We plan to purchase a 2001 Chrysler Sebring as a daily driver (2.7 LH engine), is it a reliable car ?
Magazine reports a low gas mileage...i hardly believe this...
No, a sedan.
I've seen it's a timing chain (i hate belts)...good point.
The seller cannot tell me if the transmission has been serviced, and i don't know whether owner's manual schedules fluid replacement or keeps silence on this subject as too many manufacturers do now (lifetime fluid and plugless pans are probably the most stupid things in automotive)
The 2.7L V6 earned a bad rap in the larger Chrysler LH sedans, where they both had to work harder and had a different PCV system that was more inclined to "sludge" oil if it wasn't changed as required.
Like the Toyota 3.0 V6.
That said, I would be wary of buying one with no maintenance history. If the deal is incredible... leaving enough room in the price to cover a repair and to run synthetic oil, I might consider it because the "JX" platform itself was quite good. Or just find a JX with a 2.4L inline 4. Interestingly, all of the JX tooling was sold to Volga in Russia and they were built there for a few years with minor changes.
If the deal is nothing special and you really want a Mopar, find an older model (Voyager/Dynasty/New Yorker) with the 3.3/3.8L V6. They were simpler and more robust designs. Maintenance was far less critical. Mileage not as good, but they rarely break
The PT was very reliable with the 2.4l my Dad had a GT Turbo manual that was his last car and loved it. The 3800 GM is also a very good engine. Tough choice IMO.
Get the regal, 3800 will run forever if well maintained. Had a customer that drove one to work daily about 140 miles round trip. It was a 92 and he sold it when he retired it had 475,000 on it. The engine was never opened up.
I used to drive '93 Park Avenue 10 years ago, good car indeed, the 3800 is smooth, brings the car a feeling of lightness.
I've had an issue with the air suspension, at this time parts and labour were not easy to find...
Things have changed and i have recently purchased another Park Avenue (opportunity, very low mileage, very low price) for my dad.