My GF's son just got his license and needs a reliable and economical daily driver for going back and forth to school, football practice, etc...

I gave him a budget of $6k to find something he likes, and gave him some guidelines - under 100k miles, and at least 25 combined mpg. He's a non-motorhead, but does like cars. He's taken a liking to 4-5 year old Calibers and Avengers.

So, anybody have any input? Likes/dislikes, problems, real-world fuel economy? Years to avoid or look for? I'm not familiar with them at all, but I'll be the wrench for any issues that crop up.

We had a Caliber for the ex. It was one of those cars that gives the distinct feeling that it is incredibly average. Nothing real bad, but nothing real good either. Had lots of room in it for stuff, it got decent mileage, but it ate brake pads and shoes like candy.

It was also the "auto" trans. No trouble with it, but I believe they are trouble prone in the earlier ones.

I'd steer him to an Avenger.

Caliber with CVT trans.... I'd pass.

Lean towards the Avenger.

The 2.4l seems like a great engine. Ours had 160k when traded (Caliber) and nothing but oil, filters and plugs. Ran great. The 5 speed manual used with the 2.4 is tough also. I'm not a fan of the CVT (auto) transmission although I understand the later ones were OK. If you get a manual, they work much better with GM "sycromesh" spec fluid vs factory recommendation of ATF+4.

Avenger is a great car. 2.4 gets good fuel economy.

Thanks to everybody who chimed in. We ended up with this nice little 2010 Avenger - 2.4/auto, 72k on the clock. It's a nice car; pretty much exactly what we were looking for.

Congrats!

btw we had a customer beta test a chrysler 200 with a 2.4. Apparently you can go just a tad over 40K without changing the oil. After that the cam seized to the head and breaks.

Got my son a new 2008 Avenger, quickly added 285/17 wheels, car is very functional. However expect both window mechanisms to fail, would definitely buy it again.