28 Aug 07
2. Chrysler Sebring (1996-2006)
America's most popular convertible makes an interesting alternative to the obvious European choices - if you don't mind a bit of roll'n'wallow to your open-top motoring. The Sebring's not exactly the sharpest-handling sports car out there, but it is a comfortable cruiser.
Specialist independent dealers imported a number to the UK, and Chrysler bought in 50 itself, but this Sebring is left-hand-drive only. Still, £10,000 buys a three- or four-year old, low-mileage soft-top with a 200bhp V6, power hood, auto gearbox and all the creature comforts you could need. It's just a shame that the engine (2.5 until 2001, then the 2.7; a small number of 2.4 four-cylinders may have made it over here) is lucky to give you 25mpg in real-life driving.
Chrysler is to make right-hand-drive versions of the all-new Sebring drop-top, to come to the UK from late 2007 with a folding hard-top roof. Truth is, we reckon this more traditional-looking canvas-roofed model is much prettier - as well as being cheaper.
