Used 2001 Chrysler Sebring Consumer Reviews
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Stay away from 2.7L V6 engine!
I bought this car new and always liked the styling, the features, and the ride. I had very few problems with this care until it hit 60,000 miles. I started having problems with the engine and discovered: Oil Sludge! I learned through Internet research the 2.7 L V6 engine in this car was known for developing oil sludge, coolant leaks, catastrophic failure due to poor design. At 67,000 miles, I've replaced water pump, water inlet housing, and still have coolant leaking into the engine. I'm guessing it's the gaskets.
Looks like an expensive foreign car when polished
Just maintain it properly oil change a must and as long as you didn't get a lemon from the start enjoy a few hundred thousand miles out of it I have 2 of them one has 120000 miles on it starts up like new check motor oil some burn a little oil and you always want it full
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- LX SedanMSRP: $5,495155 mi away
- LX CoupeMSRP: $5,295476 mi away
- LX ConvertibleMSRP: $6,900662 mi away
Better than what you might think
For years I was reluctant to purchase a Sebring Covertible because of the reliability issues I had heard about. However having recently sold a wonderful Saab 9-3 Convertible I decided to give a used Sebring Convertible a try. Although the build quality might not be quite up to Saab standards, it is very acceptable for this price point in the market. The LXi sold for approx. $28,000 new as opposed to nearly $43,000 for the Saab. What it may lack in build quality it makes up for with better structural rigidity, a smooth ride and smooth V6. (Just be sure to maintain the engine religiously) The most pleasant surprise is the exceptional gas mileage, and the roominess also desrves mention.
Worst Car Imagineable
Bought my '01 Sebring with 75k mikes on it. After two months the heater and air conditioning stopped working, which was only the beginning of my problems. Once it hit 85k miles, it was needing $300 plus repairs every month - everything from leaking water pumps, to broken axle and ball joint to leaking fuel rails. Don't, don't, don't buy this car!
So many bad things.....
Okay, so we bought the car back in 2005 when it had just over 100,000 miles on it. I just inherited the car, but I wish I had inherited something else. It now has 166,000 miles on it. Positives: pretty fast car for a V6, nice sound system, great handling Problems with the car: the interior driver door panel has come loose, guzzles oil, ac went out and is not repairable, passenger and back seat power window switches do not work, power locking and unlocking system does not work, starter just went out, interior overhead light does not work, had to get three new power window motors installed, and because of old age, the clear coat is peeling off the top of the trunk and the roof (normal).
Transmission
Transmissions are known to go after 80,000 miles. Of course they don't volunteer this information until it goes out. Unfortunately the extended warranty that was supposedly good until 2009 or 80,000 miles which ever came first wasn't good for anything. I was faced with a 3000 to 5000 dollar repair or leave the car sitting while I continue to make payments. Don't ever buy a pre-owned or used Chrysler SeBring. I am VERY Disapointed!
Wow, What A Surpise
A couple of weeks ago I brought a '01 Sebring LX. I was on a tight budget but I still wanted a "cool" car. I never knew a Chrysler would fit the bill! Although I have an LX, it has the V-6 engine. This is my first automatic car but it's so peppy I almost don't miss shifting. Passing and acceleration are no problem. It's comfortable on long road trips. It looks amazing for a 7 year old car. I was considering the Mitsubishi Eclipse from around the same years and this car was thousands cheaper than the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (but with the same engine). The exterior looks very classy too.
Used car should have kept
We bought this for our son in the military. We liked the looks and it was reasonable had 95k miles. We took it in to AAA garage and they only put in a new timing belt and changed the radiator fluid for a cold climate. I drove it from Phoenix to east coast and ran great. It was also more comfortable than making the same drive in a town car or suburban. The mechanics said should be good for another 1999999 miles, We liked looks so much we are now looking at other sebrings for us. Have owned chrysler lebaron Triumph (biggest disaster) chevy hondas. This ranks in the best.
I hate this car
My first problem was that the dashboard would not illuminate at night. After that an anti-lock brake sensor went out followed by a broken brake pad. After that the door would lock itself when I tried to open it from the outside. That took 8-9 trips to the dealer to be repaired. I have had the cd player replaced and the drivers side speaker replaced two times. I have had to have my drivers side window replaced because it would no longer function. My latest pproblem is a transmission fluid leak and my car only has 20000 mile on it!
fun to drive
This car is fun to drive...especially when the weather is nice and the top is down. You'll also get plenty of compliments. Fuel economy is quite good (I avg. 27.1 mpg), the seating is ample for four adults and the ride is quite good but could be smoother on the bumpier roads. Only complaint here is that in the one year I have owned the car, I have had to return to the dealer on three occasions to repair 6 minor items. The quality control needs improvement.
