Used 2004 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Consumer Reviews
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First thing you need to understand is that yes, there has been issues with oil sludge in these engines in the past. However, I very seriously relate this directly to brand/type of oil more than bad design. If it was an engineering error, why then do soooo many of these surpass 200k+ miles. Have a competent mechanic check the engine before you buy the car. If no sludge, then you are good to go. Just use Shell Rotella 5w30 from that point on and you will not have issues. ( And I do not work for nor "endorse" Rotella, just stating the pure fact) Now, engine aside, the rest of this car is fair compared to others in it's price range. Touring model ride is a lot on the stiff side though. Have had MANY electrical issues. Engine computer died. Various electrical gremlins. Every moving joint in steering & suspension shot by 130k. And it never seen a gravel road. Rarely old chip & tar roads. 98% just pavement. Even the driveway is asphalt. The ride is rubbish. The steering is rubbish. The electrical system is rubbish. The whole car is GREAT, , , , , till about 100k. Then , , , , grab your wallet! Good thing is these are getting so old now this updated review is probably falling on deaf ears.
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Great Car!
I bought my '04 Sebring convertible limited brand new in August 2003 and it has been a truly fantastic car since. With just over 108k miles, the only significant repair required was a transmission solenoid pack (or something like that) that started leaking at around 45,000 miles but was covered by the powertrain warranty. I also replaced the original 2004 stereo so I could have bluetooth and all the modern audio ear candy. Bottom line, if you maintain this car, it will last you a long time and you will have a blast driving it.
- Touring ConvertibleMSRP: $4,995215 mi away
- GTC ConvertibleMSRP: $4,495339 mi away
- Limited ConvertibleMSRP: $4,990381 mi away
Disappointment
OUr 2004 Chrysler-Sebring convertible has ONLY 51,500 miles. Yet the front catalytic converter got so hot, that it burned a hole in the converter. That is extremely disappointing. Of course, the warranty for the converter was ONLY 8 years, so we are out $1,000 for a replacement. All the cars I have owned in teh last 50 years, have never had a catalytic converter fail. Shame on Chrysler!
great fun car
This was my first car and i bought it two years ago when I was 18. It had two previous users and about 40,000 miles. I wasnt so sure about buying it because I had read so many mixed reviews, but im so glad i did! so far its only had one major problem that needed and needed to be repaired but that was because of my fault and its been great besides that. The gas mileage isnt bad at all, the a.c/heat works so good compared to a lot of other cars and in the summer the convertible is so much fun. I've driven it on plenty of road trips with no problems. The best thing about this car though is the value. I definitely feel like it's a good steal!
Best Mistake I ever Made.
I had 5 grand to send on a used car at the age of 18, and went to the dealership and test drove this lovely convertible. Before doing any Vehicle History Reports I bought the car, it was a gut decision. It was a stupid risk to take but I am sure gald I took it. The car has power, don't let the low displacement number fool you, it can get up and go quickly The road noise is low with the top up, and the roof never leaks even in the worst rain Nothing has broken other than the rear ball joints, only 200 to replace It's even fun to drive for a mid size car, and comfortable for 4 adults You'll love cruising around in the summer evenings, and have you seen how good this car looks?? DAMN!
Better than most
I guess I am more fortunate than most of those posting here - I have not had much of a problem at all with my Sebring since I bought it new in 2004. It has been reliable, fun, and has given me great fuel economy - 28- 30mpg on the road about 25mpg around town, using no modifications except synthetic oil and lighter michelin performance tires. Occassionally I get a hard cold start on the engine that feels like a vaccum lock, but otherwise this baby has been rock solid. After 5 years of driving on virginia and DC roads, it still has remarkably few squeaks and rattles for a convertible. Road noise is not great, but, it IS a convertible, so just crank up the stereo and turn off the cell phone
2004 Bad Engines Known
It is known that this car has bad engines in that there is a problem with the oil valve system causing the engine to run out of oil without telling you there is a problem. therefore the engine blows up! (I'm not a professional but if you do the research you'll find what i did about this) BUT Chrysler Does Not Stand By Their Products....even tho this should be covered. Cost me $8,000.
oldie but goody
bought 2004 in 2016..............good fun car for Florida, parts getting hard to find now, go to independent service over any Chrysler dealer however. v6 are good engines, 4 cyl are verboten! never buy Chrysler 4 cyl in any vehicle.
