2008 Dodge Caliber

[Fishinguy40]

I posted a little while ago concerning the health and subsequent death of my daughters 99 Grand Prix. She is now looking for another vehicle. This weekend we looked at a 2008 Dodge Caliber. It is a salvaged vehicle that was bought at auction from the insurance company. The guy selling it explained to us in detail what the damage was and what work was done and parts replaced to restore it. The damage was to the front driver side, hood, quarter panel. Air bags did not deploy. I must say he did a pretty good job, as it looks good.

I'm wondering if anybody has advice concerning the 08 Dodge Caliber's in general. Probelems, failures, etc. Also, advice or concerns about buying a salvaged vehicle?

All advice opinions are appreciated.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would consult your insurance agent and have the vehicle inspected by an independent party. We used to align vehicles for a body shop that claimed they did good work. There where many times that we had to call them to come tighten up control arms, lug nuts, axle nuts, ground straps, ball joint nuts, and whatever else you could think of. Oh yeah and then there was the quality of there paint work. More wrinkles than a retirement home!

[CJH]

Be careful of anything that was salvaged. There was a reason it was salvaged and not repaired under insurance, and usually it is pretty excessive damage, especially in a newer vehicle that still has a good amount of value.

Definitely have it checked out by a 3rd party. The salvage guys have a tight budget and due repairs on the cheap.

[zamboni]

Alot of banks won't loan $$$$ on a salvage

[Scott K]

It's a Dodge

[rundrave]

I was going to go this route to try to save some $$$ and buy a salvaged vehicle. Then when it came down to it, I didnt want to take the risk.

I read all sorts of forums online and found several issues with airbags and the deployment and there is no way to to truly know, your taking their word for it. I have never needed an airbag and hope I never do, but if the times comes I dont what to even have the slightest doubt it it will work or not.

Also a newer vehicle such as this may have recalls in the future and I dont believe any dealerships will perform said recalls on a salvaged vehicle.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Good point about the dealerships covering items.

We had a customer with a Dakota that needed a cat. Dodge extended there coverage on them and it would have been taken care of no charge except the vehicle had a salvaged title. The dealer would not cover anything.