Worst Car I Ever Owned
Bought car in 2004 with less than 12,000 miles - had problems ever since - I drive less than 50 miles per month. Power windows broken and replaced; fumes inside car when starting; ac/heater only works on high; alternator being replaced now; waiting for entire engine to go - I love the look of this car but it is not worth all the repair bills. Now engine making "funny noise" - I hope it isn't expensive to fix - on disability and can't afford it anymore. Chrysler should be ashamed especially since they took tax payer money for bailout. Bet they have no car problems, will never ever have another Chrysler product.
2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
I purchased a 2001 Sebring Convertible Limited with 65,000 on an eBay auction in July 2007. The seller claimed that the car ran fine and the only problem was the rear window defroster didn't work. I did encounter a "check engine" light that came on within a day of the purchase. Had it taken to a Chrysler dealer and the problem was the venting hoses from the fuel tank were bad. The tank was dropped and new hoses installed. I also asked the dealership to look it over for any other area of concern while it was up on the hoist. They said that the transmission fluid and coolant should be changed. All of these items were done! It is now 2019, and the car looks better today than the day I purchased it. Other than a new battery in 2011 and new Michellin tires in 2013, along with regular fluid changes, the car has had NO issues. I did get the rear defogger repaired, it was just the window connector that need to be re-attached. This auto had never been in the snow during winters before I purchased it and I continued that tradition. Now 18 years old and only driven in summers, this car drives like new and everything works perfectly! I know that there are many Sebrings that turned out to be "lemons", but I got a really nice one and I plan to keep it for years to come!
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- Value
Great Summer Car
Originally problem with leaky roof...corrected. Rear defogger contnues to be a problem. Great trunk space. Great convertible for family. Fun to drive. No problems in the snow.
great car overall
bought my 2001 used for 1,000 put a transmission in it. the coolant parts are made of plastic. ran hot had to replace everything that was plastic even radiator. everything under the hood is cramped. why not have a radiator that is simple instead of a water reservoir. makes no since. what was the engineer who designed the Sebring convertible thinking. mix hot water with plastic and in cramped space. but my car is still nice. im having to replace freeze plugs and hope to have it back on the road again.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Life Saver
I got my sebring for a birthday present and I loved the performance right off the bat. But the safeness of this car is astonishing. Yesterday, I was hit by a mack truck in the sebring. the car flipped three times, then slid 50 on the driver's side. eventually, the car rolled again and landed on all fours. After all of this, i got out of the car without a scratch. The door even opened with no problem. This is a really well built car, and i would reccomend it to anyone. It also has amazing power. Lots of torque to get you off the line. I had the 6 cylinder engine. Amazing Car!!!!!!!!
Very Disappointed
I've owned my car for a little over 2 1/2 years. Last summer Chrysler had to put a new engine in it. 3 months later the bushings had to be replaced. I'm lucky it was still under warranty. Now the car just won't start. I was stranded at the store, called AAA and had to leave it in the parking lot. Going to get rid of it asap. I have to get it running first. Bad thing is I still have another year to pay on it. I will not purchase another Chrysler.
Not bad but could be better
I bought this car from a used car dealership. It looks great and drives well. The suspension is sub-par. have had problems with the shocks/struts, ball joints. However, the engine runs terrific and gets great gas mileage.
Do NOT buy this car
I have had nothing but trouble with this car. Since I bought this car I have had to replace the wheel bearings on the drivers side, The HVAC unit went out, the key was stuck in the ignition and could not be removed until removed by a mechanic, Motor for the Air conditioning went, Not to mention the awful oil leak that it has and has been fixed twice. The car is now in the shop for something else to be repaired. I was warned about this engine that was put into this car and I did not listen. Keep in mind that all of this stuff that needed to be replaced was only in a three year period. This car has made up my mind about Chrysler cars. Never will I buy another one.
small problems ad up
The rear window defroster detaches when lowering the convertible top. Warrenty work by authorized Chrysler dealers is poor. Replacing the rear window everytime the defroster detaches has gotten old - fast. The roof also rattles.
