Used 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Consumer Reviews
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Original Owner
LegalEagle, 06/04/2004
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I am the original owner and took care of it since day 1. Problems with brakes needing replaced every three months or so after 36,000. Has over 105,000 and am now having problems ... distributor needs replaced, tune up cost $600, did not pass emissions testin, engine idles rough, had to replace electonic circuit board because tach and odometer stopped working ($600 repair). Stereo shorts out. Parts are expensive but the car is fun to drive. I will be selling within the next 6 months and do not plan to buy another. Too expensive to maintain.
expensive to fix
iloveramey, 02/14/2006
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Every single part on this car is ridiculously expensive to replace. It has all of the drawbacks of a foreign car but none of the perks. The parts are expensive and it is difficult to work on, but it has the same lifespan as your typical domestic car. The good things about it are the handling and the appearance, its a beautiful car. The gas mileage is okay, nothing impressive. The Sebring is fun to drive but upkeep is very costly I have owned mine for less than 3 months but I've already had to make over $600 in repairs and that does not include labor.
1996 Chrysler Sebring for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- JXi ConvertibleMSRP: $5,1782,332 mi away
I don't see the problems everyone has???
money1973, 12/11/2002
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my JXi w/ 74K miles on 11/01 and thought I would have the typical "Chrysler" problems. 13 months later has 89,300 and I couldn't be happier. It ALWAYS starts and never left me stranded. Temps can get to -15 in winter and the 2.5 V6 always starts instantly. The only repairs, new wheel bearings and tranny cooler lines. The valance on the bottom of the rear window has separated from the glass, but the it's only an appearance item so no water leaks. I do dread the $1300 100,000 mile tune up and timing belt change. I don't baby my cars and this JXi just keeps running. Could I have the only reliable Chrysler Sebring JXi ever built??!! LOL!
Fun but not worth the trouble
Bob D, 07/30/2009
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
After reading other reviews it has become apparent to me that my experience with the Sebring is somewhat typical. In general, lots of things need tweaking and repairs are costly and frequent. 125k miles - replaced/repaired - panel cluster - many radio components - brakes through and through - fan assembly - soon to replace the rubbers that seat the spark plug tubes (rough idle - arcing) gotta remove the engine cover... we all know what that can cost. Lots of rust spots on the way. When I buy a used car the next time I will consult Edmunds first. Sebring - not again, but the car still remains a head turner. Too much invested to sell but worried what will go next.
Affordable Fun
Ray, 10/17/2008
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We bought it last fall with 52K miles. Computer slippery with strong Chrysler retro styling. Roomy, great road trip for two. We read the club's web site cover to cover. We anticipated all the ankle-biter stuff (the "leaks" from clogged drains, instrument cluster solder joints, suspension fixes, etc.). By learning the root cause of these problems we saved hundreds. Purchase price was low, so we invested in long term things (seals, an original blend Candy Apple Red paint job, some body work, some suspension work). Now we enjoy it. We have done a couple of 1K+ road trips. We have less than 60K on the car now and around 10K invested -- and no car payments. It's 12 yrs old, ready for another 12.
Bad car
teresa, 03/21/2008
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this brand new put over 115,000 miles on it in 6 yrs before the engine caught fire. Not to mention right after warranty expired the AC froze up and tore up the serpentine belt rendering us helpless on Interstate in Arkansas..the LED readout for mileage went out in year 2 and the convertible leaked horribly from year 4.
Love It!
joes, 02/24/2003
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought this JXI convertible with 25,000 mi on it. It now has over 100,000 mi and has had no major problems. Very reliable and as smooth and good looking as the day I bought it. Only real problem has been the tach going out.
A really underrated car
Stan, 09/03/2010
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought my used 1996 Sebring JX ragtop 2 and a half years ago. The engine had caught fire due to a problem that had been misdiagnosed by the previous owner so I got it cheap. I also made all the necessary repairs. Now I have a good looking (candy apple red) rag top that I can take on 1000 mile road trips and get 28 mpg. I replaced the top (yes ladies, all rag tops leak to some extent and at some point tops will wear out)It handles well and is a very practical car that is a rag top. The Mitsubishi 2.5 V-6 is a much better engine than the Chrysler engine used in later sebrings. It is a tough car to work on though. When my engine finally dies I will replace it with a 3000 GT engine.
