1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Money pit

Faults:

Purchased it in January 2011, running very rough. Gave it a full tune up.

Then found a bad ball joint. Replaced 4-11.

Then came the fuel pump. 8-11. Replaced it, and all was well until 12-11.

12-11. Drove it home from work (running fine). Next morning started it and it ran for approx... 20 seconds and died. Upon inspection, found no spark to the plugs. All other systems are fine. I have been told a plethora of things that could be wrong with it (distributor, crank sensor, relay for security system (which I cannot locate)).

I cannot afford to spend a bunch of money and not have it be the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

General Comments:

When the car is running, I love it. It has great power and handles like it's on rails. It is an awesome car when I can keep it on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th March, 2012

15th Mar 2012, 13:52

Keep in mind that your car is 14 years old and is getting up there in miles, so you've got to expect that there will be issues popping up now & again.

I was reluctant to buy a Sebring for years because I heard (and read) some of the horror stories, but then I realized that all cars are bound to have issues, and decided to give one a try.

I'm glad I did. As I am enjoying my Sebring Convertible very much. Yes, I worry about issues arising, however, thankfully thus far, nothing out of the norm, and it is very enjoyable to drive.

If you enjoy the way the vehicle rides and drives, and I'm sure you enjoy driving a convertible, don't rule out buying a newer one down the road, as they really are not bad cars at all.

I'm astounded by the fuel economy, especially given the size and power of the vehicle. It's at least on par (actually a bit better) with what my Saab 9-3 Convertible got.

15th Mar 2012, 14:56

I think I would read the codes stored in the ECU.

It could be a crankshaft or camshaft position sensor.

I had a similar problem on my Plymouth.

Also, the coil pack could be bad.

It would be good to get a code scanner, and then search the Internet for code meanings.

Hope this helps. That 2.5 liter V6 is a Mitsubishi engine, and it's usually very reliable.

Good luck, Sparky.

1998 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi Limited 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Timeless automobile that doesn't lose its style, but could be better built

Faults:

I have a few annoying things wrong with the car now.

The two front seats are a mess, as the leather is destroyed.

I have some rust on the two front quarter panels, but it is not noticeable yet, so I'm not stressing that. There is surface rust by the gas tank, which I guess is common.

My top needs to be replaced, but it has been used!!

When I'm driving at about 30 mph, the front end makes a humming noise, which almost sounds like a whistle. I think it may be the rotors, but it isn't persistent yet.

The car does leak oil some, but it has lower miles for the year, so I'm OK with that, but it leaks on the exhaust and slightly smells not the greatest. I don't know if I can stop this.

My fog lights don't work, but since it's not the light bulbs, I'm not pursuing it further. The most annoying is when I fill up at the gas station, the filler neck I'm guessing you call it, gets like clogged, and I have to stop pumping gas to let it settle, and then I can keep going for a little while, and it does the same thing. If I don't let go, it will eventually run out everywhere.

Lastly, every two or three weeks I have to put brake fluid in it. It's like it slowly leaks out. Again, I'm not too worried about this yet.

General Comments:

I love the look of this car. It looks like an animal in the front getting ready to pounce. It keeps its style, and can still turn heads after 13 years.

I love the engine, as I am very confident in it, being that it comes from Mitsubishi.

The white instrument cluster is elegant, as is the design of the two-tone seats and doors.

I love my 6-disc changer in the trunk.

It is nice to have keyless entry on an older car like this. I like the lights that stay on after you exit the car at night.

The chrome rims are stunning when shined up.

The sound system and its bass are very impressive for being an original radio system. The clarity of the speakers is awesome.

I love how user-friendly the top is.

I wish I could go back in time and buy this car new, or find one today that is a close to new condition as possible. I'm 16 and was given a Oldsmobile, which I did appreciate, but I wanted something a little sleeker looking, and what kid wouldn't want a convertible, right?! Well I wish I could afford a nice one, but I'm debating on selling it and getting something not as fancy, but newer in better condition, or fixing it up slowly! Any suggestions for me or solutions to the problems I have that aren't an arm and a leg in cost? Thanks for reading and leaving any comments.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2011

16th Nov 2011, 06:38

It sounds to me like you have some issues you shouldn't let go - I would recommend having them fixed immediately - the leaking brake fluid is just one example.