Surprise Surprise
The circumstances I got my Sebring in is another story, but it wasn't my initial choice. I was skeptical of Chryslers having owned a Neon that was a turd. But it turns out it's just a Mitsubishi Eclipse in a Sebring body! It has been a great car. I do regular maintenance myself, and have used premium fuel and synthetic oil since the first change. It runs as strong with 7 yrs and 83,000 miles as it did with 10 days and 100.
I'll keep it
Wife bought the car on impulse: now an all-time fave. This car runs smooth as silk w/ 48,000 mi on it. Its quick and very agile. Had to change out ball joints and other front-end stuff at great expense, but after driving new Saab, Audi and MB convertibles, decided the differences weren't worth $40,000! I'll keep it!
Still love it
I have had my car for 2 years and 5 months and I still love it. Overall I have been very satisfied with my car. I had to have the stereo replaced when the car was a year old, but the dealer was fast and courteous about replacing it. The only things I have a problem with is the cupholder location, (I accidentally turn the cd player on when I use the cupholder!) And the front seats are hard to move for people getting in and out of the back seat. Other than that I still love it 2 years later!
Great mix of fun / practicality
This is the best car I've ever owned. I bought it new with 2 miles on it in March of 2001 and have never had any major mechanical problems with it. Very comfortable and stylish, plus great for a family car. 200 hp performs very well in a heavy convertible, plus >30 highway mileage. City mileage suffers some, but still >20 even on the bad days. I bought this car because the 2001 was the first year to offer the 2.7l V6 and better styling than the previous Sebrings.
Wish I had passed on buying
This is the worst car I have ever owned,The car is fun to drive and the looks are sharp.The major gripe I have is the fact it has been in the shop 9 different times. Minor being the peeling of the steering wheel center cover to major the AC not working anything else in between also. Two many noises have popped up suddenly.This is my wifes daily driver and the two reasons I still have it is she loves the conv. that is why I bought it for her and second is the trade in and resale is awful. I think I got a LEMON.
Good for a non-sport enthusiast
Overall, it's been a good ride. I had 2000 JXI which I was actually MORE happy with than this one. However, it was wrecked. I've had very rough idle engine problems since 12k miles. Dealer claims to have finally fixed it on the 3rd visit. But, still runs rough from time to time. Very impressive mileage for a v-6 in such a big car. I get 30-31 on highway with non-ethanol gas with speeds less than 73. After 73, mileage really deteriorates. (Just imagine if I didn't have that rough idle?) I would NOT buy another. However, would buy a used 1999 or 2000 JXI if the price was right.
Makes a better paper weight
Before I had my first 500 miles on the car, I had to bring it back to the dealer for a whining engine sound, which was the first of many visits. I am frustrated with the poor quality construction. I know have 45K on the car and I need a new transmission. This will be my last chrysler ever. The car looks great, as long as it's not moving.
Great car
I have had this car for 6 years now. Absolutely love it. Can't fault it. No major costs incurred and good mileage considering its over 6 years old now. I live in Erie PA where we get LOTS of snow. Car handles the slippery roads well. I hope to have it for many more years! Possibly forever - I would hate to part with it.
Great Car
This is my second Chyrsler convertible. I can describe the car in two words. Comfortable & sophiscated. If the reliability is there (will be proved out by time)...I can see why Chrysler builds so many of them. I purchased it with 23, 000 miles on the oddometer.
10 Month Review
Only one problem: extremely high wind noise with the top up. A low roaring wind noise comes through the top front and a whistling noise from around the windows. Sounds like you're at the airport watching jets take off! Loud wind noise is due to poor seal with the top front clips and the rubber seals around the windows not sealing tightly. Dealership adjusted windows and the top front clips which greatly reduced the noise but it came came back after a few days of driving. It's actually quieter driving with the top down! Before you buy take it down the freeway with the top and windows up to make sure yours doesn't also sound like you're in a wind tunnel.
what fun it is to drive!!
It is sporty, lots of room for back seat passengers - fun to drive. One drawback - we had to have the seals replaced around the windows as they leaked after it rained. Dealer was very cooperative!!
Don't Buy One!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To be honest, I enjoyed driving this car...whenever it wasn't in the shop! It's charms are purely exterior. Under that steel hood lies its glass jaw - The Engine. Mine is toast after 50,000 miles. (Coincidentally it was just paid off 2 weeks ago) This was a maintained vehicle that averaged 10,000 mi/yr, mostly highway & light usage. BTW I've already had this thing in the shop on numerous occasions to the tune of over $3000 in repairs which they obviously never got right. Don't let the slick packaging fool you, as you can see by the other comments- Sebring=Bad car buy! Also- Larry Roesch Chrysler is just about as customer friendly as snakes on a plane, but your money is better spent at the theater!
