1987 Chrysler LeBaron Turbo coupe from North America - Comments

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.

My La baron is my first car to own, and I love it. I ran one day into a fuel leak on the way home, but found out it was only two ten dollar houses and not the fuel pump.

I have recently purchased a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron coupe-convertible with the 4 cylinder turbo and a 3 speed automatic. The front wheel drive and strut suspension make for a most satisfying driving experience. I am often surprised by the looks I get while tooling down the Interstate on my way to work. At first I figured since the convertible top is rotten and needs to be replaced and the front grille is damaged, that I was collecting sympathy from my fellow commuters. What I'm talking about is more like what you get when you drive a Camaro. Do you feel me?

How did you find the problem with the waste gate? I have n 88 turbo 2.2 convertible and the turbo does not seem to work. where is the waste gate and how can I check it? any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks guys!

I too have a 2.2 turbo. With the 5 speed manual. It is quite a peppy ride. Good fuel economy as well.

It had 190000 kms when I got it five years ago, and is now at almost a quarter million.

I had to tighten all the fuel line clamps first thing, this eliminated all the fuel leaks and fumes.

The adjustable steering wheel lost its upper stabilizer. Replaced the whole steering column with a used one.

Windshield wiper motor had to be replaced because the shaft that runs the wiper mechanism got rounded off by wear.

Don't believe anyone who tries to tell you that this is not the same motor that Chrysler put in a lot of its other cars. Dealer quoted me a ridiculous price for a "Lebaron" motor. Got one for $20 from an Aries at a wrecker. Works like a charm.

CV joints had to be replaced at around 200000kms. Not unexpected.

This car has virtually no rust, though its outside in all weathers.

The interior is like new, good materials and well put together.

It has a few other little problems, but all in all a very decent car, and the Maseratti designed body seems to look more stylish with age.

"Maserati designed body"?

Uh, no.

Hey there to ALL fellow Lebaron TURBO ONLY owners. I had a problem with the turbo on my car, and for the last 4 years it had not been fixed. Here's what I found.

First off, my car is an 89 Turbo 2.5. I believe the 2.2 has the same engine layout.

There are two hoses that attached to the "F" connector (on the nipple nearest the driver's side) right on top of the wastegate. The wastegate is that round thingy right underneath the fuel injection area closest to the driver's side again. There is a hose that attaches right on top of the fuel injection area (there are a bunch of vacuum hoses there) that usually breaks when the car has reached 100K. Just go to your dealer and buy that hose for $20. Plug it in and go.

WARNING: Do not try and get an Autozone or Pepboys hose, because it will NOT WORK. I already tried this, and found that the original hose is tapered. Buy the dealer's hose!!!

This is only a remedy for the cars that get power really quickly, and then all of a sudden die. Hope this helps anyone who has trouble with this. I know I was finally glad to get my Turbo back.

The Lebaron to the best of my knowledge was not designed by Maserati. But, the TC was. A joint project between Maserati and Chrysler that used the same 2.2 Turbo engine as some Lebarons.

And probably the biggest reason the TC sold so poorly was it's resemblance to the much cheaper LeBaron, even with those silly porthole windows on the hardtop.