Chrysler Repair: Is 129,000 miles too many miles to invest more money into this vehicle?, electrical gremlins, lebaron convertible

Question
Hi,
This car runs great. Has 129,000. Needs a new convertible top (about $700-1200 unless you have any ideas :o).  That's all that's wrong with it. My question: should I put the money into it to get a new top and keep it for _______miles (how many miles do Chrysler's go?)? Or is it not worth it?  DO you know anything about Lebarrons?

Your input is most appreciated. I am a single, 54 year old, knows very little about cars, woman.  Just don't know what to do.  Car dealers lie and no one else has an answer!

Thanks so much for your precious time.

God Bless you and yours...Happy Easter..
Jana Morris
Chico, CA

Answer
Hello Jana,
Thank you for the blessing and Happy Easter to you.
On the LeBaron convertible, it would be helpful to know the year, engine, and transmission type; and a anything you can tell me about the history of the vehicle. The main concern with the post-'89 vehicles is the V-6 engine with automatic transmission. For the first 2 or 3 (not sure which) years the valve guides in the cylinder heads tended to wear out prompting a ($1,000?) repair to reduce the oil comsumption and smoking. The automatic transmission that went with that engine also has a limited life before a very expensive rebuild seems to be necessary ($1500-2000). A vehicle that has been driven gently however might not get into such problems at 129,000 but probably will by 150-175,000.
The body is of course attractive, but flexible due to the convertible structure. Problems with the power lift windows in the rear are standard, unless you take care to keep the water drain holes open under the body. And the electrical gremlins can be troublesome in the post-'89 cars because of a body computer that is subject to getting water leakage on its electrical connectors.
All these things are treatable, but you need to be enthusiastic about doing it, or it will get wearing.
I have a '89 coupe body with the 4 cyl non-turbo and less sophicticated 3 speed automatic. Thus none of those problem in its first 96,000 miles. So far a very economical and comfortable car which I am very loyal too. In fact I co-moderate a e-group at Yahoo (The Chrysler LeBaron Club) because I am so enthused about the car.
Do you own the car already, or consider buying it?
California central valley is a good place to own one particularly if it was owned in this area previously as the mositure issues with the electricals should be less. I am in Palo Alto which is easy on these cars too.
Feel free to let me know more of the specifics of the car for comment.
Roland