2008 Sebring Convertible---Any Feedback Appreciated

I'm starting to do my research on this car and anxious for any user
feedback or tips (to do or to avoid) before I pull the trigger. I can
easily wait 2-4 more weeks before purchasing this or any other
vehicle.

I've read more than one tale of roof leaks in rain and/or excessive
needs for servicing but hopefully those stories are very unusual. Any
recommendations concerning Sebring model,options , colors incentives,
buying vs. leasing it or dealer recommendations (including ones to
stay away from) in the Cherry Hill NJ//Philadelphia area also greatly
appreciated.

Also looking into the hybrid Chevy Malibu and would consider a Sebring
(non converible) too.

Thanks for any real owner/leaser feedback on the 2008 or 2007 Sebring
convert.

Michael

 

The malibu hybrid is a minimal hybrid...... only feature is turning off
engine when stopped. Probably not worth considering. Toyota hybrids and
civic hybrids are really only hybrids worth considering.

Can't help you regarding Sebring but if you check out Consumer Reports at
library, they didn't think much of it.

 

The Sebring is a recent design so don't expect to find tooo much out
there on it yet. The 2.8 engine seems to have had its sludging
problem fixed. The trans... well I worry about any Chrysler
transmission but it is probably as good as anything else these days.
If a car is a convertible it is going to leak sooner or later. The
leaks can be adjusted out or new weather stripping or maybe it just
leaks in certain circumstances. I have one convertible that will
leak in a hard driving rain. It save the water up in plastic moldings
and dumps it in your lap when you turn a corner. It happens rarely
enough that you are guaranteed to have forgotten about it and be
surprised all over again!

My personal opinion after looking at them..
The interior is incredibly cheap and plasticy. The engine isn't
powerful enough for the car and the price is ridiculous. Can you tell
I wasn't impressed? The Sebring is an entry level car with a deluxe
car price... I would rater have an Accord or a Camry (and I dislike
foreign cars). Just my personal opinion... No offense if you own
one.

The hybrid Malibu is designed to separate an environmentalist from his
or her money. Very poor implementation. Before considering any
hybrid look at the additional cost and compare to the actual fuel
savings (what people are really getting, not what the sticker says).
Consider possible battery expenses and hit to resale value if people
are scared of used Hybrids in five years. I think Hybrid is a great
idea but I can get cars that get similar mileage and don't have all
the added overhead and expense. Damn I sure seem to be opinionated
tonight!

Steve B.

 

Well - the displacement of an engine is not a matter of opinion. 2.7L

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

Steve, Art, Bill:

Thanks for opinions. Opinions good and bad are what I'm looking for.
Any thoughts about the Chevy Cobalt (or is that way too small a car
for someone like me who has been driving a Dodge Intrepid for 12+
years and am "looking at" the Sebring (still soliciting any opinions
regarding the Sebring)?

Thanks again.

 

Having neither owned, read much about, or studied up on the new Sebring
or the Cobalt, I don't have anything to offer you. Sorry.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

If you've been driving an Intrepid, I suspect you'd find the Cobalt
small. The Malibu has been winning awards, and every publication
likes it, so why not try it?

BTW, Consumer Reports' top family sedan is now the Nissan Altima.

 

Lloyd, Bill et al.:

I'm one of these "weirdos" who want to only buy an "American" car
whatever the heck that is in this day and age (Yes, I know DAIMLER
Chrysler). I'm 64 years old and still can't forget/forgive Pearl
Harbor. Appreciate all the suggestions however.

 

Do you consider a Toyota made in Kentucky less American than, say, a
Ford made in Mexico?

BTW, Chrysler is American owned again (Cerberus LLC).

But from everything I've read, one of the best American cars right now
is the new Chevy Malibu. It just got voted the North American Car of
the Year. Another good one getting raves (including for reliability
right up there with Toyota) is the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan.

 

SATURN Aura might be a consideration to if you want American made for a good
price and good build. It does have a cheaper interior but it's a value
priced American car that offers more than the value priced Dodge Avenger and
the overpriced Sebring. The Aura won awards in both the USA and Canada in
2007. It is built on the same platform as the Malibu, G6 and Saab 9-3 Get
the DOHC engine not the old push rod one. it's the same size as the Malibu
and Pontiac G6 and might fit your budget.

I am a 2004 Sebring owner and I was interested in a 2008 Dodge avenger, the
Sebring brother car. Not enuf room, uncomfortable driving position,
uncomfortable seats, badly laid out instrument panel for tall people like
me. I test drove 3 avengers all v6's but no Sebrings

I am considering a FUSION SEL and a V6 Malibu and a Pontiac G6 at this point
but only if the deals are good. I'm in Canada and right now the Fusion is
priced slightly lower then the Chrysler offerings. I have given up ont he
2008 Sebring and Avenger shopping. Lack of options and lack of comfort make
them uncompetitive.