Looking at buying a '97 Sebring convertible. It has the 2.5L Mitsubishi(sp?) engine not the dreaded 2.7L. Any real world experiences with the 2.5? Pros and Cons? Car has 49K miles.

i have a 98 with the 2.5 got 111, on it .runs great burns no oil. very pleased with car.

I have a '99 LXi 102K on it runs good.

Seems to have an elevated oil temp issue so I just run some STP with the oil change.

Have had some trans issues (speed sensors) FWIW

I bought my daughter one about a year ago. It runs very well, burns no oil and has been very reliable. My only complaints are that the back plugs and distributor are difficult to get to. Having said that, you don't need to get to 'em very often. If the price is right, don't hesitate.

Thanks guys, my wife and brother took an 02 out for a test drive today and the motor puked before they got back to the dealer. It was the 2.7L. I wasn't comfortable with that engine anyway with all the bad experiences with it. Looks like I'll be buying the '97 with the 2.5L Monday or Tuesday.

I thought the convertibles had the 2.4L and the coupes had the 2.0/2.5s?

Maybe Im mistaken...

Base model has the 2.4L, 2.5L V6 was the optional plant through 2000. The 01's and up got the 2.4L 4 banger and the trash can 2.7L.

We've got a 99 vert and have really liked the car. Got 130,000 on it and it still runs strong. Don't tell anyone as they might start to think domestic cars are pretty good. (kidding). We have been pleased with it and it is hard to get rid of. It still runs good, gets 27mpg, and is paid for. I won't sell it and it keeps me from buying something new. But if it ever blew up on me, I guess I could then go get something new. Plus, gez they are like $2500 on Ebay all day long. I just find it surprising more people aren't buying them. They are well made cars. Jack up the car on one side toward the rear and three wheel raise off the ground. Now that's a stiff car. It was purpose built as a convertible.

bought the wife a '98 last year, we both love the car. 2.5 is a good little motor just hit 100K this winter. Changed the water pump and timing belt out and now should be good for the second 100,000. Last long trip averaged 28.6mpg. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. Dave

Thanks Dave. My wife put a deposit on it this morning. Picking it up tomorrow evening.