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Beware of Oil sludge
I have 3 cars. Volvo 1996 170000 miles. Ford 120000 Chrysler 58000. Chrysler is dead they say it needs a new motor. I take care of my vehicles. Google Oil sludge 2.7L motor. Run from this model of motor.
great car
Living in upstate NY, everyone thought I was crazy for buying a convertible! ... HOW WRONG THEY WERE! This is the best car I've ever owned - a "practical" sized car, powerful V6, smooth handling, great look, fun to drive, reliable, power top ... plus quiet and well-insulated to keep the heat in (even during snowy January days) I love this car!
Great Beach Cruiser
Fantastic beach cruiser for retired baby boomers. Great looks! More agressive looks than previous model years. Inferno red with tan top turns heads. Surprising ride with a larger car feel. Ride is quiet and tight. Build quality thus far seems very good. Very little cowl shake. Fuel mileage is very good. If in the market for a convertable, don't pass this one by.
super fun car
i love this car !!! i have worked in the auto industry for twenty years and i find this car to be the most fun car to drive. i would recomend this car if you want to seat four people in the car and it is roomy enough for all four to be comfortable.
Complete Garbage
I bought a 2004 Sebring with 22k miles on it in 2005. I drive it to work and back and now the car has 100k miles on it. Did the 30/60/90 maintenance, regular coolant flushes, regular oil changes, new battery every 3 years, 3 new sets of tires,and here is what has crapped out over the years: 32k - aluminum oil pan stripped. 40k - brake replacement. 50k - washer hose break. 60k - engine oil seal leak. 70k - heater core leak. 75k - some misc electronic fuel regulator part. 80k - worn shocks and towers. 85k - leAking charcoal canister won't pass emissions, AC leak 90k - 2nd heater core leak, exhaust resonator cracked 95k - Rear power window seized up, Power top hydraulics leak. Water pump failure. Timing belt failure. 100k - thermostat failure, radiator overheating, AC compressor leak, belt tightener failure And now it is the shop again because the AC doesn't work after a new compressor. Also there is a minor oil leak. The 2.4 liter engine will run forever- the transmission seems ok, but this car has been a money pit for as little as I driven it. It's a good looking car, but plagued with the most annoying problems. And I have well sunk enough money into it to pay for the original purchase price well over. But I love the car! Such is the love and hate relationship I have with it.
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200,000 miles
great car but just hit 200,000 miles and have to replace the power steering belt. can't even get near it. oil leaking as well as coolant but neither quickly. no room in engine bay to work and cant drive it onto a ramp because the bumper is so low. i ended up jacking it up and putting the ramp under it but still can't get to the belts. i wish this American built car wasn't mostly plastic.
2004 Sebring Convertable
I have not had one problem at all with my Sebring since I bought it new in 2004. It has been reliable, fun, and has given me good fuel economy - 28- 30 mpg on the road about 25 mpg around town, using Copper performance tires. I had a leak in the area or the top back window. the dealer fixed it and I took it through the car wash all the time. I put on 148,000 miles on it in Los Angeles, then I moved it to Hawaii and put on a total of 182,000 miles when my son totaled it! The only thing I had to replace was the front left motor mount, which was caused going airborne for about 30 feet on a wavy road outside of Hilo. I just loved this car and am looking for buy another ASAP!
Dream Car for my son
We bought this car for my 16 year old son and he loves the car. It had style, a safe rating, and seemed very dependable. I've read the mixed reviews and was a little nervous, however; reviews can be deceiving. All his friends are now bugging their parents for a convertible and our son is very grateful. We would do it again - in a heartbeat - if another Chrysler Convertible was available.
Too many trips to the service department
I love this car. It is so much fun, but unfortunately I will be trading it in for either a Honda or Toyota. I have never had a vehicle that had to go into the shop so often and since I have 38K+ miles on it now the factory warranty has expired. I have an extended warrenty but not everything is covered under it and each time I take it in for repairs I pay a $100 deductible. OUCH!! I'm afraid it's just a matter of time before something goes wrong with it that is not covered under the extended warrenty. I am afraid to keep it.
