1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited 6 cylinder

Summary:

Greaaaaat!

Faults:

Other than the expected things for up-keep, there have been only a few problems. The first was the driver side, rear power window would only close half way. Needed a new window motor.

I took the car in for a 100,000 mile check up because of a ticking noise coming from the engine. The cam shaft had a crack in it and needed replacement. $2,750.00 parts and labor. This was my most expensive repair.

The leather interior has held up very well and after all these years, and looks pretty much like new.

The convertible roof stitching is rotting out in a number of places, though there is no internal water leaking, so far. We plan to keep the car so I will be replacing it soon.

General Comments:

If I could get a newer convertible, 6 cyl, Sebring to give me the same good, dependable service this one has, I would buy it in a second. The gold body and tan soft top is a head turner. It is one sharp looking car, even at 10 years old!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2009

1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi 2.5L V6

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

Trunk lid lifts wouldn't hold the lid open, replaced for $30.

Transmission starting to leak, need to add small amount from time to time.

General Comments:

Handles very well, quick acceleration and hugs road.

28+ MPG, very reliable, low maintenance, best car that I've ever had.

Almost 11 years old, never had a car this long before, love it, looks great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2009

1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Summary:

Beautiful, but unreliable and a money pit

Faults:

I wish I had researched this site before I purchased my car.

Tie rods went, had to replace those.

Rim/tire problems.

Passenger seat won't go front/back.

Door panels falling apart.

Rear view mirror - can't really explain this, it is a piece of crap putting it lightly.

Window off track on the driver's side.

Tires can come off the rims - special Chrysler design.

Window won't work on passenger side.

Engine light constantly coming on.

Alternator had to be replaced.

Must remove front driver tire to replace battery, etc and so on.

This is the worst car I believe ever made.

I always have taken this car to the dealer for repairs, even the simple ones, and spent top dollar because I believe a car should be taken care of, got oil changes right on schedule. None of that matters with this car, this car is not good for 80k+.If you have one that runs great after that, then that is truly an anomaly, trust me.

Most parts are "special" order, meaning they cost more than every other car, and must be specially ordered. You may think you have a mechanic buddy who can work on this car on the side for cheap... LOL forget about it, it ain't happening. The engine is stacked, not a good thing for any mechanic nor your pocket book.

Chrysler should be ashamed for what they have done. Chrysler designed the front end too low, and stacked engine for aesthetics... not practical for the average driver. To date I have not met one mechanic who has had anything good to say about the functionality of this car, other than it looks good.

General Comments:

This is an absolutely beautiful car, it is sleek, and just sharp, however it's like that porcelain doll grandma has sitting on the cabinet, or that model plane grandpa has on the wall; nice to look at, but you can't play with it, or it will break!

If you seek a reliable car to get you from point A to B on a regular and consistent basis with little maintenance, this is not the car for you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd February, 2009

7th Mar 2009, 07:50

I own a 1998 Chrysler Sebring convertible. Hasn't given me a bit of trouble in nine years. Once the 9 years hit, I needed to rebuild my transmission. That cost me $1,800, which was still cheaper than buying a new car.

Then just recently, 11 years later, I blew a timing belt. Well, one thing you should know about these cars. The manual tells you to replace the timing belt at 100,000 miles. Did I listen... noooooooo. If I did, I would saved a huge headache. Why, you ask, these cars have what they call "Interference" motors. What that means, if the timing belt goes, it takes the pistons and valves right along with it. That spells "blown motor". I had 136,000 on my car when this happened. Boy I really pushed it. If I had took the manual seriously, I would have saved myself a ton of money.

I bought a motor that had only 13,000 miles on it for $500 and I knew someone who put it in for me. Took him 2 weeks, as these cars are very tight spaced inside. Why didn't I buy a new car you ask. Because this car has been sooooo reliable. I can't say anything horrible about it. If you read your manual and take it seriously, then you should be good to go. I expect to get another 10 years out of this lovely car. I'd recommend it to anyone. A car with that much mileage is expected to have things go wrong. Now with a rebuilt transmission and a practically new motor, I'll be good to go for a long time to come. My son's friend has the same car, a couple years newer and they LOVE it too.