My Sebring Experience...
Joshua, 07/21/2008
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this car for my 16th birthday, it was pretty cheap and looked ok, i took it to the shop for the mechanic to check it out and it was ok. Then I learned that it leaks, A LOT when there are hard rains. It soaks into the floor board and starts smelling god awful. Also this shorted out my passenger side speaker. I drives ok. But now I'm 18 and look for something that will not shake when I start it. I would seriously think before buying another convertible.
My Sebring is perfect
SebringIS1337, 10/15/2008
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have had this car for about 6 or 7 years now and the only things we have had get fixed are two flat tires (damn nails) and a new starter. Other than that is has had oil changes. I have one complaint and that is about the tiny front brakes, they are about the size of a coffee can lid, and this car weighs a ton to slow down. But you can take a turn going so fast and you won't loose traction and it is perfect int the snow, just plows right through the snow. Since it weighs so much you can burn out if you want really easy, just step on the gas a tad and you fly!
The PLAGUE
pjr, 06/06/2002
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
You'll become close friends with the service department(quarterly visits the norm). Everything has been repaired/replaced: Engine,trans, rotors,computer twice; A/C four times; window, ragtop,water pump twice. The word is out! This nicely styled car has zero resale value.The extended warranty is done and so am I. I would rather walk than own another Chrysler family product again.
I Miss My Convertible Already!!
crazykatiemae, 08/01/2009
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I loved my Sebring convertible! Most reliable little care I've had! Owned her for 2 years and just sold so I could buy something that is a tad more WI winter friendly! Loved dropping the top on my hour commute home from work after a long day! Made for several fun road trips over summer! Never had a problem with it other than the air condition and heat didn't always work when I wanted them too and I had to chase the boot down the highway a few times...
Driving a ragtop
sirjerryk, 08/16/2010
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had a pony convertible before and did not realize when I sold it I would miss having a small convertible. I found the '96 Chrysler Sebring to be both stylish and fun to drive. The car handle well on the freeway and hills slow it down. I realize that this car has some problems as the Tack and Odometer did not work as well as the gas gauge. I am looking at some $$$ ahead but I still think it worth it.
Great car... the first month.
Troy O., 07/24/2003
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Quick review. Bought it in June of 2000 with 22,000 miles. Drove off and was excited and enjoyed the wind through my hair. Then the problems started. The back passenger floorboard would flood after heavy rains which then shorted out the entire interior electronics. I have no radio, interior lights, keyless entry, etc. The dealer said it wasn't under warranty and would very costly to fix. the interior began to mold and I've gone through all my bathroom towels as well as my patience. I now have a company car and my Sebring slowly rots until I pay off enough to sell it. Worst purchase I've ever made. BEWARE!
7 Years -- Still running great!
silas, 08/06/2003
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Original owner -- no major problems - normal maintenance (tire wear, battery replacement. . .) Will buy another when ready!
LOVE THIS CAR!
S. Williams, 10/13/2003
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this silver car when it was a year old with 12,000 mi. on it; it now has 92,000 miles and runs really well. No problems! Regular maintainence, new tires and recently new frnt breaks is all I've put into it. I don't know why some are trouble-free and some aren't, but I feel lucky to have it. It's big enough for me to feel safe, and sleek enough to be stylin'! I get compliments on it all the time and people always think it's worth more than it is. I agree with the other review that '96 is the best looking of all the styles.
My Thoughs
Crystal Hannak, 12/13/2005
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the Sebring Conv. it's a great car and drives very nice. i will only drive this car for the rest of my life i love it. the only problem is it's a lot of money but totally worth it.
best car i have owned
soster, 02/16/2004
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i bought my sebring convertible 6 months new, with 20,000 miles on it. it has been the best car i have owned (including a toyota i once owned). i now have 111,000 miles on it and outside the normal wear and tear have not done anything major to it. i would recommend better speakers and stereo to be heard better when the top is down. i plan on giving this car to my son to drive and i will buy a newer model for myself.
