Chrysler Sebring Coupe: Love at first sight.

Ahh. The car the replaced my ailing 1983 VW Jetta. Actually replace is the wrong word as I had lusted after this car since it was first brought out for the 1995 model year. I saved and saved, managed a healthy downpayment for the car and have never looked back.

I had heard that Chrysler was going to restyle the Coupe for the 2001 model year. I had some anxious moments wondering if I should go out and grab a 2000 while they were around or wait for the restyle. I decided to wait. I figured if I hated the car, I could find a 2000 or older and be hapy and save some money. I could also fall back on the #2 car of my choice, an Olds Alero Coupe. The Alero is nice, but not Sebring nice.

I was thrilled that the restyled Sebring Coupe was even better looking than the 95-00, and now came with a 5-speed manual trans along with the V-6. It was about time!

The Buy:

I searched around for 3 months. I tested different dealers dressed in my grubbies (jeans or sweats and a t-shirt) I have been a firm believer that a salesperson should view me as a possible sale no matter if I am in a 3-piece suit or walk in naked. Damn right!

I had experiences ranging from one dealership totally ignoring me (6 visits averaging 30 minutes and not one person, not even the lube bay guy, approaching me), to leaving one dealership feeling like I needed a shower and a VD test. I usually got quoted the full price for the car. I finally had two dealerships fighting and landed the car for $400 over cost. Not bad in my books

I factory ordered the car because I wanted it with just the right options and noone who had been test driving it. They tried to dealer search for the car but no luck. I ordered the Sebring LXi Coupe, with 5-speed manual trans (there was no better option!), and opted for the free 4-CD in dash stereo changer. For free, why not? People ask me, why no ABS, leather, chrome wheels, moon roof. Simple. ABS is great 75% of the time in driving conditions. Personally I hate the system and after listening to my brother go on about the cost of ABS replacement parts, I backed away. Leather: Canadian winters, contrary to popular knowledge, are not condusive to leather. You freeze your a$$ off and slide around 8 months of the year and the next few you burn yourself on them. No thanks. Chrome wheels: I am retentive and would be polishing them 24/7 and I liked the standard alloy rims that come standard with the LXi model options. Finally the moon roof: Again, listening to my brother. Cost of repairs, leakage after a number of years, winter etc. I never plan to sell the car so the moon roof could become a majorly expensive problem down the road. My Jetta leaked, why wouldnt this one later on? Seals break down.

I ordered the car in Deep Evergreen Metallic as well as they brought back the colour that year. I was in heaven.

Receiving the Car:

Dad drives me to the dealership as my salesperson is a buddy of his. I really appreciated the "You will have no trouble getting laid in this car!" comment from the salesguy. A: I never did have that trouble ;) B: I don't need Dad hearing of how much easier it will be to score. After handing over my large downpayment, that was tough, and putting plates on the car, I was off.

I decided to humiliate myself. Dad and I get in. I fire it up, shift into first gear, move to pull out and...stall the car. Hey, I only had 5 salesguys and a few mechanics watching me. In my defense, I was used to my Jetta's paper-thin clutch! See other review. I restart the car and we head out for a spin. After we come back, I drop Dad off and head back to the City. I had bought the car 20km out of town. As I am merging onto the highway, I look at the speedo. I am doing 140km/h. Speed limit: 100km/h. Hmm, car has more pick up than anything else I have ever driven, remember this!

Driving History:

I won't go year by year, just any work I have had to perform. I bought a nose bra for the car, mud flaps for the four corners and I undercoated and rust protected the car. Much cheaper elsewhere than the dealership. I have the car serviced by the book except the oil changes. I personally change the oil every 3000km rather than 5000km as it says in the book. I also get Mopar filters at cost, brother again, rather than pay $35 for the Mitsubishi ones. The Mitsu ones went to $50 later on. No thanks. I have also purchased a K&N Air Filter for the car. Even better gas mileage and more power.

Things that have gone wrong with the car, I had to have one suspension bushing replaced, under warranty, because it squeeked. That is it.

I have taken this car on many road trips through the Rockies and elsewhere. I managed to drive it on HWY 101 in Oregon. What a thrill with a car the drives like it is on rails. Nearly 0 body roll, no squeeks, fast and stylish. The 5-speed stick has short throws and crisp shifting. The 3.0L V-6 gets me even better mileage than what Chrysler said it would. I get around 27 mpg City and 40 Hwy. This was before the K&N, I have to see what it is like now. I do know it is better but I dont have exact numbers.

I wax the car twice a year, wash it once a week, sometimes more, lavish love on it and make sure it has its own place in the driveway. I dont have a garage yet so I make sure the waxing and washing is kept up on a regular basis. It is a pleasure to drive and even though people have wanted to buy it or want to know when the lease expires, I will never sell it. It is mine for life. It is too bad that Chrysler Canada quit carrying the car after the 2001 model year. You can still get the Sedan and Convertible here though.