Chrysler Sebring Cabrio Review Covering 2001

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Quick Summary of the Chrysler Sebring

OVERALL

The Sebring isn't going to be for everyone and even tracking down a used example might take some diligence and no little patience. Buyers will be rewarded with an unusual and surprisingly likeable big convertible that's a welcome antidote to most performance-obsessed rivals. If you like demon cornering, high quality plastics or widespread spares availability, this may not be your bag. Otherwise, give it a go.

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

Some people get a real kick out of owning something their friends won't have. True exclusivity comes when an in demand item is manufactured in tiny quantities. Values skyrocket and it becomes a real collector's item. The other tactic is to sell tiny quantities of something nobody really asked for in the first place. Valuations will slump and you'll wonder why you bothered. We're still scratching our heads and wondering why Chrysler decided to import fifty left hand drive Sebring Cabrios in a period between summer 2001 and 2002. The good news is that used buyers can now get a big hunk of car for citycar prices.
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History of the Sebring

Some cars make absolutely no sense at all when new but come good second (or third) time around. The Sebring is just such a model. Introduced in July 2001 as a specialist interest vehicle, it was lumbered with an asking price of £22,995, featured a thirsty petrol engine just when diesel was taking off and you had to sit on the wrong side. As a case study in launching a flop it could barely be bettered. As expected, Chrysler dealers had to resort to some drastic price cutting measures to sell all fifty of them. These days, there are even less plying our roads as I know of one that ended up in the water at Southampton docks and was consequently written off. Exclusivity doesn't usually come cheap but in the Sebring's case we'll make an exception.
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Chrysler Sebring Road Test

Let's not beat about the bush. This is no focused driver's car. Instead, the Sebring Cabrio is a very easy cruiser, wafting about gently on an engine that serves up a healthy 262Nm of torque. You'll need to rev the engine quite hard to make progress as peak power arrives at a nosebleed 5,900rpm, but that's hardly the point. Start driving the Sebring hard and you'll find that the steering, brakes and body control aren't really up to the demands of fast road driving. Instead it's a great place to drop the hood, crank the stereo up and just relax.In case you were interested in the figures, it'll reach a top speed of 131mph and will get to 60mph in 9.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is a so-so 26.6mpg on the combined cycle, although as touched on before, this is one of those cars that feels better the more gentle you are with the major controls.
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Buying a Chrysler Sebring

With a lot of electronic functions, it's well worth checking that everything is working. The engine is a relatively unstressed 2.7-litre V6 that generates 200bhp. The four-speed auto box is also trouble free, although it's well worth inspecting the hood and seats for signs of discolouration as the trim is very pale and marks up easily with stains being difficult to get rid of. The alloy wheels tended to be protected from the worst kerbing damage by bulbous tyres. Check the CV joints for signs of wear and tear.
Used Chrysler Sebring for sale

Chrysler Sebring Typical Pricing

You'll only need around £6,700 for an 02 plated Sebring with around 45,000 miles showing on the clock. Compare that to what you'd expect to pay for a similar vintage Saab 9-3 2.0t Convertible (£11k) or a Volvo C70 2.0T (£12k) and you'll appreciate quite what a lot of car you get for your money with the big-hearted Chrysler. It's about what you'd expect to fork out for a soft top 1.6-litre Renault Megane. Suddenly you can forgive this car a lot.
Used Chrysler Sebring for sale

Chrysler Sebring Parts

(Based on a 2001 Sebring Cabrio LX – approx excl VAT) A replacement clutch assembly will be about £345. A new starter motor retails at around £275, a radiator is around £460 and a replacement headlamp will cost you around £195.
Used Chrysler Sebring for sale

Chrysler Sebring Rated

Performance Performance 3.5 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 2 out of 5

Insurance

Value

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Chrysler Sebring Cabrio Review2001 - 2002