Not Happy with 2nd new Car
On 01/02 I purchased a brand new Sebring convertible. Has probelms with the heat, not to mention other thins, from the moment I drove it off of the lot. I then arbitrated it under the lemon law and won. I then got aanother convertible built just for me in the factory. I had less than 5,000 miles on and I was driving on the highway when I blew a head gasket. They had to replace the engine. Now I am stuck with a car I don't even want to get in to every day.
Enjoyable Ride
Fun ride with decent gas milage. I've driven other LXi rental convertables and have seen a difference on performance. Some, like mine, have a lag when stepping on the gas and accelerating (which is critical for the split second pass). Once it does kick in, there is a jerk and quick acceleration. Sound system is great, seating room is great, trunk space is good (better than most convertables), love the car design and that you can be moving and still open/close the top. I have had the car for two years. I have had the window motor, the electrical light panel controler, and wheel bearings replaced at 36,000 miles.
Loved it but it was a lemon
My first convertible, and a great one at that. Power top was perfect and never had problems with it working. Replaced top seal when I purchased it ($800), replaced rotors (on all my Chryslers) every 20k miles. Brakes were not strong. Engine began to smoke at about 45k, and mechanics said it was a goner. NOT a good investment. Engine is a bad one (2.7L V6). Loved the car and top down driving and very comfortable, with all the nice options. Peppy to drive and smooth on hwy. Can't recommend because of engines and overall long-term quality issues.
Still Love MIne!
I bought my Chrysler Conv used w 10k miles an I now have 62K. I use it every day! Yes I have had some minor issues and most under warranty but she purrs like a kitten. I drive every day to and from work and on trips get 31 mpg. In town 21 or 22. Used the dealer under warranty and now have honest mechanic. Replaced brakes twice because i am hard on brakes, seal went on transmission, no biggie. Drives Great, Looks great, Inside looks brand new. Have to do regular maintenance.
Drip drip Drip
The car looks good, is fun to drive, and has a good heart (engine). However, it squeaks and creaks and loves to drip oil everywhere. Frankly, a car built in 2001 shouldn't have such poor suspension and oil retention. Overall, I cannot recommend this car because part of the driving experience is not hearing squeaks and creaks when traveling over the slightest of bumps and not continually staining your garage floor with engine oil. In the future I will be more leery of Chrysler's products. Do your research before you buy.
Very fine, smooth, eye-catcher
One of the finest, most subtle, smooth, solid, quality rides I've ever had the pleasure of owning & driving (& I've had alot!). Excellent power (3.0 L, 24v, Mitsu engine with 5-spd), handling, & stopping ability. All without alot of hot rod/dog noise & flash; just a fine tune from the (unfortunately single) exhaust & from the engine. Yet due to power2weight, I get 23-27 mpg driving in the fast lane. (K&N filter, Z-Max, airflow director, Vavoline Durablend, & +1 Toyo Z-rated's help) Have run it at both Laguna Sega & Infinion raceways with grand style, good times much fun! Then for the evenings; the babes luv the leather, truly distinctive sytle, & Indigo color!
Car did not make me a Chrysler fan
Bought this car after my then 7 year old Camaro Z28 cost me $1000 in repairs over 2 months. The car had been leased andhad 28,000 miles on it. Had issues from the start, the same thing would break over and over (blower for the fan for heat/AC, rear defrost, airbag light). I can't go 5 months without taking it to the shop (form day 1). Got a new transmission as well. Now it has 175,000 on it, and it still starts up right away, but the airbag light is on again. Car left me stranded twice cause it blew fuses because of crazy wiring. Roof leaks only on the driver's side in 2 places. Fun to drive. Motors for the top are still fine. But not a quality, reliable car.
Beware
Watch out for this car! I have had so many repairs from the tie rods and ball joints, to coolant problems, to most recently a flawed computer system which killed the entire engine
- Performance
Had for 4.5 years and still going strong
I have had this car since spring of 2002 and I still love driving it. I changed the brake pads and fluids at 50,000 and have changed the tires twice in 60,000 miles, and that's been the only maintenance necessary (other than oil changes). It still runs smoothly, and still has plenty of power. This car is the perfect balance between performance and practicality. I have moved apartments twice, transporting my stuff in this car. The back seat is spacious, and the sound system is GREAT. I didn't expect to still love the car this much after 4 and a half years, and I still get compliments on it.
