Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chrysler LeBaron or the Chrysler LeBaron?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Chrysler LeBaron is cheaper to maintain — about $3,604 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 2.2L I4 and the 2.2L I4 Turbo?

Across 29 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Chrysler LeBaron or Chrysler LeBaron?

The Chrysler LeBaron has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Chrysler LeBaron has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1985 Chrysler LeBaron vs 1994 Chrysler LeBaron — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1985

1994

Engine

2.2L I4

2.2L I4 Turbo

Drivetrain

FWD

Transmission

automatic

Fuel

gas

Powertrain

Engine output, acceleration, top speed, handling, braking — and Nürburgring if either car ran one.

Horsepower

—hp

152hp

Torque

—lb-ft

180lb-ft

0–60 mph

—

9.8s

Quarter Mile

—

17.2s @ 81 mph

Top Speed

—

115 mph

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

MPG · City

18.8

—

MPG · Highway

—

MPG · Combined

20.3

—

Curb Weight

—

3,100 lb

Performance specs synthesized from manufacturer figures and instrumented magazine tests (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track). MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Numbers flagged as "low confidence" by AI generation are conservative estimates from related platforms.

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$25,365

0.42 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$28,969

0.48 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEChrysler LeBaron — Saves you $3,604 over 5 years (14% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

3.0L V6 Head Gasket Failure (Both Banks)

— hrs

— hrs$1,950 / 5yr

A604 (41TE) Automatic Transmission Failure

— hrs

— hrs$1,625 / 5yr

Turbo Four Main and Rod Bearing Wear

— hrs

— hrs$1,523 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$440 / 5yr

Timing belt service

5.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

4.5 hrs$430 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

12V battery

0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$210 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$260 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$240 / 5yr

Valve Stem Seals Hardening (All Engines)

— hrs

— hrs$438 / 5yr

Coolant flush

0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$230 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr

3.5 hrs$185 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

4.0 hrs$163 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$110 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

Transmission Mount and Output Shaft Bearing Failure

— hrs

— hrs$205 / 5yr

Fuel System Clogging and Filter Restriction

— hrs

— hrs$175 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$76 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr

Thermostat

0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$77 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Chrysler LeBaron

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake0.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant9.00 qt · ASTM D3306

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SF/SG

power_steering1.25 qt · Chrysler MS-5931

transmission_auto8.90 qt · Chrysler MS-7176

washer2.50 qt · Windshield washer fluid

Chrysler LeBaron

ac_refrigerant · R-134a

brake0.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant9.50 qt · MS-7170

engine_oil4.50 qt · API SG or higher

power_steering1.50 qt · MS-7176E or MS-9602

transmission_auto9.00 qt · MS-7176E (ATF+3) or MS-9602 (ATF+4)

washer2.50 qt · Windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

1985 Chrysler LeBaron

2.2L I4

Chrysler LeBaron is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$3,604 over 5 years)

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.