1999 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi Convertible 2.5L from North America
Summary:
This is a great car, but find a mechanic who KNOWS these cars before you buy one
Faults:
I purchased a 1999 Chrysler Sebring JXi Convertible in 2007 with 63K miles on it. As of this writing, car has 94K miles.
Until recently, I have had only one major problem with the car. Last summer, the AC compressor went out and snapped a couple of belts along with it. Dealer wanted $1300 to fix that, Electric Labs wanted $1,000.00. Found a mobile guy on Craigslist who fixed it for $600.00 no problems since except the A/C needs to be recharged again.
The car was down for a month this summer because, after driving after an oil change, the car just died in the middle of the road. First attempt at repair was the crankshaft position sensor. That didn't fix the problem. Neither did the EGR valve or the timing belt. Finally had the car towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a distributor. New distributor from Autozone was $250.00 with a $55 core charge and the kid down the street put it in for me. Dealer wanted $1,300.00 to fix that too.
I'm now smelling fumes in the car and the engine light came on today, so, after being back on the road less than a week, it's got to get something else fixed again already! I need to register the car and I suspect it won't pass smog (required in California) if I don't get that repair taken care of.
General Comments:
Other than the above, I LOVE my Sebring. It's the perfect car for us because I have 3 kids, so it's big enough for them to ride in and pretty enough for mom! It takes a hit well - I got rear-ended in it and it sustained a two inch dent on the rear bumper and that's it. The guy who hit me was going about 45 and I was at a complete stop.
My stereo is great, the seats are comfortable and I love my car. I cried when I thought I'd have to get rid of it and I'd buy another in a heartbeat - you just have to be ahead of the game in maintenance, I think. My prior vehicle was a BMW (Bring My Wallet) and I felt much the same about that car, however the Sebring is MUCH more comfortable than the BMW was.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th August, 2009
6th Jun 2010, 00:47
I just bought a 1999 Sebring Convertible, and it only has 81000 miles on it, and it drives and performs excellent.
My family and I love this car. I just got rid of a Lincoln Navigator, and this car has by far on so many levels exceeded my expectations. It is a great choice; enjoy yourself if you are lucky enough to find one of these gems like I did.
13th Aug 2010, 21:27
Rear ended at 45mph and only a two inch dent? I wish I was that lucky, although I was lucky enough to walk away.
I too have a Sebring Convertible ('97), and I've have the same types of problems, but in-spite of it, I still love these cars.
I was hit by a full size Dodge truck while I was waiting to turn. The truck hit me going about 35mph, pushed me through the intersection and about 10 yards down the road, about 30 yards, total. The impact was hard enough to knock my baseball hat off and send items in the center counsel compartment under the radio into the back seat. I believe that the reinforced frame of the convertible, along with the generous trunk area and well for convertible top absorbed enough of the impact to allow me to walk away alive. I wouldn't want to try that with my Ford Contour!
29th Aug 2009, 04:50
I am 60 years old and have a 1999 Sebring JXI Convertible, purchased used in 2003. It now has over 125,000 miles on it.
I have had very few problems with it except the electronic automatic transmission control module went out soon after purchase. Still under warranty, it cost only the deductable to replace. No other problems with the tranny since.
Also had a problem with water building up in the quarter panels. Seems as if debris is getting inside this part of the car and plugs the drain slots located along the bottom of the panels. Easily located and fixed with a long narrow device (hacksaw blade) inserted through those slots.
The car runs well, and is a joy to drive! I like the styling (better than the later models) and still receive compliments on its looks.