Questions on Buying a Car?

Question

I am planning on buying a 2001 Chrysler Sebring from a small, but luxury car dealer in the city. (Not too small, i'd say mid-sized that typically deal in Audi, Jaguars, and most of their inventory is over $30,000 though I know this does not mean much.

The car has around 50,000 miles.

I am planning on buying this Sebring from them for around $11,000. They offer a warranty that is through some cheap sounding warranty company "Preferred Warranties INC" or something, but it is expensive and I only have a maximum amount I can afford right now but REALLY Want this car and there arent any others like this around in inventories.. (Sales tax is EXPENSIVE adding up to almost 1000+ here, and the car total would be about $14,500 or something after sales tax and warranty if I did get the warranty)

Do I REALLY Need the warranty, and if worst comes to worst down the road what is the most i'd be paying to fix the car? ($3000 for a new engine, $1600 for transmission?)

ALSO I checked the history through Carfax and it was a Corporate Lease Vehicle owned by the same company for 5 years, driven only about 9000 miles a year it looks like.

Then it went on auction in 2006 and appeared at dealer 1 month later.

Am I likely to have less problems with it, and is this a good ownership history? IT looks like the electrical system was "serviced" 2 times, and the air condition once but not sure what that means on Carfax

I must have got lucky because I owned a Chrysler Sebring Convertible for 2 years that was 3 or 4 years old when I got it and NEVER ever had any problem with it, and I did not take care of it like I should have...

Answer 1

Yes, you need the warranty. 11,000 seems a bit high for that car. You're gonna pay at leat 2000-3000 more when u add tax title licence and warranty so thats standard, cant get around it. So when its all said and done you're paying 14000 for a 6 year old car....Check the kelley blue book value and make an educated informed decision.

In my experience, when buying a used car it is better to be safe than sorry. Trust me...you dont want to go thru the trouble of having to pay those kids of repairs out of pocket. If you're gonna get the car, get the warranty.

Answer 2

Its not just an engine and transmission that are expensive to repair. CV joints are $1300, shocks are $1500, a timing belt is $700, an alternator is $400, transmission is $2000, you might be spending more on fixing the car then its actually worth.
If someone is offering a warranty, i say take it. If something goes wrong, you might be smacking yourself in the face because you didnt want the $2500 warranty.

Heres what you need to realize. The sebring model your speaking of was between 2001-2006. In the first two years a car hits the market, its ALWAYS going to have more problems then later years. The kinks have not been worked out. If you look at the recall history of ANY cars, this is true.
Here are the recalls for the 01
2001 w/automatic transmission: Defective transaxle cooler hoses could lead to transmission fluid leak. Smoke and drivability problems could result. Dealers will replace the cooler hoses.
2001: Crankshaft position sensor harness could ground with a protective shield causing engine to stall. Dealers will reroute the harness.
2001: Defective passenger airbags could separate in an accident. Dealers will replace the passenger airbag.
2001: Fuel return hose does not contain the desired ozone protection. Dealers will replace the fuel return hose.
2001: Harness for crankshaft position sensor could contact new protective shield; prolonged contact could erode insulation and create short circuit that might result in engine die-out.
2001: Incorrect driver-seat mounting bolts may cause result in driver injury in an accident. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001: Smoke or burning smell might come from map lights due to contact with insulation material. Dealers will remove insulation material in affected vehicles.
2001: Some owner's manuals are missing instructions for installing child seats. Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owners manual.
here are the recalls for the 04
2004 Coupe: Fuel return hose fitting on electric fuel pump may be improperly molded, which could result in fuel leakage and possible fire.
2004: Excessive pressure and leakage may build up in the fuel injection system due to a restriction of the fuel-return hose. Dealers will inspect and replace any affected parts.
Common trouble spots for all sebrings between 2001-2006 Audio system: If the radio, instrument, or trip-computer lights flicker when the turn signals or high beams are switched on, the multifunction (turn-signal stalk) switch may be bad. (2001-02)
Automatic transmission: Some sedan owners received a non safety-related notice, advising them to replace a relay for the automatic transmission that does not work properly when cold. (2001)
Brake noise: The brakes may squeak on coupes with the 3.0-litre engine and 15-inch brakes. It can be repaired with revised brake-caliper mounting brackets. (2001-03)
Dashboard lights: The powertrain computer may mistakenly notice misfires and illuminate the check-engine light. Either have the computer reprogrammed (2001) or install hotter heat-range spark plugs. (2002)
Electrical problem: An intermittent short in the dome-light switch blows fuses that protect the radio, dome light, courtesy light, vanity mirrors, remote keyless entry, compass, and clock. (2001-02)
Suspension noise: The rear suspension makes a popping and squawking noise on the sedan or convertible that is corrected by replacing the upper control arms with revised ones. (2001)
So all the common problems are in the 2001-2002. are you sure you want to pass up the warranty?

I disagree about $11,000 being too high. That really isnt bad for a car with 50,000 miles.

Answer 3

Chrysler Sebrings are generally reliable cars. They should last well beyond 100,000 if properly maintained. If you don't take the warranty, you could be in for some rough times if the car was not properly maintained by it last owner(s?).
How does the car handle when you test drive it? How does the engine feel and sound? any other noises or rattles, etc.
If all of the above sounds and feels good, you could probably get by with not getting the warranty.
Good Luck.

Answer 4

Yes, for a chrysler you BETER have warranty. You may want to check with a couple of chrysler dealers what they would charge you for Chrysler Contract plan - they are the most generous when it comes to their own product. Keep in mind that aftermarket garbage warranties pay much better commissions to the dealer so they are reluctant to sell the manufacturer's plans. Call Chrysler customer service with any problems.
As far as cost of repairs goes, the string A604 (or 42LE) may not mean much to you but this is the trans type you are about to aquire, and their failure rate is 100%, cost of replacement - $2,500 +.

Answer 5

First off, unless this a Limited convertible, you're paying way too much.

Second, you are buying a Chrysler with 50,000 miles. YES - get the warranty!!! The 2001 alone had 8 recalls.

I would avoid at all costs and get a Toyota Solara convertible instead.

Answer 6

11,000 is a bit high. I just sold one 2 days a go with 60K miles LXI for 8,000. Sounds like you need to re-negotiate. As far an extended warranty: YES -- Chrysler has some expensive stuff

Power window motor: $350

Never a bad idea to have a warranty

Answer 7

You should consider looking at Consumer's Reports Magazine Auto addition (February or March). They will have reliability ratings for that make/model/year and that should help you decide if the warranty is worth what you are paying. Also, they have tips for buying used cars that might help.

Good luck. You are asking the right questions.

Answer 8

Dude get a new kia rio or nissan versa.There both same price as the used sebring.And they have 100000 mi warranty. I just bought 2 kia rios for me and my wife. Best investment ever.Besides sebrings are for queers.Not that theres anything wrong with that.

Answer 9

I think at about 130000 miles you can count on the motor going My wife's did and her uncles did. A modulator valve at $79 goes out at about 90000 and if you go to the wrong place to get it fixed they will tell you $1700 for the trans. If the people who carry the war. are honest and really would cover it, I think, knowing the car, I would get the war. If it covers over 100k miles
11k for 50000 miles is not so good so you need to get over 100k miles

Answer 10

And remember, you CAN negotiate the price of the warranty.