2007 Chrysler Sebring

Status
Not open for further replies.
Originally Posted By: smc733
So I put a deposit down on the Camry, but there is one before me, if they get it, I get my deposit back, otherwise, I get the car.

If this falls through, I'm going to take a look at the 3.5L Sebring I posted, which seems like a decent enough deal. Otherwise, there's a certified pre-owned Sebring 2.4L I may look at, but I'm still a bit shaky about 4-cylidner Chrysler vehicles.


Brutal honesty here: I can't believe you would pass on a 3.5 Sebring for a generic 4-popper Camry, even ignoring the possible sludge problems in the Toyota. For your sake, I hope the other guy gets the Camry. Yes, overall the Camry is "better" in many ways, but the 3.5 Sebrings are actually pretty rare and IMO desirable if you can find a nice low-mileage used one like this! They'll never be "collectibles" but they are interesting, very reliable (unlike the 2.7 versions) and FAST. Not to mention it should get very good mileage if you don't use all 253 horsepower- our old 3.5 LH car (heavier than a Sebring) would get 28-30 highway in its prime.

As for the 4-cylinder Sebring, there aren't any reliability worries there either. Depending on year it will be either the workhorse Chrysler EDZ 2.4L (the same engine running around in every PT Cruiser ever sold), or maybe the GEMA 2.4 in later years. Both are as boring as a Camry, and that's a good thing in this case. Solid, reliable, unremarkable. Other than care and feeding, an EDZ or GEMA will do its job without ever bothering you with breakdowns. Again, the Mitsubishy 2.5 v6 (prone to severe oil burning, just like the 3.0 before it) and Chrysler 2.7 v6 (timing chain problems & sludging in pre-2002 models) are the ones to avoid.
 
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum

Brutal honesty here: I can't believe you would pass on a 3.5 Sebring for a generic 4-popper Camry, even ignoring the possible sludge problems in the Toyota. but the 3.5 Sebrings are actually pretty rare and FAST. Not to mention it should get very good mileage if you don't use all 253 horsepower- our old 3.5 LH car (heavier than a Sebring) would get 28-30 highway in its prime.

Yep. you nailed it.
 
Interesting, I really liked the way the Camry drove, though. Even if the accel was a bit slow, I'm not all that interested in performance. That said, the Sebring probably would still drive really nicely with light acceleration.

So is the 6-speed auto reliable along with the 3.5L? What about other parts of the Sebring. I love the Sebrings, but I'm always afraid of all the stuff I hear about Chrysler.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: smc733
Interesting, I really liked the way the Camry drove, though. Even if the accel was a bit slow, I'm not all that interested in performance.


First off, sludge is not an issue with the Camry's 2.4L engine, so don't worry a bit about it. Just like the 61TE transmission in the Sebring doesn't share the reliability issues of the related 41TE, so don't worry about that either.

If you like the Camry, buy the Camry. It's my opinion that we collectively spend too much time on this site arguing about subjective things that only one can decide for one's self. Like how a car drives, how a car looks, how "exciting" a car may or may not be. Those are qualities that you'll have to decide for yourself. I agree with you: the Camry drives "well". It's not a BMW and it's not a Corvette. But it drives well.

In fact, if you want to talk about driving dynamics, the Camry's probably got that on the Sebring anyway. This is from C&D's comparison test from 2007, in which the Sebring finished last of six sedans:

"Did Chrysler put AARP on its design team? Everyone who climbed aboard the Sebring felt it was aimed at buyers for whom Buicks have become too racy...It's also soggy, jiggly, and tipsy in corners as drivers attempt to aim it with steering set on extra-numb. The notebook pen scratched with venom not seen since the last New Yorker."

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2007-chrysler-sebring-touring-page-2

Camrys have never been noted to be racy machines, but the Sebring can hardly be classified as a slot car either. The Sebring scored last on the skidpad and tied the Accord for longest braking distances. The extra heft of the V-6 engine won't help either performance metric.

The Sebring and Camry are both aimed at those who prefer comfort over performance. Of the two, the Camry will be the better buy, especially if you can buy them for a similar price. The Camry will hold its value far better than the Sebring will.
 
Originally Posted By: smc733
Interesting, I really liked the way the Camry drove, though. Even if the accel was a bit slow, I'm not all that interested in performance. That said, the Sebring probably would still drive really nicely with light acceleration.

So is the 6-speed auto reliable along with the 3.5L? What about other parts of the Sebring. I love the Sebrings, but I'm always afraid of all the stuff I hear about Chrysler.


Yes, the Camry is probably a better chassis overall and frankly does drive a little better. What pushes me to the Sebring is that drivetrain with the 3.5. It gives a power/weight ratio that is just a bit of panache that you don't get in most daily drivers. A "sleeper," if you will.

The 61TE Sebring trans has also been solid. I wouldn't worry about it either. Chrysler is going to spend a LOOONG time living down the first 10 years of the 41TE, but to be honest they're making some dang good auto transmissions these days, certainly better than Honda is. The 545RFE in trucks has just been a tank, and the new 8-speed looks very promising too.
 
I'm with the others on here that I can't believe you'd pass on a 3.5 Chrysler for an I-4 Camry.

I'm sorry, that Sebring is SHARP, and it will be quick and smooth.

I-4 Camry's are bland, and literally a dime-a-dozen...go for something with a bit more pizazz....
 
Hokiefyd- Shame on them for knocking Buick. My wife's Lacrosse CXS is a AWESOME vehicle. And we aren't AARP material yet. We were looking for a high performance luxury sedan and this thing exceeded our expectations.
 
Originally Posted By: addyguy
I'm with the others on here that I can't believe you'd pass on a 3.5 Chrysler for an I-4 Camry.

I'm sorry, that Sebring is SHARP, and it will be quick and smooth.

I-4 Camry's are bland, and literally a dime-a-dozen...go for something with a bit more pizazz....


those may be your priorities...but they may not be his!

The Sebring looks like a cool ride to me, too--but if your priorities are a hassle-free car with low cost of ownership, it's hard the beat a 4 cylinder Camry. That has to be one of the most well-build, reliable toaster-on-wheels ever made. Plus, the one he's looking at looks like a deal; 3 or 4 oil changes over it's short life. Seems like the most sensible decision, if sensible is your priority. No doubt, the 3.5 Chrysler would probably be more fun.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom