1987 Chrysler LeBaron Turbo coupe review from North America

When I purchased the car I knew the air conditioning didn't work. Needed a compressor, some a/c hoses, a retrofit for the new coolant used now. Then they had to tear the dash apart to fix an air control door. The air would not come out the vents. Total cost to fix the a/c was 1375.00!!! I almost died.

The turbo didn't seem to work. I found the problem and fixed it myself. The waste gate was disconnected.

There were a few small fuel line hoses under the hood that had to be replaced.

I had to replace the radiator. Did it myself. Cost about 95.00.

One day I was driving down the road and the car started wabbling. Very disfuntional. Cost for two drive axles was 450.00.

Car now needs two front struts. Right front strut is rattling. Cost for that about 425.00. Don't have any extra money left. This will have to wait.

Rear defogger has 6 pads that don't work.

Well I only paid 350.00 for the car. At the time I was looking for a cheap car because gas prices were getting out of hand and my 88 lincoln town car was not cutting the mustard!!!

I don't fault the car for needing work. I knew when I bought it that work was needed. I have known people who have bought cars for 5 and 6 thousand dollars who have blown head gaskets and transmissions. No gaurantee unless you buy brand new!!!

I do like the car. Its very comfortable and I love the fact the onboard talking computer alerts you to dozens of malfunctions.

The turbo comes in quite handy in many circumstances. Even though this car is an automatic it still goes quite nicely. 146 horsepower makes this small two door car move quickly. But unfortunately turbos don't get the best mileage. I average about 18mpg in the city.

However id rather have this car with the 4 cylinder turbo than chryslers horrible 3.0 V-6 and deplorable 4 speed automatic.

So now I just need to replace the struts. Got ice cold air condtioning and I really like the way the car drives and handles.

This feels like a very tough little car, too.