Actually it's more like reducing the number of cars/car-payments we have yet still have something practical (for my business- video production) and fun.

Currently we own my SRT6, a Limited Roadster, and a Hummer H3. My wife has someone at her job that wants to take over the lease of the H3 and we've had many people interested in the Crossfire Roadster even though we weren't, at the time, looking to sell it.

If we are able to unload both I'm looking into picking up a CSRT-4 (Caliber). Just until recently I didn't even know Rob made stuff for the Calibur-version of the SRT. They had one with 3 mods (intake, exhaust, and Mopar Stage1 ecu) put down 330hp/320ft/lbs at the wheels. Not bad- plus it's large enough to haul my video gear around.

Anyone have any experience with the Caliber? What are your thoughts? I was looking into the HHR SS but they haven't depreciated as bad. I can get a CSRT-4 with LOW milage for around 17k.

 

I just cant get over the looks of them.

 

I like it.

 

I'm a big wagon/hatch fan so I like it as well. I've previously owned a Protege5, Toyota Matrix, and more recently a Mazdaspeed3.

I like the fact the Caliber is larger than the Mazdaspeed yet still offers similar performance (in a straight line at least). I think it's aftermarket is stronger compared to the MS3, which is partly due to the fact it's not direct-injected and easier to tune- not to mention a huge stock turbo capable of >20 lbs of boost!

My wife really wants an SUV and this is more SUV'ish. I think I have her convinced to "allow' us to get it. However we have 2 cars to unload first. Anyone want a 2005 Limited Roadster with 13k in showroom condition?

 

I like it!

 

I know a guy that has one. That thing pulls hard on the top end. Not good gas mileage, I'm told. His time on the autocross circuit was the same as mine. (He had Michelin Sport Cup tires though) He runs mid 14's in the 1/4 but mostly because of bad tire hop. Not hard to modify for more power. They need lowering badly IMO. I like any SRT so there you have it, according to me.

Les

 

That's a sharp looking car. I miss that spoilered ground effects look. I'm getting new car fever. Need to hit the track so I can forget.

 

Perhaps a Turbo SRT6 ??

 

For practicality, I'd rather have a Dodge Nitro, but I wouldn't even do that. I'd just go for a Ford F-150.

 

cant go wrong with the srt-4 or the mazdaspeed3, in my opinion. the seats in the srt-4 are fantastic. super comfortable.

 

Crazy as it sounds, if you're looking for a hatch with some power and enough room to haul your gear, think about a PT Cruiser GT. You can pick them up even cheaper (waaaay cheaper), and with just the Stage 1 upgrade (a simple PCM swap) mine runs 14.4 in the 1/4 mile. With lowering springs and stiffer shocks it held on to the back bumper of a mid '90s Nissan 300ZX on the road course at Buttonwillow - had my instructor laughing his a$$ off the whole time too.

Here's mine - it's a 2004 with 46,000 miles on it and not a single problem. Ever. And, no, it's NOT for sale:

 

I agree- this one from the CSRT forums looks great...and still has plenty of clearance. I had a lowered Tiburon once and it was so low it was a PITA to drive.

 

You know, IMO I am a fan of the GT Cruisers but if the price was the same on a GT Cruiser and a CSRT4 I would go with the CSRT4. The following that came over from the SRT4 means that the potential for the car will be increasing exponentially in the coming months...

My knowledge of the CSRT4 is limited, but the stock specs are intriguing. It is begging for lowering and weigh reduction immeditately IMO...

Good luck with your shopping, I know shopping for a car when you NEED one is a PITA, but shopping when you have no timeline can be enjoyable. I hope it is for you, don't settle for anything less than you love.

 

I' ve driven the Caliber, and the Srt-4 is an awesome car!

I'd say go for it!

Alsoi I own a PT turbo, the one with less HP than the GT turbo, and my car has been GREAT. Over 50,000 trouble free miles so far.

I'd go with the Caliber, because it's got independant suspension, and it's still being made.

Both are hot unique cars!!!

 

I' ve driven the Caliber, and the Srt-4 is an awesome car!

I'd say go for it!

Alsoi I own a PT turbo, the one with less HP than the GT turbo, and my car has been GREAT. Over 50,000 trouble free miles so far.

I'd go with the Caliber, because it's got independant suspension, and it's still being made.

Both are hot unique cars!!!

 

I am not a big fan of the looks of a caliber but they have a lot of room. what sort of mpg do they get?

I have a new hhr ss and it does great on gas and has really good power and plenty of room. We get 26 to 27mpg around town and 29 to 31 mpg on the interstate.

 

The HHR SS was a consideration for me as well- very analogous car to the CSRT-4. However the SRT has a price advantage with it's typical Chrysler/Dodge depreciation.

 

Yeah with this crappy economy you can get new cars for a steal. we got our hhr ss for $19k loaded. a lot of people think the hhr is ugly but we like it lol.

be sure to post up photos of what you end up buying.

 

I owned a GT Cruiser before my Crossfire and it was a great car, one of the best I've owned. Only reason I got rid of it was I got tired of the PT/GT. I was 4+ years in the same basic car and I wanted the Crossfire. In fact the first time I saw the Crossfire was when I picked up my GT. As for the HHR - I like them a lot. Wonder how much input the guy who designed the PT had in it? He did go to GM but the HHR may have been on the drawing board before he got there. The panel version is what they should have offered in the PT. It seems that when Chevy came out with the HHR the PT sales bit the dust.
As for the Caliber.......not a fan, I like the Nitro much better.

 

It's a nice looking car.....I have been looking at a Dodge Ram SRT-10 but damn 9mpg. 24$grand for a viper engine is a steal IMO. It wouldn't be a daily driver for sure...