hi bulldog, I've bought my marea weekend new it 2000, its been one of the best cars i've ever had. It was lowered by the dealer for me and was fitted with fiat lowering springs which were actually Eibach ones. These are the best springs you can get in my opinion, however Eibach no longer reccomend these springs something to do with the weight of the 20 valve cars.
I never had any probs with my car at all other than wear and tear. If you can get Eibach ones then go for it, be carefull tho' make sure they are 20valve springs and avoid PI springs as these were crap on my previous car, don't know what there like now tho'.
My car now runs Koni fully adjustable shocks all round, Eibach springs, 17' Mille Miglia Revenge 4 alloys and Novitec front strut brace.
Believe me when I say it handles, only drawback is it's a hard ride but well worth it I can't stop putting my foot down.