Piston Slap: On a Sunny Day You Can See a Dodge Caliber in Focus

A TTAC reader who wishes to remain anonymous writes:

I have to buy a 2nd car to be used mostly in the city with short highway trips, my problem is that I have a budget of $7,500.00 since a car payment is not an option at this time.

Clear title, no accident, reasonable mileage and low maintenance cost are high priority, after 2 weeks of detailed search over the internet, I’m down to three cars that I never thought I would be thinking about: 2007 Ford Focus Sedan, 2007 Nissan Sentra and (believe it or not) a 2007/8 Dodge Caliber. The mileage I have seen on this budget varies from 18,000 up to 45,000 miles. By the way, some cars don’t have power windows, which was a shock for me and almost a deal breaker, however, some of these cars have the best mileage and lowest price.

Any thoughts on which would be the best bet?

Unless someone else makes the payment, a Dodge Caliber meets nobody’s needs. That said, both the Sentra and Focus are but mere shells of their former selves, yet either is a better alternative to the Dodge. I’d look for the car with the most options, most appealing color and the lowest mileage to help sell this ride easily in the future.

Let’s pretend that the Sentra and Focus are equally optioned and both are dressed in a conventional color. Look at the product: the Sentra sports a more modern design, a nicer interior and has none of the negative perceptions of the frequently recalled, first-gen Ford Focus. The Focus is probably more fun to drive with its amazing steering, independent rear suspension and no CVT transaxle option.

I’d drive them both and see which one is a better econobox for low-budget hoonery, and I suspect the Focus fits the bill. But there’s no wrong answer. Except for the Dodge Caliber, that is.

[Send your queries to mehta@ttac.com]