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ghostrider_dxb
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Post by ghostrider_dxb » 06 Dec 2008, 8:46 pm

Hii Everyone ......

My cuzin wants a new car nd hes really confused wat to buy !!!!

He has shortlisted two of these
Honda Civic
Lancer EX GT

He needs a economical,a bit powerful nd a reliable car bcoz he all the way cum frm abu dhabi to dubai ( near mall of emirates) for work. Recently he had Altima '05 whch he sold cuz of sum mechanical problem in it.

His budget is around 80k
Kindly plz suggest whch one to buy or advice any other car in this range.

Thnx in advance

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hater999
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Post by hater999 » 06 Dec 2008, 10:43 pm

Wat abt dodge caliber, it is around for 80k full option.
Base price is 70ish.
But from above, i will choose the civic for reliability but Lancer ex for looks and performance!

ghostrider_dxb
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Post by ghostrider_dxb » 06 Dec 2008, 10:57 pm

do u think caliber is reliable ??

cuz my uncle owns a charger nd the resale value of it is very low

ghostrider_dxb
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Post by ghostrider_dxb » 06 Dec 2008, 10:58 pm

do u think caliber is reliable ??

cuz my uncle owns a charger nd the resale value of it is very low

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Post by hater999 » 07 Dec 2008, 10:50 am

Caliber Performance - 5.9 (Mediocre)
Opinions of the 2008 Dodge Caliber's performance vary, with some reviewers complaining of lack of power and sluggish handling, and others finding the performance adequate. Our full Performance Review gives full attention to the discussion between to camps, and outlines the fun-to-drive spirit of the new SRT4 trim. continue

Caliber Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Even though it's a hatchback, the Caliber has an aggressive design that's derived from Dodge's popular line of trucks. Motor Trend calls the design "an interesting bridge between hatchback sedan and crossover." Check out the distinctive style in our Dodge Caliber Photo Gallery, or learn about the design differences between trims in our full Exterior Review. continue

Caliber Interior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Caliber includes several well thought-out innovations -- including a chilled beverage holder over the glove box and a removable flashlight in the cargo area -- but auto writers say its poorly constructed and filled with cheap materials. Check out the Dodge Caliber Photo Gallery to see the more unique features inside the Caliber, or read our full Interior Review for information on what features are offered for audiophiles. continue

Caliber Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2008 Dodge Caliber has performed very well in most safety tests, But many of its safety systems as expensive options, while much of the Caliber's competition provides the same features as standard equipment. Continue with our full Safety Review to find out how many vehicle's in the affordable compact wagon class offer the Caliber's expensive features standard. continue

Caliber Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Dodge Caliber reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The full Reliability Review gives details concerning Dodge's lifetime powertrain coverage. continue

Review Last Updated: 7/30/08

From http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/ca ... e-Caliber/

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hater999
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Post by hater999 » 07 Dec 2008, 10:51 am

Fifth Gear review
Despite being big in America for decades, the Caliber is Dodge's first global car, with the company reckoning it's been designed around the needs of picky European consumers.
It certainly looks different. As a five-door family hatchback it's competing against cars like the Ford Focus and VW Golf. But Dodge's radical styling direction makes it look more like a mini-SUV thanks to big headlamps and Dodge's "crosshair" radiator grille. It certainly won't appeal to everyone, although it looks like it will age better than the excessively retro Chrysler PT Cruiser.
If you can live with the design then, against expectations, the Caliber has a lot to recommend it. The well thought-out interior is simple and functional, with switchgear in easily-anticipated places and neat design details like a built-in torch and illuminated cup holder lips. It's roomy too, with plenty of space for both front and rear seat passengers and a decently sized boot too. Trim quality is reasonable, too - far better than you would expect from an American market car.
On the road it drives well with a comfortable, pliant ride and reasonably agile behaviour in the corners. It's not sporty - but it is more than responsive enough to meet the requirements of its utility-seeking core audience.
The base 1.8 litre 148 bhp petrol model comes with a manual gearbox as standard, although it feels strained when worked too hard. Buyers can also opt for a more powerful 2.0 litre 158 bhp petrol engine (which comes with a standard autobox) and a 2.0 litre 136 bhp turbodiesel. The range-topping 300 bhp turbocharged 2.4 litre SRT4 is a rocketship.
The Caliber is specifically designed to offer something different from the mainstream volume offerings in the crowded hatchback segment. It's certainly a head-turner and packs a lot of punch for the money.

