs, or if they do, very few. You're going to see more base SXTs than "fully loaded" SEs because the demand for the base SEs are low. The SXTs also have more options availible as base and they still can come with the 1.8L engine.

I have a SXT with "added features." The SXT I have has got everything except alloys wheels. The SXT "Sport" package adds the fog lights, alloys, and color keyed instrument bezels. My car is a D package with every added to it. You're not losing anything with the E pakage except maybe alloys.

 

[msuggs]

Thanks. We want alloys and all the electronic extras (except CD player). Color bezels don't matter to me. I did see where that leather is an option on the D but not the E (due to the color seat inserts I think). If I can get a decent discount, I may max out an SXT with D package since it will still be less that I paid for my Platinum Series PT. Giving up turbo though for the better gass milage.

 

[Silverfox]

In reality, the E package only adds the seat inserts that the colored bezels. You cannot have leather with the E package for this reason. With the D package, you can add alloys, colored bezels, leather seats, fog lights and the MusicGate option and get more than with the E package, if you wanted. A fully loaded D package is the exact same as an E package, because selecting the E package locks you in with alloys, colored bezels, and cloth seats with inserts. You're less limited with the D package.

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

We went to the dealer on Monday to get more info on the caliber. We had test driven one last week at another dealer and are familiar with the car. They said the early delivery models will not be on the high end of features and that you could not order the E pakage shown on the website, even though it is listed. They have a restriction on this option package. You can get the same options by getting the D package and just adding on features. Dosn't make sense, but OK. I think you would only be loosing the 'sport' touches. They said the E package is the Sport package even though it dosn't say that.

Trying to decide on whether to order one or wait to see if they get in what we want. They didn't sound optimistic that we would find anything soon. We want a lot of the options. Mainly because we are going from the PT cruiser and everyone we had was either limited or special edition and we like the extra features.

I will take pictures of the one they have if it's there when I go back. The dealer had two but sold one already. They have a black SE with very few upgrades so we are passing on that one. They also said they are getting 9 alloted to them for April shipment, but none will have the D package. They also said all the requests they have had are people wanting the extra features.

They said Dodge wants to get the lower end cars out there first so people will buy them and they can get them on the road. But all of their requests have been for the SXT with more features. Go figure.

Has anyone else seen the SXT's with added features? We basically want everything except heated seats and upgraded CD changer. 2.0L is the most engine we want due to gas mileage drop on the 2.4L.

The public speaks.

Hello msuggs,

First off I would like to extend our apologies regarding the troubles at your dealership.
Let me attempt to elaborate on your issue a bit further.

There is an information distribution process that dealerships operate on. Unfortunately there are times when information is not provided by DaimlerChrysler and thus unavailable to dealership employees.

Most dealers will not order the SEs, or if they do, very few. You're going to see more base SXTs than "fully loaded" SEs because the demand for the base SEs are low.

Silverfox is right on the ball here; at launch there is usually one favored platform above all others and the least popular trim level(s) (SE and R/T) are usually very hard to find. Dealerships will order what they expect to sell quickly. When similarly equipped, most consumers prefer to have the highest trim level (in this case SXT) as it retains the vehicles residual value better.

When ordering a vehicle from the factory, the dealership must work with the system they are provided. If a dealership attempts to submit an invalid configuration, the order will not be accepted by the factory.

It may be possible that the Caliber E Package is a late availability item that has yet to receive an estimated production date. For all we know, the E package availability information may become available tomorrow.

The 2007 Dodge Caliber E package currently contains the following items at an additional cost of $645.

• 17" x 6.5" aluminum wheels
• Sport Appearance Interior Group
• Fog lamps
• Color-keyed instrument panel bezel

The following options can be added to the SXT D package.

• 17" x 6.5" aluminum wheels ($400.00 Option on SXT)
• Fog lamps ($85.00 Option on SXT)
• Satin Silver Instrument panel & Interior Accents - No Charge Option

The remaining options are specific to the R/T Model as standard equipment or no charge options.

• Sport Appearance Interior Group - No Charge Option
• Fog lamps - Standard Equipment
• Color-keyed instrument panel bezel - No Charge Option

I believe the reason this package is not yet available is that the R/T have not started production and thus the R/T specific parts are not yet readily available for volume manufacturing.

My suggestion is if you want the Caliber E package you will have to wait until it is available for order. Inquire with your dealership to keep an eye out for changes to the ordering system and have them contact you when they become available.

All we can do is to ask you to wait and be patient.

Dan

 

[Silverfox]

I'm not terribly sure that's accurate, sir. My Caliber has the interior sport package as well as the fog lamps and color bezels, just no alloys. It's the D package with options added in.

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

I'm not terribly sure that's accurate, sir. My Caliber has the interior sport package as well as the fog lamps and color bezels, just no alloys. It's the D package with options added in.

I caught my own mistake hoping no one would be viewing the topic.

From what I can see in the dealership ordering system, an interior sports appearance package isn’t listed anywhere for the D package. The standard silver accents end up working out really for people who purchased the Silver color.