Like it most
bjoates, 04/08/2006
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Although I purchased a 2004 Conv. Sebring this is the one I like the most. I still drive it and let my daugther drive the 2004. I feel comfortable driving it in Beverly Hills and parking with Jaquars, Mercedes, etc.. and still get compliments on it.
beautiful
lindsay marie, 10/05/2004
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i love these cars
Don't do it
Jim, 01/14/2005
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I rolled the dice and hoped I wouldn't have trouble, I was persistent at dealer during warranty and got water pump, power steering pump, alternator replaced. Electrical problems cost $800 after warranty. Never again.
OK Car
Jordon, 11/14/2005
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 140,000 miles on it at the end of 2004. Now it has 156,000 miles on it. It is hard to tell the mpg that it gets because the Odometer goes out for long periods of times (like 2 to 6 weeks at a time), though it does keep accurate mileage. My front passenger side wheels lug nuts came one day and the wheel came off when I pulled in my drive way. The Engine has begun to shake violently and consistently and I don't know why. The ride is OK, but could be better. The convertible top is tearing along the seams, and will be very costly to fix, approximately $1200.
I wish I had bought it sooner
Neil, 01/05/2007
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Corners well with speed sensitive steering, reasonable acceleration, fantastic brakes - I should have bought one when it was new. Plenty of room in the trunk for golf clubs, too. Try packing your clubs in a Mustang ragtop sometime -NOT!--maybe *miniature* golf. My sebring had a quirk *had* that is-- the tach and odometer were intermittent until I fixed a loose solder connection- an easy fix. Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable-- even in the back seat. A very sexy car.
Not too bad
rose, 01/06/2007
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love driving my car. It's great. The passenger door, below the handle rusted right through. A weird place to rust. Maybe that's why they're not suppose to be driven on the winter.
Red Rag Top
AL. ROMANO, 04/02/2007
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It has been a wonderful car to drive and has never let me down or stranded. The power top and power windows have never failed to open or close. The top has a year or two left and it needs a couple of new tires. It may also need a new muffler soon. The top is not ripped and there are no dents just some minor scratches on the bumpers. The leather interior has no rips.
...and keeps on going!
Ed J, 04/23/2003
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new...and it still looks new...after 230,000 miles!!!! Most fun is telling people the miles when they feel the need to say "Nice car". No major problems. I still have the original shocks, exhaust, front end. Only complaint is the front brakes. They wear out too fast, even with a lot of highway miles. I was so pleased with this car that I bought a 2001 last year. 18,000 miles on that one and no problems either. I can't imagine buying another car with a hardtop even though I don't get to drop it in the winters of New England.
Wonderful fun car
flygirl, 03/07/2008
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was a great find at $5.5K. As long as you keep an eye on & prevent/repair the usual Chrysler stuff (timing at 100k, belts, on time maintenance, regularly clean trans) you'll find it lasts forever. I have no garage, the car is 13 w/158k and is just starting to show rust speckles, but few. Front end has been a challenge, but overall this car hasn't cost much more than normal maintenance. Love the pep and sleekness of the car. I even tow packaged it and tow my canoe/trailer.
For your information
AM Duran, 03/10/2002
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used because I always wanted a convertible,and I could not afford a new one plus a coworker already owned one and he had no complaints about his car.This car I bought had 88K miles on it already.I like the way it drives kinda close to the ground, but its not too close,just right for me. Overall I am thinking about trading it in for a newer model because I have had such good luck with it so far.
My Classic
nord, 05/14/2016
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wanted this car new, but I was moving back in 96. Now in 2016 I've owned it for a year. Picked it up for around $2G it had 81G miles on it. After a year of my daughter using it as her first car and putting about 8G miles on it, It's been Great! Just put a nice Subaru red on it(my daughter hated the gold color, & I lost that battle lol) If you can find one in the condition mine was BUY IT!
