02 Sebring Conv. questions

[tempfixit]

Friend of mine has asked me to go along to check out a 02 Sebring Convertible tommorrow morning. I am not familiar with these vehicles and would like some tips on what common problems these vehicles may have and what to look for.
The car has 78K on it, with apparently all power options.

Thanks

[96SebringLXV6]

I would say first and foremost, the transmission. Seems to be a familiar problem with Chrysler cars, especially the Sebring.

[tempfixit]

Thanks 96SebringLXV6, I am not sure about which engine but I think it is the 2.7, Does the 02 still have the problem with oil sludge like in the Intrepids??? From what info I am finding the 2.7 also has a timing belt, am I correct??

Transmission is also one of my concerns, if they are the same tranny as in the Caravans.

thanks again

[96SebringLXV6]

I think the 2.7 has the same oil return/sludge problem, though I haven't experienced that for myself. A solution , however, is if the engine is still sound I would switch to a synthetic oil ASAP. I swear by Sythetic oils and every car I have had has lasted well over 200k miles, including my current Sebring, with 194k original miles, no rebuild on tranny or engine.

[96SebringLXV6]

And it is a Timing belt, not chain.

[tempfixit]

We test drove the car this morning. It has a 2.7 engine and has the XLT convertible package. Runs fine, tranny seems to shift properly and fluid did not smell burnt and was a clean looking red.. Little rust on drivers side rear quater panel where the panel and bumper cover crevice is. Few small dents which can be expected.

The oil light was on. The engine did not rattle or knock. Would that possibly be a bad sending unit or is that a sign of a engine with build up of sludge ( oil did look clean)? The place where she had the vehicle serviced is not open on Sat. so will have too call Monday for service records. I don't think the timing belt has been replaced yet so that will need to be done, and looks like that could be a fun time consuming project. Couldn't tell how old the battery is because of it been buried in fender well.

They are asking $4950 and said bottom dollar was $4500.00 I fiqured $4000.00 to 4200 would be a fair price.

Any thoughts.

[96SebringLXV6]

You might get lucky and it be the sending unit, but, I am going to say the damage is already done and he may want to look at a different vehicle. The 2.7l engine has a major coolant system flaw that makes it overheat even though it doesnt register as overheating. A new 2.7l Chrysler runs at 217 Degrees, thats enough to scorch any oil you put in it, and if the oil light is already on , that would make me believe that the return ports are already blocked by the "sludge" caused by the overheating. Find one with a 3.0 if he really wants a sebring, otherwise, I would find something different all together. I would say that sebring would only last another 3-6 months before he noticed major engine problems, by then , its too late.

ANd just FYI, replacing it with another 2.7l will NOT fix this problem. You will get about the same mileage and it will do it again, this is a major flaw.