A Rare Find in the Rental Fleet World

Following our recent look at the 2004 Audi TT, we shift our focus to a different kind of convertible: the 2004 Chrysler Sebring GTC. While the Sebring is often remembered as a ubiquitous rental car in sunny vacation spots, this specific example stands out for a very particular reason. The seller initially listed the vehicle for $75,000 due to a typographical error, but the price has since been corrected to a more realistic $7,500.


Engineering and Heritage

The Sebring convertible of this era was unique because it shared almost nothing with its coupe sibling. While the coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse platform, the convertible was engineered alongside the Chrysler Cirrus sedan and manufactured in Mexico. This particular GTC model features a 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine producing 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. However, the most compelling feature is the five-speed manual transmission. It is estimated that only about 1,000 units were produced with this manual setup during the model year, making it a surprisingly rare find.


Condition and Aesthetic Details

The vehicle has covered 110,000 miles and presents a mix of strengths and weaknesses:

  • The Good: The bodywork is free of dents, the paint remains in good condition, and the headlights are clear rather than clouded. The seller notes that the air conditioning functions perfectly, which is essential for a car located in Arizona. Additionally, the car has a clean title and has reportedly never been home to smokers or pets.
  • The Bad: The convertible top shows significant wear and includes a noticeable hole, which may compromise its ability to keep out the elements. Inside, the driver's seat leather is worn and cracked, and the shift knob shows signs of two decades of use.

The Verdict

Despite its history as a common rental fleet vehicle, the combination of the GTC trim and the rare manual gearbox makes this Sebring an intriguing proposition for enthusiasts of quirky American convertibles. The question remains: is $7,500 a fair price for a manual-equipped, four-seat drop-top, or does the condition of the interior and roof demand a lower entry point?