The Sebring, named after the track in Florida, was on the Chrysler payroll from 1995 to 2010. While coupes, sedans, and convertibles were all offered, the latter didn’t share its design with the others and was built in Mexico. The first generation of the drop-top was in production from 1996 to 2000, including the seller’s example with 95,000 miles. Located in Clifton, Wisconsin, this open-air Chrysler is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,000.
Convertibles fell out of favor in the 1970s due to growing safety concerns. But by the 1990s, they had made a comeback, and the Sebring’s predecessor was the Chrysler LeBaron. Using the JA platform from the Cirrus sedan, the Sebring drop-top had a transverse front engine tied to front wheel drive. Various engines were used during the run, but the seller’s example probably has the 2.5-liter Mitsubishi V6. And likely a 4-speed automatic transmission, though a 5-speed manual was offered.
Sales of the Sebring ragtop (first gen) were strong, not falling below 50,000 units annually except in its first and last years. That equates to 47,800 copies, just like the one you see here (with colors and options as differentiators). The seller doesn’t tell us much about this car, such as how many owners it has had or how well it runs. We’re told it has new brakes and an odometer approaching 100k, but that’s it.
The body and paint seem okay except around the right rear wheel well where some rust is beginning to brew. That’s only going to get worse, so it’s better to nip it in the bud ASAP. The grey interior looks tidy, so the car appears to have been well maintained. This listing is the first one I’ve seen in a long time where a public meetup is the only way to see the car. Not a bad idea in today’s times. This tip is brought to us by “Lothar… of the Hill People”.
We had a ‘96. Leased it, and when we turned it in, we cried. Will never lease again. Buy-back, was unreasonable. Great cars, with that zippy six cylinder motor.
Did you lease it for the attractive monthly payment? If so, that’s why the end of term buyout was high.
Nice looking Sebring convertible. Finding a JX with V6 and cloth was not the usual. Sweet cruiser.
My late wife also had a 2000 White with a black rag top XJS Sebring. That was her mid life crisis car and she loved it and loved the white and black combo. Her wheels were gold and silver colored. It started whimming out at 100,000 miles so we traded it for a 2005 red with a gray rag top Sebring .
Nice Sebring !! I had a 2000 Sebring, green with tan interior, great car, had it until 2004, when it got totaled by a Dodge Dakota pickup. I liked it so much it got replaced by a 2004 Sebring !! Another green one with black interior, lasted 12 years and had 140,000 miles, was a GREAT car, comfortable, and had a LOT of top down fun, since I lived in California at the time ! Were the best cars I ever owned at the time, until I traded the 2004 for a 2016 Buick Cascada, which is 10 years old now, with 76,000 miles on it, and now holds title of the best car that I have ever owned, luxury plus sportier than the Sebrings !
That’s a really nice looking Sebring. I had a white 2002 convertible and it was a boatload of fun to drive but I traded it in on a Rav4 at 130k or so after hearing stories of the internal water pump failing and the engine burning up because of the water in the crankcase.
I had a 96 I bought at an auction “as is”. Had numerous little things wrong but still gave 4 years of cheap summertime driving. The V6 cam covers will leak and it will kill your back trying work on the rear one. Worst issue was the fuel filler tube rotted out and took some creative (ie: dubious) intervention. I always thought it was a good looking car too.