Is this a good buy?
 

I want to buy a 4x4 to give a higher driving position for longer journeys. The car that I looked at was a Dodge Caliber CRD SXT 5 Door 2008 47000 miles. The mileage attracted me to this car as other 4x4 seem to have higher mileage almost double for sale within my budget (£4000)
Would appreciate your thoughts.

Lindsay

I don't know the car and take reviews with a pinch of salt. However, the parkers review is hardly glowing: http://www.parkers.co.uk/dodge/caliber/

I think it is front wheel drive rather than a 4x4.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/dodge/calib...-sxt-5d/specs/

It may not matter if you don't need the four wheel drive, but it will explain why it is cheaper than a proper 4x4.

Personally i wouldnt get hung up on millage.....

Its just a number and a diesel variant will most likely last well over 200-300k miles.
Plus at that age higher milliage cars are likely to have had all the bushes/ball joints done at least once through an MOT.
Personally i'd rather have something like this.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...code=p&adPos=6

or

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ode=p&adPos=10

Two examples of a very quick Autotrader search, both get good write ups and are much nicer than the Dodge.

I'd swing towards the x-trail as i know someone who has one and its been nothing but reliable and has comfortable and economical, also has 2wd/4wd and diff lock switching.
That one has had new struts and springs and has the premium sound system with sat nav etc.
Heated electric seats... very nice indeed!

Personally I'd avoid like the plague. The American brands have hardly covered themselves in glory. Their reputation is poor, with unreliability and expensive parts prices well documented. I Believe they have now packed up and gone back home where the clientel is less informed. Anything and I mean anything Korean or Japanese would be a safer and more reliable bet.

I had a look at a Dodge Avenger a few years back and can honestly say that it was quite simply the nastiest modern car I'd ever been in. The interior made my van feel like a Jag.

It makes sense what you say. Didn't think a Nissan or BMW was in my budget range. I'm not in a hurry so will keep looking. Thanks to all for their contribution. Will post update when I finally decide

Lindsay

My mother in law owned a Dodge Nitro about three years ago. She only had it for a year or so, what a load of rubbish! Very, very poor build quality and lots of issues with reliability.
Personally, I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot barge pole ;) The Japanese equivalents would be the way I go.

I'd not touch a Dodge Caliber with a barge pole. Very shoddy build quality, and not pleasant in any way. Stay clear.

That x-trail is fully loaded really worth the money!

Have a look at the Hyundai Terracan

Not the prettiest - and not a "Soft Roader" granted - but has a very good reputation for reliability -

http://www.parkers.co.uk/hyundai/terracan/