This car is horrible
I bought this car with 20,000 miles on it. I have had nothing but problems with it since. Engine light comes on all the time. I have replaced almost everything on the car but the transmission, but it seems to be slipping and shutting off when you come to a stop. Whatever you do you need to run as far away from this car as you can.
Great car
Fun to drive with plenty of zip!
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Pretty good car.
My girlfriend just bought this car in Aug. and I've drove it often and it's a nice car. I took it to the coast and I had a great ride I would recommend this car to anyone who likes convertibles.
who needs a prestiege/ import car
price,fuel economy,handling,get up,comfort,braking all excellent , no problems at 35,ooo miles, 30mpg, belies its simple roots and surprizes me with the response it gets. I origenally thought it would be a comedown from my previous 320hp Z-28 convertable, but it exceeds in all categories except straight line acceleration and hard all out cornering( as one might expect) The front wheel drive torque steer takes a little getting use to, but to most drivers won,t be noticed or maybe even appreciated in everyday driving
The ragtop is back!
No need to keep looking at expensive European convertibles. The Sebring has all the features of the Saab 930 and Volvo C70 convertibles plus room for two adults in the rear seat at half the price. From the heated seats to the dual radio steering controls this car delivers interior genius. The exterior will turn heads at every corner. The redesigned front fascia is better looking than the Ford T-bird. The cloth top is extemely quiet and well built. I have had the top down with outside temps as low as 45F with the seat warmers and heat on it was great. Test drive this car tomorrow and you will buy it!
Needs Help
While I have not had engine trouble, there have been a host of other glitches. Everything from faulty gas gauge,power top motor failing to various parts on the body coming loose. I like this car but I think Chrysler needs to improve build quality.
ENGINE DIED FROM SLUDGE
Engine died w/approx 45,000 mi. Oil changed as recommended. Shocked that Chrysler put the 2.7 Liter engine in some of these 2004 Sebrings when there were hundreds of complaints about these engines.There's class action lawsuit re this 2.7 L engine which is apparently built in such a way that coolant gets into the engine,oil doesnt filter properly due to structural design and turns to sludge, and the engine holds less oil, thereby requiring more frequent oil changes.Chrysler and extended warranty co.'s refuse to cover cost, due to sludge even when customer produces oil change receipts.I still owe $9600 on the loan and new engine will cost half that.
Sebring 2004
I love my convertible. With 3 teenagers and alot of fun time it is a great vehicle. Good on gas- good power- sporty look
Never too old....
for a sporty convertible. My 2004 Sebring is my retirement baby to travel the countryside. I'm 63, always wanted one, finally have one and loving it. Sporty Granny.
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Owned 1.5 months went 922 miles
Purchased what appeared to be a clean car. Beautiful looks and interior great. Daughter first car. Engine failed 900 miles after purchase on the vehicle. When purchasing we checked consumer reports that gave a 4.5 on the rating and did not indicate engine problems. We find out when we googled possible engine trouble. Have read thousands of complaints about the 2.7 engine and safety issues, Chrysler lack of responsibility over defective engine. This is hidden from consumers and these units are still being sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Beware the 2.7 L V6
I have had this car about 6 months. No problems until a few weeks ago with the oil light coming on. Was told it was a bad oil pressure sensor. My extended warranty that supposedly covered everything didn't cover it. It was replaced, 10 minutes after leaving the dealer it came on again. Was told it may be a bad oil pump, though the Nissan dealer i bought it from took it to a Chrysler dealer and all they did was replace it again and do an oil flush and change the oil ,free of charge. Took it home, found the Fog Lights stopped working. What next? It's too bad the under the hood issues take away from a great looking car. Cruises nice and gets good mileage with the V6.
Sebring convertible
Fun car. I chose the Sebring convt because of its size. I traded in a 1999 sebring convt. for the 2004. There is a lot of improvements in the new model. The other convt are much too small. I cannot understand why this is the last year for the sebring. I don't understand GM decision for the Oldsmobile either. What do I know?
Fun - but reasonable
I've really enjoyed my Sebring Convertible - My second one now - Great performance, stylish, fun to drive - no problems with maintenance or reliability - A#1 in my book - especially for the value
luv my sebring
I love this car. the take off from lights is exceptional. the bucket seats are comfortable. the back seat is spacious, and give a comfortable ride.
