1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JX 2.5 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

The most beautiful pile of garbage I've ever owned

Faults:

Water trapped in quarter panel, interior light keeps flickering whenever I hit the slightest bump, thermostat, water pump, air got trapped in cooling system, top starting to malfunction.

General Comments:

My summary of this car is that it is a mechanical NIGHTMARE! I first bought this car with the intent of giving it to my wife after I finished school, and since I was going to an automotive school, I had no problem keeping the car well maintained. I did all this vehicle's service intervals religiously, but apparently it's not enough. It first had minor problems like the flooded panel, a loose tie rod, and worn brakes, but those repairs are normal, and I had no problem fixing them.

Then it just got worse, this car has overheated on me a total of 6 times within the same year, all due to different components in the cooling system (3 T-stats, air in the system, radiator cap, and worn water pump). The wiring is so bad in this car, it looks like a 5-year old put it together. The RR speaker comes on whenever it feels like it, I had to change the instrument cluster, because the tach and digital display decided to stop working, I still have yet to find out where the cross short is happening for the interior and mirror lights that flicker on and off. Sometimes I drive down the road in this thing, and it looks like it's possessed with all the flickering going on. I've been stranded on the highway a total of 4 times thanks to this Anti-Christ.

The sad part is, I had a Pontiac Sunbird before this car, and despite the rust that ultimately killed it, it stood up for the 5 and a half years I had it. The only time I had major problems like the one I have now with the Sebring was before I scrapped that car. I plan to sell this abomination upon graduation, and buy a Honda. I will never buy another Chrysler as long as I live.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th September, 2007

17th Jan 2008, 01:13

You went to mechanic school and you managed to leave air in the cooling system?

1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Funnnnnnnnn

Faults:

OK, in having this car, which I bought from my mom about a year and a half ago, I have put it through a beating... I drive it hard an fast. It is a beautiful car. I never really had any major problems until I reached about 120K miles. My mom bought the car with 81K miles on it and only replaced the brake pads once.. I had to replace them again because of the way I drive it I am hard on them. The drums have yet to be replaced. Now for the problems: Thermostat, vacuum leak, head gasket, tranny is starting to studder when downshifting and is not shifting out of first until about 4K RPMs, and then just basic maintenance.. overall, with the amount of beating I put the car through it is great. Now, I am 18 and already have 3 speeding tickets on my record with this car because I cannot tell how fast I am going because the ride is really smooth.

General Comments:

To sum it up, I love this car. Handles great, and easy to work on, only problem is parts are hard to come by because it was not built for mods. If anyone knows where to find HEADERS for this 1997 Chrysler Sebring JXi Conv. 2.5L V-6 please email bugattimillion@yahoo.com with the subject "Headers for Sebring" thanks and my name is Jason.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th July, 2007

1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

It is a car, every one has problems, but overall this car is my love!

Faults:

Well, I just replaced the head gasket at 121500 miles, along with the thermostat and a piece of the water pump, and it still failed inspection due to the "Service Engine Soon" light being on (costing $515)..

I just took it in to get diagnosed for the engine light, and to be honest I am afraid to see what it will cost.

Because of the uneven distribution of weight, the front tires wear much quicker than the rear ones, I just replaced the front ones for $212.

I can feel the transmission sticking when downshifting to first, and upshifting from first.

I'm not sure how it happened, but I had an after-market head unit in there for 6 months, and all of a sudden it stopped working; the electronics are all messed up and I can't figure out why. My guess is that something happened at the mechanic, but I got it back from them last week.

So if anyone has the wiring from the CD player that they don't need, I will buy it off of you, e-mail me bugattimillion@yahoo.com.

Also, I need new speaker covers for the front speakers; as you probably know that they are plastic and horribly designed, so they cracked and have holes in them.

Another problem is that the door panels have come loose, and rattle when the music is on.

General Comments:

In the 122K miles I have yet to replace the timing belt, and it is still going strong, so I have about 30K miles left on it with the shape it is in, according to two mechanics.

It is fast and handles great.. if you know how to drive it, it just upsets me that they only put in a 2.5L V6 (which is a very small engine for this car considering how heavy it is), and it is the same V6 that is in the Cirrus, which is about 800 pounds lighter.

Most Consumer-Reports reviews and others say that the initial acceleration from 0-30 is good, but it lags from 30-60; I have not had that problem at all.

It is a beast and is not susceptible to damage. I hydroplaned into a hill doing 65, and the only damage to the car was a little rough to the front bumper underneath, and the bottom spoiler came off.. nothing had to be worked on or anything, it was perfectly fine.

VERY ROOMY! I can comfortably fit 4 full-grown men in there. The leather is so comfortable that I just like to sit in it sometime. I also have the Infinity system in there provided by Chrysler, and it really thumps, it's great!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th July, 2007