After looking at an 03 limited and spending a night reading it seems that some years of the 2.7 V6 have water pump issues which cause a series of unfortunate events. I like working on cars, though the timing chain tensioner and water pump issue seem to sneak up fast and the consequences are high (not to mention this would be a new experience for me!) I would like to find something that is past this issue.

My wife would love a sebring and from looking around they are available within our price range.

The problem is that I'm having a hard time figuring out which engine and years are the "more" reliable ones.

for the 2.7 V6 - are the water pump and timing chain tensioner issues resolved in 2004 or 2005? With the post 04 models does the water pump and chain tensioner still need to be replaced every 75/100K?

for the V4 - how does this engine hold up moving a big car around?

Looking around in a 100 mile radius there are some 05/06s with the V6 - are there any major engine transmission issues to worry about with these?

and to finish it off - should I be pulling the valve cover on these to check for sludge as an end product of the water pump leaking?

thanks for the help! we are looking forward to someday having a sebring in the driveway

 

Have you logged in over on the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Club website? There's a lot of info there that might be of interest to you.

 

Seemed like a lot of experienced folks here, hence the questions.

pardon the typo above - i mean I4, not V4

Any thoughts on the years and the V6 VS the I4?

 

I own two 2.7L powered Sebrings, a 2002 sedan and a 2001 convertible. Both have over 100,000 miles. Because of minor leaks, I replaced the solenoid packs and oil pan gaskets on both vehicles, and the trans pan gasket on the sedan, and both coolant outlet manifolds. At present there are no drips on my garage floor. Neither engine has had any major problem so far (knock wood).
The V-6 will probably be smoother running than the four, and better able to handle A/C loads. I would prefer the timing chain design to a timing belt.
Take care of the engine and it'll take care of you.
I think there was a change during the 2004 model year to the electronic system of the engine. There has been some discussion on the board here about the incompatibility causing problems for people trying to install a later engine in an earlier car. Whether there were any changes that would reduce the liklihood of damage from sludge, I don't know.

 

thanks for the help! We have decided to look 2005 & newer. Regardless of the motor we go with we will have the 100K service done right