Chrysler Seebring Convertible Limited
Good value. Good looks. Handles very good. All around great convertible.
damn good car
This is a very good vechile for both on the road and in town. Gas milage is acceptable and the top is an extremely easy up and down.
sebring lxi
bought this car as a used car.we just love this car it is so much fun to drive. we love the leather seats and the handling. we are very hppy with this car the looks and the performance
Cruising Couple
We are enjoying this convertible immensely. Bright red with a taupe top, we turn heads wherever we go. Everytime I get into this car, I just feel pure delight. We had a 1992 Mustang convertible that was also a head turner, but this car is luxurious, spacious and a joy to drive.
new car not the same as all the rest
I was looking for a car that didn't look like a box and all the Japanese cars I have been driving for the last 17 years. The cost was also a factor. The styling of the Sebring, the features, the performance and the gas mileage were all factors in my decision. So far I am not disappointed. I would recommend the touring model be considered. Some books call it LXI which is confusing. The car has no model marking, the VIN is LXI. Check it out.
No real complaints
Bought the little car with tongue in cheek, Have had no complaints to speak of, very comfortable to drive and ride, good performance, great MPG, Just not my idea of a sporty convertible. Drivers window rattles when rolled up and down, Radio intermittent. drips a little transmission fluid. Just quite a few little things for 54K miles. build quality poor but seems to be dependable.
Rating My Sebring
Bought after having a PT cruiser I forgot what comfort was until I bought the Sebring
Nice Automobile
This was a gift to my wife on her retirement. It is an "extra" car. Love it so far, except blind spots when backing with the top up. Probably not something you can get with most convertibles. Very pleased.
New (04) Sebring Tour. Init. Impressions
Purchased Sebring Tourning Convertible yesterday. Sapphire Blue over Sandlewood w/ Sandlewood Cloth Top. All options exc. ABS Tract Cont. Short list included Sebring, 04 Toy. Solara Conv. and 01 Saab 9-3 Conv. Sebring most attractive to my eye. Nice and roomy inside. Liked Solara, but rare as "hens teeth" and more expensive. Saab was fun to drive but reliablity concerns were an issue. We have had good luck with other Chrysler products in past which helped make the decision easier. I really like the Sebring styling, esp. the 04 models with the new grill design. While not a sports car, still fun to drive. Top down produces lots of smiles for the
Don't miss out on fun with comfort
I waited for a convertible that was reasonably priced, good looking, reliable. I wanted the top to move up and down easily without much air noise. This is it! I love this automobile and now everyone wants to ride in MY car. The sound system is good and I can talk in a normal voice to the front passenger when the top is down. I was amazed at the gas mileage.
Great Car
Great fun, good looks. for the price you can't beat it. Touring model has great leather seats and carbon fiber dash.
Happy camper
we are very happy.
Excellent Car/Poor Assembly
While a fun car, Chrysler suffers from assembly issues. My car will be going back for an engine oil leak, window misalignments, and a door gasket that has come loose, all covered under warranty, of course.
?
my car keeps cutting off when I makea a complete stop. I have took it back to the dealer ship 3 times, and they can not find anything wrong with it. I am driving the same kind of car while they are trying to fix mine. the car that i am driving now keeps cutting off on me while I am driving.
I love my car!
I love having a convertible with a trunk large enough for luggage AND golf clubs. The top is easy to put up and take down and is fast....something that can even be done at a traffic light. The ride is smooth and love the styling.
sebrings rule
1996 chrysler sebring convertabile. had the car 2.5 years, only 1 minor repair. very reliable, priced well, fully loaded, fun, powerful-my most enjoyed car ever.
You need a Sebring Convertible
I love this car. It is reliable, has decent mileage, and is attractive. Plenty of power to move onto the expressway. Everyone always wants me to drive so they can experience the fun and luxury. Great sound system - just push buttons on the steering wheel to change radio stations, to CD, volume! The best thing is that the top comes up and down quickly. And the trunk - no one could access it without the key!
LXI Rating
Good Feel on road at multiple speeds. Better handling than T-Bird. Like suspension.
Lot of car for the money
I drive a black Sebring Limited covnert and love it. I bought it last year (2009) for $6700, The car has 75,000 miles, but looks and drives like new.