Dan

 

[Steve Desjardins]

I have a few E packages here so maybe you should find out what your dealer is talking about.

 

[msuggs]

I wouldn't say I've had trouble, just trying to get the correct information since this is all new to everyone. I actually test drove a caliber at another dealer (just happend upon it by accident) that was driven to NC that was to be used in dealer training the following week, so I saw it before they did.

Bottom line is, I know what I want but how do I get it? If I can't get what I want, I am free to buy another brand which I'm prepared to do. If Dodge wants the consumer to build and order a car, then the dealer tells them they can't get the options shown on the website, it's Dodge's fault and everyone's confused. I will do what's best for me, not for Dodge.

Thanks for the information.

 

[Fuzz 40]

I believe the reason this package is not yet available is that the R/T have not started production and thus the R/T specific parts are not yet readily available for volume manufacturing.

All we can do is to ask you to wait and be patient.

Dan

Wait so they don't have the parts for the R/T to start mass production. No that is bad news for us out there who have ordered an R/T.

 

[Silverfox]

The R/Ts will be going into production sometime this month. Given how long it takes to get a vehicle completed, I don't tihnk you're going to be waiting too long for it.

Suggs, you're able to get everything that you want right now, judging from what you posted. You want a Caliber that's similar to mine except with alloys, correct? Most dealers that have the car will have the options that you desire.

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

Wait so they don't have the parts for the R/T to start mass production. No that is bad news for us out there who have ordered an R/T.

That’s pure speculation on my part because I haven’t heard a word about R/T's. No need to cause a panic. A similar issue occurred with the Charger’s Road & Track package awhile back.

They could very well have sufficient part inventory to build the allotted R/T’s but may not have the inventory to build the R/T’s and SXT E Packages at the same time. They could very well have everything they need, I was just trying to provide alternative reasons your dealership could not order the E package. On the other hand, they could just be trying to sell what they have on the lot.

Like the dealerships, were kept in the dark by DCX until we receive the appropriate information.

Dan

 

[Fuzz 40]

The R/Ts will be going into production sometime this month. Given how long it takes to get a vehicle completed, I don't tihnk you're going to be waiting too long for it.

Suggs, you're able to get everything that you want right now, judging from what you posted. You want a Caliber that's similar to mine except with alloys, correct? Most dealers that have the car will have the options that you desire.

I hope production started early this month.

 

[msuggs]

The R/Ts will be going into production sometime this month. Given how long it takes to get a vehicle completed, I don't tihnk you're going to be waiting too long for it.

Suggs, you're able to get everything that you want right now, judging from what you posted. You want a Caliber that's similar to mine except with alloys, correct? Most dealers that have the car will have the options that you desire.

I would have thought the same, but they did a search and found nothing close to what I wanted. Maybe they're not inthe system. And I did want silver, so the E package didn't affect me. I am able to get the features I want with the D. I hope to decide by the end of the week. I can eith chance it and wait, or order it and it be a sure thing. Bottom line, if I get the price I want, I will probably order it.

 

[Steve Desjardins]

To bad you can't buy over here I have two silver E packages with marine blue inserts.

 

[Fuzz 40]

That’s pure speculation on my part because I haven’t heard a word about R/T's. No need to cause a panic. A similar issue occurred with the Charger’s Road & Track package awhile back.

They could very well have sufficient part inventory to build the allotted R/T’s but may not have the inventory to build the R/T’s and SXT E Packages at the same time. They could very well have everything they need, I was just trying to provide alternative reasons your dealership could not order the E package. On the other hand, they could just be trying to sell what they have on the lot.

Like the dealerships, were kept in the dark by DCX until we receive the appropriate information.

Dan

I believe that the R/T is an X package. But based on what you speculating you are saying they might have enough parts to bulid the allotted cars. Sorry about an panic that might have been started, I just didn't want to hear any negative news about recieving my caliber.

 

[DodgeInfoCenter]

I believe that the R/T is an X package. But based on what you speculating you are saying they might have enough parts to bulid the allotted cars. Sorry about an panic that might have been started, I just didn't want to hear any negative news about recieving my caliber.

You’re correct; the R/T is the 26X package to be specific.
I apologize for the confusion; I don’t believe my posts were as clear as they needed to be.

I was only trying to elaborate the various possibilities of why the SXT E package was not available to msuggs not that the R/T was going to be delayed in any way, shape or form.

If your order was received and it was accepted, it has been scheduled for manufacturing at the assembly plant.

The only way to know if they are available for order would be to submit the order to the factory at a dealership. If it processes, then they are currently building them.

According the Steve, it appears the SXT E Packages are available in Canada but unfortunately the USA/CDN distribution schedules differ so I can’t give a concrete definition if they are currently available for order.

I hope this clears up the confusion.

Dan

 

[sr4tuner]

They have to sell out most of the cheaper ones or who else will buy them? Most of their age demographic is in an area where people will like more padding for their butt and more expensive versions even if they have no idea what it is or does.

 

[Steve Desjardins]

I hope they make the 18" Chrome wheel available to the SXT versions. Just like they did with the Charger and Magnum.