buying used 04 advice?

[seraphimshift]

Hey guys, just hoping to get some info from owners, I just got back from my first test drive a beautiful Sebring silver 2004 with red leather, I loved it. Car has 10,000 miles and the dealer is asking $24,000.

I did notice a few small nicks in the paint, nothing that stood out and most of which could probably be buffed out. Although on the passenger side above the rear wheel well there was a quarter, or nickel sized dent and I'm guessing to take care of it a body shop would have to replace the whole rear right quarter panel. Has anyone had to do this? I just wonder how much it might cost me.

Other than that the car is solid, I love the reworked engine for 04 and the new head lights look killer, I will probably pick her up in a day or two but I wanted to ask some owners first, if there are some things I should look for before signing paper work.

I would appreciate any input, thanks!

[Java Junky]

Hey Ser;
Most of what you're askin' about isn't anything I can help you with, but make sure that any documentation/records/manuals that came with the car, come with the car. Other than that, drop your top n' get used to pickin' bugs outa your teeth 'cause it's hard not to smile. Alot.
Best of luck with it Ser.

[Muz]

Originally Posted by seraphimshift

Hey guys, just hoping to get some info from owners, I just got back from my first test drive a beautiful Sebring silver 2004 with red leather, I loved it. Car has 10,000 miles and the dealer is asking $24,000.

I did notice a few small nicks in the paint, nothing that stood out and most of which could probably be buffed out. Although on the passenger side above the rear wheel well there was a quarter, or nickel sized dent and I'm guessing to take care of it a body shop would have to replace the whole rear right quarter panel. Has anyone had to do this? I just wonder how much it might cost me.

Other than that the car is solid, I love the reworked engine for 04 and the new head lights look killer, I will probably pick her up in a day or two but I wanted to ask some owners first, if there are some things I should look for before signing paper work.

I would appreciate any input, thanks!

The trouble with panel beating and re-painting is that it devalues your car. An astute buyer will notice the inevitable signs (overspray etc).

Painteless Dent removal is the way to go. A good paintless dent remover can return your car to perfect condition.

[Java Junky]

'Dunno Muz. I'm sure that there are some real fly-by-night bodymen out there, but the only tin-knockers that I'd consider don't do a slipshod job that leaves any tell-tale signs that something was repaired. Pride in workmanship and all that.
I'm not saying that I wouldn't consider a paintless dent remover if they were up to the job, but any bodyman worth his salt isn't going to be leaving traces that he's been there.
Also, something I forgot to mention to Ser: the '04s have projector headlights. I'm not certain, but I don't think that the earlier Stewies do. Those headlights will make you miserable anytime you drive something without them. But, after driving your S2, you're pretty miserable anytime you're driving anything else anyway.
Be well.

[Halo]

We all have projector HID headlights, from MY00 on.

[Java Junky]

Well then, I guess we're all ruined for driving anything else after the Stewie. Aren't we?

[s2kam]

invest in a "Ding King"

[wowowox]

try to find one with absolutely no transmission problem !! watch out for 2nd gear especially .. try to shift from 1-2 and 3-2 ... look for noise and smoothness