Best Value Convertible ?
I've had my car for over a year and in addition to providing me with great summer entertainment, it performed formidably throughout a full Canadian winter. The car is beautiful, fairly economical, and the acceleration is smooth and quick. The single largest problem that this car has is body shake. It becomes especially noticeable when the top gets thoroughly wet. If the 2007 Hard Top will address these issues, I might re-think buying the convertible Solara.
You'll love it and so do the twins!
Where can you get a convertible that can ride 4 people and have so much fun and a great look? Only with the Seabring Limited. I love the car as much today as the day i bought it. I have the blue with the white leather interior and it catches peoples attention wherever we are. It's a great car for me to unwind from work to home and now that my twins are older they love to take a cruise in it too.
Why I rated this car so poorly
I have had problems w/ my sebring from the beginning, and now it is 2005 and I am still paying for it and the same problems presist. Here is my laundry list ofd issuses: #1 Rear view defroster-It is in the shop as we speak being fixed-might I add this is the 10th time that it is being repaired. #2 Rear ball joints- The left rear failed on me while my mother was driving my car on a major highway. #3 Wheel bearings were replaced #4 tire rods #5 door straps both left and right side repaired 2 times on each door #6 air bag light fixed 3 times, turns out that my seat belt reciever on the passenger side sets it off. #7 factory installed radio system overheats and malfunctions has been replace
Buyer Beware
The car is extremely noisy with the top up. The seals have been replaced numerous times with no success. Rough ride,trunk leaks, has rattles galore, makes sporadic fog-like sounds, has terrible blind spots, paint defects - many recurring problems. I would not recommend this car or any Chrysler, for that fact, to anyone wanting to buy a convertible. The constant problems have taken all enjoyment of owning a convertible - what a waste of good money.
2001 Sebring Limited
Chryster really needs to work on the Sebring. I have had problems with my car such as transmission, fuel injectors, electronic door locks that I feel should not happen with a car less than 3 years old.
Reliable and Fun
This is the first car since my 1964 XKE that I actually LIKE to drive. The car handles well, even though front wheel driven. ABM, AC and 150W stereo all add to the experience. Styling is excellent-dark blue exterior with Tan/Blue accent interior is unbelievable! Convertible top is good double twill weave with an interior roof. Constantly receive complements on the way the car looks.
Good Look but poor suspension
I purchased my convertible new and enjoy driving it with the top down but it needs better suspension for bumpy roads. The engine is quiet but having a convertible makes it noisy. I have had some leaking from the top and rear defroster not working. I have 35000 miles and it has been reliable. But I am disappointed of the poor resale value of these vehicles. Chysler has a good visual look but in- town ride is rough.
Reliable, Value dropped like a BRICK
Bought new in 2001. Very reliable, only had the fan switch break, dealer upgraded software in engine and transmission = smoother shifts. Car can cruise all day at 100mph. Quite comfy, quite quiet top up or down. Dropped $13k in value after 2 years. Plus the windows started getting rattly, and the top creaky. Quick acceleration off the line, but took its sweet time accelerating from say 60 to 80mph. Bad cowl shake. Top got nasty, started get a hole worn in it from rubbing against the mechanism. Could feel the car age and get creaky with time. Was like a thousand little knives stabbing at me.
Wish they still made this one...
I bought new. At 60k I wrecked the front end; needed radiator; heating/cooling replaced and body work. I kept driving and now have 170,000 miles on my car. The only reason I'm trading in is all the replacement parts are starting to go bad and I can't live without air conditioning in the summer. I wish they still made this car because I'd buy another in a heart beat. There is nothing like slouching down in the seat and punching the gas. Lots of fun.
Do not buy this car!
Well maintained 2001 LXi, only 57K miles in 6 years. Since the 2-year mark, have had to replace the following: wheel bearings, radio, A/C blower, sway bar links, tie rods, upper control arm, transmission control module, fuel system serviced several times, transmission leak fixed twice, now needs O-rings & fuel rail, which is unacceptable on a car with such few miles on it. I'm starting to believe what I hear about the Chrysler 2.7l V6. Getting rid of this piece of trash as soon as I can.