2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible LXi 2.7 V6 from North America

Summary:

I like the Sebring Convertible a lot!

Faults:

Really has held up well for its age & miles.

Needed starter, HVAC control unit, and blower motor resistor at 95,000 miles.

Tab came off rear window defogger.

Door stops are known to crack/break on this model.

Much of the work is easily done by the home mechanic, however some is best left for an experienced tech.

In any event, relatively inexpensive parts & labor compared to other makes and models.

Just be sure to keep the 2.7 liter V6 serviced regularly.

General Comments:

Beautifully styled car, well laid out interior, with quiet and comfortable ride, and also exceptional handling.

Plenty of power with the much maligned 2.7 V6 (change the oil regularly) and exceptional miles per gallon (over 30 mpg highway).

Infinity stereo system is fantastic - AM/FM cassette with a 4 disc changer - sounds great.

Roomy trunk and rear seat made for adults are pluses as well.

This is the first car in a long time that I actually look forward to driving - It is roomy, comfortable, and exceptionally fun to drive, especially with the top down.

Again, the styling of this car is exquisite - gorgeous inside and out.

Chrysler may be often criticized (and some of it may be deserved with their putting the battery in the wheel well, and burying the thermostat etc.) However for the money, the Sebring is an exceptional value. As much as I enjoyed my Saab 9-3 Convertible, I must admit that I actually prefer driving the Sebring. The Sebring is roomier, has a better and quieter ride, and a very attractive interior. Yes, it is a less expensive car with a few flaws - the tabs coming off the rear window defogger is pretty common, as is the door stops cracking - but these are minor, and not all that expensive to repair.

Overall, one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have owned, even though it is 10 years old and has over 95,000 miles on it. I would buy another in a heartbeat, but I hope this one serves us well for many years to come.

I should add having a good dealer that you can rely on for service means a lot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2011

10th Nov 2011, 13:09

I find it interesting that in my review I mentioned the name of a dealership (where I did not buy the vehicle) but where I have found it to provide exceptional service. Yet this was edited out of the review.

I have NO financial interest in this dealership, nor have I ever been employed there or have any relatives employed there. It is just refreshing to find a dealership with exceptional parts & service depts. But apparently giving credit where credit is due isn't allowed on this site.

This is most confusing as I have read many reviews where the reviewer has criticized a dealership or slammed a manufacturer, yet this is been allowed. Wow!

I've been a fan of this site for years and years, but find this policy a bit odd. Just saying...

2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible LXI 2.7 from North America

Summary:

Why does the starter fuse keep blowing?

Faults:

Starter fuse keeps blowing.

Blower fan resistor needed to be replaced.

HVAC control unit needed to be replaced.

General Comments:

Car runs and drives great when it starts, but it only started for the 1st day of ownership, as the 20amp starter fuse keeps blowing in the fuse box under the hood.

Started and ran great the first day - started up the next morning - but since then just keeps blowing the 20 amp starter fuse. Had it flat-bedded to dealer whose mechanic got it to start 20 times without blowing a fuse - of course when I went to pick it up, it started blowing the same fuse again. (53 miles away from home in the rain) In any event, right now it is parked at the dealership 53 miles away.

Checking online, this seems to be a common issue - anyone know a cure? Is it the starter/solenoid. a short? or something else?

This is a wonderful car - great styling, smooth ride, handles well, no excessive cowl shake as my Saab 9-3 exhibited. The Infinity stereo system is wonderful and absolutely no evidence of any water leaks anywhere. I didn't think it possible, but I actually prefer the Sebring over the Saab because it fits my needs better (well it would if it would only start instead of blowing the starter fuse).

I would much prefer to diagnose and repair the electrical issue than to return the car to the selling dealer for a refund - so again, if there is anyone who has experienced this issue and successfully repaired it is reading this - I would appreciate any assistance/advice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th September, 2011

18th Sep 2011, 22:10

My guess... this sounds like an intermittent short. There is a wire somewhere in the starter circuit, the insulation of which has worn through, & is rubbing against some metal someplace.

19th Sep 2011, 14:43

I agree with comment. I would take it to an auto electric shop, not the dealer.

19th Sep 2011, 18:40

Thanks - I'm just hoping this can be diagnosed easily and doesn't end up being a nightmare repair. The car is in great shape otherwise, and we just want to get it fixed.