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- Reliability
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Serious Convertible
Hudson Valley, 05/04/2008
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a Excellent affordable convertible. The 1996 JXI is really a Mitsubishi eclipse super-sized for the American market. To improve power I had larger fuel jets installed and modified the computer tuning, stiffer springs for handling and it is a blast to drive. Bought is used off lease w/ bumper to bumper platinum warranty and had the amp replaced twice the top, speedometer cable, instrument cluster and the entire front end and a bunch of other stuff replaced for "free". Amp just blew again, replacing from ebay $40, why is the amp placed on the floor of a convertible? Considering lowering suspension and rear disk brakes. Keeping it for my son who is only four years old. :)
Not the best convertible, great to drive
iisk8, 07/23/2009
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new, has needed brakes continually. Just found out entire undercarriage is rotting, and last year the drain holes plugged and the interior flooded blowing the amp and rear speakers. Have to say loved the car, but would not consider buying the updated model. I only get about 10 miles to the gallon on local driving which is all I do.
Former Sebring Owner
Dmockensturm, 06/26/2006
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car was in the shop every three months the entire time we owned it. It was a horrible purchase.
Death Trap
Maddie S, 02/18/2010
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
This car has swayed me against convertibles and Chryslers forever. I recieved this car 13 years after it was made, but that is no excuse for the quality at which it operates. I got hit in this car, flipped, and it almost killed me. One time I was riding with the top up, and the wind nearly ripped it off. The brakes were bad. And the rag top leaked, eventually leading to a nasty case of mold growing in the back. Horrible gas mileage as well, maybe 14 miles per gallon. This car was not only a hazard to my social life, but to my actual life as well.
DO NOT Buy This Car!!!
lallaw, 09/11/2009
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is garbage. Hard to say what DOES work. Poorly designed, poorly manufactured. No wonder Chrysler needed a bailout. These cars have all kinds of electrical problems. In 18 mos. I've been through 3 batteries; timing belt; distributor; replaced the top; serviced the AC (twice). And I'm told the previous owner took care of it! I hardly drive it and every time I do I am afraid of what will happen next. Now it just stalls in the middle of driving along. On a freeway going 60 mpg you lose all power. Battery works but you become a glider. You pray you make it to the side of the road before being killed. This is a COMMON problem that makes tech scratch their heads. Towed 4 times in 4 mos.
goodtime
dio mac, 04/02/2004
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its a greet car
pikerh in Homestead
pikerh, 04/27/2004
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent open air car...if you don't mind the 18-19 mpg range economy. Very dependable; only a few electrical problems. Cloth top very nice.
Great Car
uarisk, 06/09/2004
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome vehicle. Never had to fix a thing in 4 years outside of normal ear items.
Best car I've owned in 40 years
LoveUSA, 06/17/2007
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new (5000 miles) and have never had a moments trouble. It's still running strong after all these years, with only regular maintenance and fluid checks. Brakes had to be re-padded, that's all. I would definitely consider buying another Chrysler Sebring. It's still looks and runs as nice as when I first bought it. Have a few recall notices over the years, minor things like convertible top instructions and shift lock. Other than that, you can't go wrong with one of these cars.. and their so hot looking, quiet and smooth. Love it!
1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXi - 6 cylinder
David Hofer, 05/06/2017
1996 Chrysler Sebring JXi 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Considering the age and repairs and upgrades that have been done to this car...it's in good condition with approximately 73,000 miles. Driver's seat is worn and needs a seat cover and the right rear passenger side quarter panel has a dent in it that can be repaired for $10-$200. Features include; upgraded alloy wheels, newer tires, upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo, new transmission. The vehicle is FWD with a 6 cylinder engine.
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- Performance
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Great car
MARCI, 03/23/2005
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I use to drive a continential and bought this car. I love it. It has all the things in it that i had in the other except for less room. It's alot of fun to drive also.
BOYCOTT THE CHRYSLERS!!!!!
Tidepride824, 09/03/2002
1996 Chrysler Sebring JX 2dr Convertible
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had this car for 7 months and it had trouble only 3 months after I puchased it! I paid 22,900 and only got approx. 14,000 for it. I had a Chrysler LeBaron Converible before, it was a lemon, but I just thought it was a fluke. I got this to replace it and it has been just as bad. Suspension trouble, refusal to back up, headlights that worked intermittently, all dangerous things! Had I known better, I would have gone back to the cars I've driven trouble- free sooner--Honda's. I now have a CR-V and a new Accord, and have only been to the dealer to have them serviced. HONDA'S RULE!