2004 Sebring Sedan - should I buy it?

Discussion in 'Sebring' started by Tchmuzk, Jul 27, 2004.

  1. Tchmuzk

    Tchmuzk Guest

    I just put a refundable deposit on a 2004 Sebring Touring Sedan with the
    Summer Luxury package. I REALLY like it and think I got a good price-
    Especially with the 0% financing.

    Then I got home and did google searches on the car and found LOTS of
    problems with the 2.7L V6. Now I'm scared !

    Does anyone know if these "Oil Sludge" problems have been corrected? Is the
    2004 gonna give me trouble? The dealer says that with proper maintenance,
    I can get 200K easily out of the engine. There are websites out there that
    say I won't get more than 30 or 40K miles. They also seem to say the dealer
    won't honor the warranty and will claim its my fault for not changing the
    oil regularly.

    I need advice and I need it fast!

    Thanks,
    Joe
     
    Tchmuzk, Jul 27, 2004
    #1
  2. Tchmuzk

    Bryan Guest

    As always, you will get varying advice. I have an '04 Sebring 'vert and
    immediately switched to synthetic oil to head off sludging. There is a lot
    of discussion about what causes the problem but I think the most recent
    concensus is that the oil does not heat up enough to burn off condensation
    when the car is frequently used on short trips. Love my car, like the
    engine, but think the tranny is the weak link (it is neurotic -- after
    driving it awhile you will see what I mean). My brother, who works at a
    Dodge dealership, told me that the mechanics recommend 2.5k mile oil changes
    but like the engine.

    YMMV. Good luck.
     
    Bryan, Jul 27, 2004
    #2
  3. Tchmuzk

    Geoff Guest

    Comparison shop the price with online services such as carsdirect.com. If
    your deal still looks good, then go for it.
    The 2.7L has more than it's fair share of problem reports. Do a search on
    other, competing products and see what you come up with. You'll find that
    the Internet is usually quite negative on most products, because it's where
    people go to bitch about things. On the other hand, people with the
    Japanese car religion seem to think they've got something really special in
    the Accord or Camry, but I defy you to find a Honda or Toyota dealership
    with an empty service department complete with the mechanics playing
    tiddlywinks in the middle of the shop floor.
    Word of design changes to address the issue hasn't been forthcoming. It is
    clearly tied to maintenance.
    All cars give trouble to varying degrees. Tis the nature of the beast.
    Regular, quality maintenance alleviates this.
    Maintain good records of the oil changes -- receipts showing the mileage --
    and you'd be able to disprove any such claims.
    My parents just picked up an '04 Sebring with the 2.7L. It is a nice
    vehicle for the price. It came with a book of coupons for free oil changes
    for the life of the vehicle at the dealership at no (apparent) extra charge.
    I'd say that your eyes are open here, and you know what you're getting going
    in. Few people buy cars that are absolutely problem-free for their entire
    service life.

    --Geoff
     
    Geoff, Jul 27, 2004
    #3
  4. Tchmuzk

    Black Bomb Guest

    My buddy purchased one recently. I had one as a rental for a week. Nice and
    comfortable car, but very expensive on gas. The gearing is totally off on
    that car. Even if you only step on the gas pedal 1/4 down it will shift at
    4000 rpm.
     
    Black Bomb, Jul 27, 2004
    #4
  5. | My buddy purchased one recently. I had one as a rental for a week. Nice and
    | comfortable car, but very expensive on gas. The gearing is totally off on
    | that car. Even if you only step on the gas pedal 1/4 down it will shift at
    | 4000 rpm.
    |

    It shouldn't be doing that! My engine rarely revs above 2500 RPM, unless I'm
    goosing it. This is true both on my 2004 Sebring OR my wife's 2003 Stratus
    (same car). Your buddy needs to get the dealer to check that out!
     
    James C. Reeves, Jul 28, 2004
    #5
  6. | I just put a refundable deposit on a 2004 Sebring Touring Sedan with the
    | Summer Luxury package. I REALLY like it and think I got a good price-
    | Especially with the 0% financing.
    |
    | Then I got home and did google searches on the car and found LOTS of
    | problems with the 2.7L V6. Now I'm scared !
    |
    | Does anyone know if these "Oil Sludge" problems have been corrected? Is the
    | 2004 gonna give me trouble? The dealer says that with proper maintenance,
    | I can get 200K easily out of the engine. There are websites out there that
    | say I won't get more than 30 or 40K miles. They also seem to say the dealer
    | won't honor the warranty and will claim its my fault for not changing the
    | oil regularly.
    |
    | I need advice and I need it fast!
    |
    | Thanks,
    | Joe
    |
    |

    I use synthetic oil in my Sebring (and my wife's Stratus), which should take
    care of the sludge issue. If you drive more than 15 miles per trip, you may
    not need synthetic...just change it at 3K miles. Mine came with free oil
    change coupons. I'd buy it.
     
    James C. Reeves, Jul 28, 2004
    #6
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