STYLING
If you like it you'll love it, if you hate it you won't even open the door to look inside. The rear lamp clusters are the biggest Dodge does on any vehicle, including some massive US pick-ups and SUVs.

HANDLING
Push it hard into a corner and there's surprisingly little bodyroll. The steering is nicely balanced too, and the ride has been fine-tuned from the American model for European roads and driver tastes. The gear change is a bit sticky.

COMFORT
It's not luxurious, and there's a lot of plastic in the cabin. The lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel will put some drivers off, but clever details help make it a car you can spend time in.

QUALITY + RELIABILITY
American brands that cross the Atlantic don't have the best reputation when it comes to fit and finish. The Caliber seems better than most. Early test cars had one or two rough edges, but they should be sorted for the showroom.

PERFORMANCE
The 1.8-litre engine is no hot hatch, and if you push it hard it begins to run out of steam as you go up the rev range. The 2.0 litre has far more in reserve, it's automatic gearbox featuring a clever sequential shift system that allows you to choose when to change cogs.

ROOMINESS
There's a double decker glovebox in the front, and the armrest features storage space for an MP3 music player or mobile phone. With the back seats folded flat, there's 1,360 litres of space, which is almost 120 litres more than a five-door Ford Focus.

RUNNING COSTS
With Dodge having no history in the UK, there's little information on how the car will perform. At time of writing there's no official performance, fuel economy or pence per mile figures. Dodge bosses say it won't be expensive to run, but there's no way of verifying that yet.

VALUE FOR MONEY
The showroom price for the Caliber puts it at the value end of the market, and you get a lot of standard features for the money. For example, the rear seats have a recline feature, while the glovebox is air-conditioned to keep chilled drinks cold.

STEREO / SAT NAV
The stereo features a clever flip-down speaker that's fitted on the inside of the hatchback. Called MusicGate, you push a button with the boot open and it flips down to pump music outside the car to provide a soundtrack for your picnic. Sat-nav is an optional extra.

ENVIRONMENT
Very poor emissions amongst a class of efficient Japanese and European rivals. 161g of CO2 per kilometre from the 2.0 litre diesel offering is as good as it gets.

From Fifth Gear http://fifthgear.five.tv/jsp/5gmain.jsp ... ge+Caliber

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hater999
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Post by hater999 » 07 Dec 2008, 10:52 am

As Dodge continues to toughen up its image, big chunky grilles and massive fender flares are appearing on more of its products. For proof, look no further than the Dodge Caliber. This compact hatchback is roomy, inexpensive and fuel-efficient, but is styled quite distinctively. Instead of giving it a retro look, Dodge wanted the Caliber to have a masculine persona.

Within the increasing population of economy wagons and hatchbacks, the Dodge Caliber is also set apart by its available all-wheel drive (AWD) and continuously variable transmission (CVT). These are advantages in a market where buyers are drawn to crossover vehicles that provide high gas mileage and day-to-day versatility in equal portions. Interestingly, Dodge has no plans to offer a Caliber sedan, as the company believes its target consumers will appreciate the utility and uniqueness of the hatchback body style.

However, those shoppers expecting a high level of performance, often seen in other Dodge vehicles, will likely be disappointed by the tepid handling and engine performance of the regular Caliber models. The high-performance Caliber SRT4 certainly lives up to the Dodge M.O. by providing loads of power by way of its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, no amount of horsepower can mask the Caliber's dynamic and quality-related shortcomings. Specifically, this hatchback is too heavy and features a bargain-basement plastic interior that does little to mask the car's economy roots. Although the Caliber has a lot going for it on paper, its overall execution leaves something to be desired. As a result, it's just one of many vehicles that merits consideration if you're shopping for an affordably priced compact hatchback or wagon.

Current Dodge Caliber

Built on a global platform also used for the Jeep Compass SUV and midsize Dodge Avenger sedan, the tall-bodied Dodge Caliber comes only as a compact hatchback/wagon. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, increasing cargo space to a maximum of 48 cubic feet. The front passenger seat can fold forward to make room for longer items, such as ladders, skis or surfboards. The Caliber has decent headroom and legroom in the front and back, but it is still a small car, so don't expect more than two adults to fit comfortably in the backseat.

