1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JX

Summary:

Stay away from it

Faults:

I have had every possible problem with this car:

Exhaust

Motor mount replaced

Brakes replaced

New transmission

Leaks

And now, get this: the passenger door speaker caught a fire, the thing is a total loss, stay away from these things for your own sake!

General Comments:

It's quite comfortable and looks good, but it's always broken.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st December, 2007

1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI V6 2.5

Faults:

When I bought the car I had a 20A fuse (starter, ignition) blows every now and then. It turned out to be the starter shorting.

Had the timing belt replaced and water pump.

Car would stall every now and then while you would drive it. It would start right back up. It turned out to be the crank shaft sensor.

Had a knocking noise and had front end work down to it. Rocker arm, bushings, and tie rod.

The transmission made a loud clunk when I put it in reverse and know my reverse, drive, and 2nd gear are out. They said it would be a $2,200 repair.

General Comments:

My Sebring convert. was a fun fast car.

Over all I enjoyed it for its size and comfort.

Probably the best domestic convertible built in my opinion in the last 8 years.

This car has a lot of mechanical problems and isn't made to be driven hard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2007

1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI

Summary:

Loved this car for 6 years now!

Faults:

Biggest problem is ongoing - it has always leaked rain into the car & trunk, sometimes profusely. I've put a new, upgraded, top on it & tried using silicone at the windows, but nothing's stopped it. I've "managed" the problem finally by drilling a hole in the trunk to drain it, and popping seals out of the rear seating area to drain those. I can at least dry the car out quickly now.

Electrical power controls were all bad when I bought it, but I found a mechanic who fixed them all a few years ago and no problems since.

Other than this, everything else has been normal wear & tear that I would expect.

General Comments:

I love this car with a passion and although the body's trying to wear out (as I would expect with a Chrysler) the Mitsubishi engine is as strong & capable as ever. I tell everyone this car is breaking down from the outside in - the reverse of every other car I've ever had. LOL.

I love the way it handles and hangs on to the road when I'm speeding around corners or maneuvering quickly to avoid something in the road.

I love the interior design - it's comfortable and meant to cruise in. The bucket seat hugs my body with arm rests in comfortable position on each side, reachable cup holders, air controls and stereo. I've looked at new/er vehicles and am always disgusted at how uncomfortable they are to spend time in.

Some friends & family try to tell me I need a new car once in a while and I tell them I love this car and am riding it to the end.

My engine is in great condition so I'm probably going to invest in a new paint job this year so it looks like new again.

It's too bad the new models don't have Mitsubishi engines in them; that's the only reason I bought this Chrysler as I would never own a car with a Chrysler engine in it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd August, 2007

1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi 2.5

Summary:

I would buy another one in a heartbeat

Faults:

Instrument Panel shorts around 50K (easily fixed).

Replaced timing belt at 85K.

Replaced times every 45-50K.

Replaced brakes every 30K.

Replace battery very 5 years.

Front speaker covers cracked and broke around 70K.

Speakers need to be replaced (my fault, they were dry rotted and I replaced the stereo with a 300 watt unit.)

Driver side door latch (the manual part) broke, but the power locks still work.

Trunk lid support stuts need to be replaced.

Replaced the canvas top with vinyl at 85K. It is much nicer. It stays cleaner and has a drip rail so water does drip on my arm every time I open the window.

It is starting to get a little cowl shake on rough roads (139K+ miles)

General Comments:

Fun to drive around town or across country.

Plenty of power and good gas mileage (26 mpg combined).

My only real gripe are the cup holders. They are too far away and do not hold cup securely. And you can't get a cup out if you are in park.

I plan on buying the '08 or '09 retractable hardtop when a used one is available.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2007