1986 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Convertible 2.5L

Summary:

Considering how worn it was, once maintained properly, a nice Sunday driver

Faults:

The car was pretty well worn when I got it, but being a convertible, I wanted to fix it up. The car was sitting for a few years, so normal replacement items, such as brakes, shocks, springs, bushings etc. Also replaced the timing belt and idler as I didn't know if it was ever done.

It runs well, doesn't burn oil or leak, trans. shifts fine. Did have a drivability issue when I first got it, so complete tuneup, and re-manufactured computer under hood (this also controls the regulation of the charging system) as the alternator wasn't charging properly.

Once the bugs were worked out, this has been a nice car for the last few years, and repairs and maintenance have been very minimal.

General Comments:

As I mentioned, once the bugs were worked out from sitting, this has been a nice car. MPG is in the 25 mile range so I am satisfied, and with the top down, it's fun!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2020

1986 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible 2.2L

Summary:

This is one Great Looking Ride!

Faults:

Developed a small oil leak after 800 miles.

General Comments:

I always wanted one of these. My buddy had one when we were teens.

It is a very nice looking car.

This is not the turbo model so it could be a little faster and the steering could be tighter.

I use it for getting around town and I don't need to go very fast. When the top is down, the car looks so nice, it's fun to drive slow :)

The gas mileage is good and it will probably pay for itself by taking over some of the driving from our large family car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2005

8th Sep 2015, 20:54

We, my wife and I, have had a 1986 LeBaron Turbo (new off the lot) for close to 30 years and it's still going strong at 204,312 miles. We have it serviced at regular intervals, keep it garaged out of sun and maintain the servicing as required. Have spent only about $4K on various issues over those years.

Gets 21 miles in town and 26 on the highway. Almost what the current new cars get. We have been told it's a classic and as long as it is providing the quality of service we get from it, we'll keep it. Our children said we should buy a new car and ditch this one (time to change the will).

Oil changes every 3K miles and regular tune ups when required. Most people just check their oil and top off. The very thing you shouldn't do if you want the sludge out of your engine. We have a neighbor who is a mechanic and he said that the engine on the 86' LeBaron is exceptional and he has serviced many that were neglected.

Let's hope we can still write a positive review in five more years of driving the Lee Ioaka (?) designed car of choice.

In reply to 8th Sep 2015, 20:54

9th Oct 2019, 15:34

Hello,

I am thinking of buying Le Baron Convertible with 102000.

I would like to know how bad the rust was back then? I live in New England and was also curious how it is in the snow? Would you also tell me about the connecting rod to the turbo and the front rubber boots on the front axles? Your thoughts?

Thank you, John.

1986 Chrysler LeBaron turbo

Summary:

A wretched excuse for transportation

Faults:

Everything went wrong with this car.

The turbo died.

There was a constant problem with rust getting into the engine, so the gas filter had to be constantly changed.

The gasket on top of the engine (not the oil cap, mind you) somehow came off, releasing oil all over everything.

Finally the engine seals went, and the car died, spilling fluid like it had ebola.

General Comments:

A horrible car, perhaps the worst I've ever owned. I bought it because it was a convertible and had low miles, but I soon learned that low miles mean next to nothing when buying a used a car. A lemon is a lemon.

For a turbo car, it had relatively unimpressive pick-up, especially by today's standards. It wasn't slow, but it didn't have nearly the pep of a Subaru WRX or any number of newer model four-cylinder turbo monsters.

I've read elsewhere about people who rhapsodize about Le Barons, have had no problems with them, think they're the best cars ever made, etc. Maybe my experience is unusual, but I'll still never buy another Chrysler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th April, 2005

6th Jul 2005, 20:08

I have owned 2 Chyrsler LeBaron convertibles, the first was a '89 that was just a lemon, the turbo was dead, rust had eaten the floor and the electrical was constantly failing, however my second and current one is a '86 and it's a beauty. EVERYTHING works, the last thing I had done is the CV joints, but other than that I'm impressed, especially how luxurious it is inside, digital dash in 1986 must have been the equivalent of todays "spinners" cause man is it ever nice.

24th Sep 2005, 17:31

I think I know why this guy's Le Baron sucked, cause when he got it, was 13 years old with low k/ms when he got it meaning the car was obviously siting for a long time which if you didn't know isn't good for cars.