The Caliber comes in three regular trims -- base SE, SXT and R/T -- and a high-performance Caliber SRT4 variant. The SE is a base model in every sense of the word. It doesn't come with much; air-conditioning and power features are optional. Most shoppers will want to skip over the base SE and look at either the SXT or R/T, both of which come with more standard features and sportier wheels and tires. The Caliber R/T even gets 18-inch wheels and performance tires. In addition, upscale options like leather seats and a navigation system are only available on the Caliber SXT and R/T. The SRT4 gets a turbocharged engine, 19-inch wheels, lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, a performance trip computer and sport seats.

Interior design and build quality are serviceable at best. Dodge doesn't even pretend that this is an upscale vehicle, and hard plastic is rampant throughout the interior. Compared to the accommodations in vehicles like the Chevrolet HHR, Kia Spectra5, Mazda 3 and Scion xB, the Caliber's furnishings are several steps below the norm.

There are four four-cylinder engine choices for the Dodge Caliber. Each features modern design elements, such as variable valve timing and aluminum construction. At the bottom of the ladder is a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter inline-4, which comes standard on the base Caliber and the SXT. If you're looking for more power, it's possible to upgrade to a 158-hp 2.0-liter four, which is equipped exclusively with a CVT. The 148-hp 1.8-liter comes with a five-speed manual gearbox only.

Buyers looking for a bit more pep will want to take a look at the Caliber R/T, which gets a 172-hp 2.4-liter engine. It is also available with AWD. In terms of transmissions, the front-wheel-drive R/T comes with a standard five-speed manual, while the R/T AWD comes with the CVT only. The SRT4 boasts a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque attached to a six-speed manual only.

In road tests, our editors found the Dodge Caliber to be a solid daily driver, though hardly much more than that. It is comfortable without feeling too soft. And the R/T handled well in demanding situations. But our impressions of the Caliber were dampened by the lack of driving excitement. The R/T was especially a disappointment. Not only did it not feel any faster than the SXT with the optional 2.0-liter, the AWD version we tested took 10 seconds to reach 60 mph -- hardly the kind of giddy-up we'd expect from a car with an R/T badge. Blame goes to its hefty curb weight and the CVT, which isn't well programmed to the engine's power band. For buyers so inclined, the front-wheel-drive Caliber R/T with a manual gearbox is likely the pick of the litter, at least among those not inclined toward the high-performance SRT4 edition.

For those who are attracted to the turbocharged Caliber, we found it underwhelming compared to other affordable, high-horsepower hatchbacks. Burdened by excessive weight and an abundance of torque steer, it's not nearly as engaging as we'd hoped, considering its impressive Neon SRT4 predecessor.

From Emunds
http://www.edmunds.com/dodge/caliber/review.html

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TNT
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Post by TNT » 07 Dec 2008, 10:00 pm

EX GT all the way!

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zeemmee
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Post by zeemmee » 08 Dec 2008, 11:10 am

OF course civic!!,Wish there was a 2 litre engine in options.
However calibre is surprisingly a good car, but then again in these parts of the world ,stuff like spares,resale do raise questions.

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Aamir
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Post by Aamir » 08 Dec 2008, 12:32 pm

Civic .. and this comes from a Honda Sales Executive. :)
Add 6000 more to the budget and buy an Accord. (Y)

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hater999
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Post by hater999 » 08 Dec 2008, 2:05 pm

Could not agree more with Aamir.

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Post by usaf23 » 08 Dec 2008, 4:47 pm

agreed wid aamir...civic is economical and maint is nominal..but then ex gt..its good..got all the trendy looks ...and stuff..but then parts..and maint arent so cheap..
go for the accord. :D

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Tamu
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Post by Tamu » 09 Dec 2008, 2:09 am

Honda all the way :) ....

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papahh_bil
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Post by papahh_bil » 20 Jan 2009, 10:10 pm

I've got the same issues.. but I think I'd go for the lancer. the vti civic would've been great if they offered the 2.0 liter one here. Then again, if fuel consumption is ur cuz's thing, get the civic. But for the price, I think I'd go for the lancer. I think the GT costs nearly the same as the Exi (mid) trim. With the GT comes paddle shifters, sunroof, Rockford audio, 18" rims and that "storm trooper" front grille on the 2009 model. Oh yah, new civic's got some new changes too on first glance it looks just like the old ones...

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Post by a7med » 21 Jan 2009, 1:03 am

nissan ultima ... or tiida, or suzaki swift



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