The 2008 Chrysler Sebring is really the go-to if you’re looking for a used convertible at a budget price. There are better cars, and better cars for the price, but the Sebring is the best convertible you’re going to find for under $6,000.
Is the 2008 Chrysler Sebring a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – If you’re willing to overlook a lot of shortcomings, the Sebring is a lot of fun to drive with the top down, the wind in your hair, and the tunes blaring.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – The interior is cramped and cheap-feeling, trunk space is almost non-existent, but you can add a point for the excellent sound system and choice of convertible tops.
- Reliability 7/10 – Major breakdowns are few and far between, but you should probably start shopping around for a new vehicle as your Sebring’s odometer nears 200,000.
- Safety 7/10 – Crash test ratings are good and anti-lock brakes come standard, but a convertible is just one step above a motorcycle when it comes to safety.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – The i4 engine delivers a solid 21/30 miles to the gallon, but the V6 engines struggle to make 22 MPG combined.
- Value 8/10 – There are better deals to be had on the used car market, but not on a convertible.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
Consumer Reports found the 2008 Chrysler Sebring to be an improvement over earlier models, but “still a big disappointment.” They liked the taller build and intuitive layout, but considered the base engine unrefined and noisy, and they were unimpressed by the car’s 20 MPG combined fuel economy.
Kelley Blue Book recommended the 2008 Chrysler Sebring as one of the more affordable convertibles on the market, and they liked the available sound systems. They weren’t so impressed by the tight, cheap-feeling interior, and they note that the car isn’t incredibly sporty compared to something like a Pontiac G6.
Edmunds liked the Sebring’s long list o standard features, they liked the choice of fabric or all-season convertible tops, and the hard-drive based audio and nav system. They found the base engine underpowered, the V6 inefficient, the brakes weak, and interior trim materials cheap.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Have?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has 343 complaints on file for the 2008 Chrysler Sebring. Around one in three of these are for electrical issues, with drivers reporting loss of power and stalling when in motion. A recall was issued in 2008, but complaints persist into 2021.
A number of structural complaints point to issues with the door locking mechanism. This is usually the result of a door latch cable coming loose from the handle, an issue that was recalled in 2007.
Airbag lights may come on as a result of a faulty track position sensor in the airbag’s occupant sensor system. A small recall was issued in 2007 for faulty occupant sensors, but complaints have been registered as late as 2022.
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring has been recalled just 4 times, which is on the lower end of the median for a vehicle this old.
How Long Will the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Last?
A well-maintained Chrysler Sebring should last at least 200,000 miles. Some drivers have reported hitting a quarter million miles and beyond in their Sebrings, but you have to account for the previous owner’s maintenance and driving habits.
Repairpal estimate that a 2008 Chrysler Sebring should cost around $404 in annual maintenance, which isn’t bad for this size class. The most expensive common repairs include new radiator hoses starting at around $294, and suspension control arm bushings at $257.
There is a blind spot when the top is up that can be concerning. Otherwise, I would say it is a very good car.
No, most reliable car ever. Never had no issues. Easy mechanical fixes. Easy manual. No hard issues or problems that couldn't be resolved.
Again, mine has been reliable because I take good care of it. However, in general, they are not known to be reliable cars.
It has no problems that I did not create for it myself. The brake pads need to be replaced but that is because I drove it into the ground.
So far it is very reliable for me I don't have any problems and hopefully I won't because I need this car to last me a while
My particular one has not had major issues yet. However, statistically, they are known to have many issues.
In my experience my 2008 Chrysler has been very reliable. It rarely has any problems and has never broken down or stalled out on me
It is reliable and yes it has problems here and there but what car doesn't it just u have to be able to maintain your car properly
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Sebring is excellent. Standard equipment includes a CD/MP3 player with 4 speakers and a hard-drive storage system for your media, and you can upgrade this to a 6-speaker system with a DVD player. Not bad at all for 2008.
Safety technology is good for the model year. Anti-lock brakes come standard, and traction control is available.
Is the 2008 Chrysler Sebring a Good Value?
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring is a pretty good value. A Limited sedan typically sells at just $4,654 or thereabouts, while a Touring convertible usually goes for around $5,632.
There are better cars to be had at these prices. The Sebring’s interior feels cheap and it’s not very sporty. But, while a Sebring might not be the most practical option, it may be the best convertible you’ll find in this price range, and the sound system really is as good as it gets for 2008.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring is available in two body styles, being convertible or sedan, and three trim levels, from the base LX to the high-end Limited.
In the entry-level LX you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- Remote keyless entry
- Manual air conditioning
- CD/MP3 player
The mid-range Touring model adds:
- Premium cloth seating
- 6-way power adjust driver seat
- DVD player and 6-disc CD changer
- Heated mirrors
With a top-of-the-line Limited you’re adding:
- Leather seating
- Automatic air conditioning
- Boston Acoustics 6-speaker sound system
What Engines Come In the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
- The 2008 Sebring comes standard with a 2.4L inline-four engine delivering 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 21/30 miles to the gallon, city/highway. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive.
- A 2.7L V6 is available, delivering 186 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque at an average 19/27 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic in front wheel drive.
- At the top of the line you’ve got a 3.5L V6 delivering 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 16/26 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic in front wheel drive, or all wheel drive in a Limited edition.
What Colors Does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
The Sebring is passably comfortable. It’s a bit on the smaller side, with seating stretching just 53 inches across and limited leg and head room in the hardtop. The interior trim feels pretty cheap, as well. But the suspension has held up well over the years, and seating is nice and firm.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Have?
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring offers just over 6 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk, or 13 cubic feet storage space with the back seats folded down. Even by compact car standards, this is pretty skimpy. You could pack four medium suitcases for an airport trip, but the Sebring is not much of a pack mule.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the second model year in the Sebring’s 3rd Generation. The nameplate would be retired for good with the 2010 model just a couple years later.
2005: Auto on/off headlights and automatic air conditioning were new to the Limited edition for 2005.
2006: There were no big changes for 2006.
2007: Chrysler redesigned the Sebring from the ground up for 2008. The car is now larger at the wheelbase with a more spacious interior.
2008: The Limited was offered in all-wheel drive for 2008.
2009: New color options were the only big change for 2009.
How Does the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Compare to the Competition?
A 2008 Kia Spectra is more fuel efficient, and it costs about the same as a Sebring, but it’s not available in a convertible.
The 2008 BMW 3-Series is available as a convertible, but when you add in specialty repair fees, it’s going to cost you twice as much as a Sebring.
The 2008 Chrysler Sebring is neither the best compact car released in its model year, nor is it the best for the price. But it is the best in its unique niche, being a budget-priced convertible with an excellent sound system.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Chrysler Sebring?
Yes, it is very reliable. There are some minor issues and the car is creaky. Also since it is a 2008 it is getting up there in miles. Overall, it is a good car.
Yes it's a great vehicle. Water coming from the gas pipes. Wonderful transportation. Never let me down.
Statistically speaking, this is not a good vehicle. It has a higher than average failure rate. However, I haven't had many issues with mine so far. I keep mine well maintained.
It is cheap and gets the job done by getting me from point a to b but has some inherent flaws on the design.
Yeah it is it's my first car really so I don't really have any complaints this far which is kind of cool
It depends on who you ask. I have had very little go wrong with my vehicle. I maintain it well. Others will tell you it is unreliable. The 2.7l engines are not built well, the interior is cheaply made.
Yes, my car is very reliable and has had very few problems since I've had it. My car is also durable, I was rear ended but my car is still fine
Yes it a wonderful car drive so smooth and fast and gas last it only take about 40 dollars to fill up
