1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI review from North America

Approx 60,000KM front passenger tie rod arm worn and loose, replaced under warranty by dealership prior to my purchase of car.

90,000KM fuse for starter blew, had to tow the car, 190$ to diagnose and fix the fuse (not covered under warranty, fuse is worth about 30cents)! The turd in service dept. laughed at me because of this. Later turned out to be a faulty solenoid for the starter which was fixed under warranty.

100,000KM convertible top falling apart, numerous fraying spots, trim rotting off, leaks horribly over driver side where the first joint of the top is. Trim has broken down. Trim around the windshield is buckling and warped. Paint on the interior door handles is chipping off. Theres a nasty mildew smell in the car. Headlights are badly oxidized and clouded, not very bright anymore and really expensive to replace (WHY THE HECK DID THEY MAKE THEM OUT OF PLASTIC!?!?!WHY IS PLASTIC SO EXPENSOVE!?!?!) Water is leaking into my rear driver side tail light. I replaced the bulbs and sealed it myself! Auto driver side window down only works when it feels like.

100,000KM rear defrost contact has come off therefore defrost no longer works and cannot be re-attached!?!

100,000KM the rotors were so badly warped, had to be replaced at tune of $300. This car totally eats front brakes because it's way too heavy for the brakes it's equipped with. Needs bigger rotors and brakes.

110,000KM front driver side tie rod arm worn and loose, had to be replaced. $200 approx.

120,000KM instrument panel cluster solder job failed (car is made in Mexico, by the way). Whole dash had to be torn open and the solder repaired. Fortunately a friend of mine at the time was into electronics as this would have cost a fortune!

140,000KM rear hub assembly worn and whining loudly, had to be replaced, approx. $300. The rear hub bearing assembly is all one piece to save money in manufacturing and bearings cannot be repacked. Very expensive part!

140,000KM contact button in driver side door smashed and alarm went off independently when I was out of earshot. Someone called the police when the alarm had been blaring for over 3 hours! Could have been very expensive with towing, fines, repairs etc. The twits at the dealership argued about the part and the problem and wanted me to bring the car in. Took great persuasive skills to get them to sell me the part and I put it in myself in about 5minutes. $15 part.

150,000KM the EGR valve (Electronic Gas Regulator?) failed and the 'check engine' light coming on and off. This part is minimum $250 and quite the job to put it in. The computer even had to come out to get at it. Thank goodness for handy boyfriends and family!

165,000KM I can hear the other rear hub going, a rhythmical whining sound coming from the rear end, very annoying and also apparently unsafe.

165,000KM every time I use the cigarette lighter, a fuse blows in the dash which disables the horn and therefore, the alarm.

168,000KM the stereo 6disk changer has failed and despite all attempts it says 'No Disk' and makes strange noises. Rear speakers blew at about 90K. E-brake is loose and needs re-setting.

168,000KM battery replaced as not holding charge.

I fell in love with my car the minute I sat in it. I have taken REALLY GOOD care of it over the six years that I have owned it. If I didn't love the car I would have shot and buried it a long time ago. Car handles nicely and is (currently) running well. Handles well at high speeds, causing me numerous speeding tickets lol. Comfy ride and not too heavy on the gas. Approx 55litre tank will go 600KM, even at 10 years of age. This car could have used more thought into it's quality and accoutrements. Decent options package.