Do you own a Chrysler PT Cruiser?

[In_The_Wind]

I'm thinking about buying a one.

I'd like to know how you feel about yours.

Are there any good or bad stories you'd like to share with me before I talk to a Chrysler dealer?

[Lex]

1. We have *two* in our family.

A 2001 model right after they came out, and a 2004 model purchased used.

We've had *zero* problems with them and love the versatility of the seats. Love the pull-out built in picnic table in the back.

Plenty of room in the front seat and lots of cargo space, depending on how you do the seats.

[In_The_Wind]

4. That's an encouraging review. The newest ones offer side airbags.

I like that! I need the cargo space for Miss Frodo's cage and play-gym.
Zero problems sounds wonderful. Thank you.

:hi:

[Lex]

6. We have only had to do the routine maintenance with the dealer's

service department--regular oil changes, tires rotated, and that sort of routine stuff.

[In_The_Wind]

16. Great!

The pickup truck I'm replacing is worth more used that the Cruiser is totally loaded new. My truck is in mint condition. :)

[Lex]

23. Wow, sounds like a great pick-up truck!

The PTs are quite affordable, imho, but I don't know how well they hold their value. We got our 2nd one based on the reliability and versatility of our 1st one. We figure we'll keep them both until they have plenty, plenty, plenty of miles on them.

My PT is the first car I ever had with a sunroof on it and I love it!

[In_The_Wind]

25. The leftover 2006 Cruisers don't have the options I want.

I thought I'd trade my truck in rather than wait for a buyer. I know the dealer isn't going to be happy about writing me a check so that's why I thought of buying an extended warranty.

I didn't see the sunroof as an option for the 2006 model. I'd love woody look but I didn't see that as an on-line option.

[liberaltrucker]

2. I don't own one, but...

I see lots of them on the road. Pretty popular ride.

BTW, long time no see. :hi:

[In_The_Wind]

8. I think I've outgrown my need for 8 cylinders but not for cargo room.

I don't plan to spend anymore winters in the snowbelt if I can avoid being in NY.

My F150 was wonderful in deep snow. I do love my truck but it's way too big for most parking lots of the Florida parking lots.

I've been away from home since late May. My old computer is a dinosaur it's sooo slow that I haven't unpacked it unless I'm going to be sitting still for a day or two.

:hi: How was your summer?

[liberaltrucker]

9. Work, work, work

But, hey, I get paid very well for seeing the USA and Canada!

:)

[In_The_Wind]

21. I gave some serious thought about driving long haul back when I could.

I missed my chance to get paid for sightseeing trips. x(
:shrug: that's life

[Blue-Jay]

3. I used to hate those cars until I rented one for a few days.

They're actually pretty nifty and fun to drive; a little higher off the ground than I'm used to. I would own one, were I in the market for a car.

(I'd rather have an RX8, though.)

[In_The_Wind]

11. I fell in-love with the way it looks when the first ones hit the road.

Both of my cars are high profile so that won't bother me. I have a full sized pickup truck and a little Chevy Tracker.

How did you like the ride and power? Did you rent a standard shift or an automatic?

[Blue-Jay]

27. The ride was fine, but the power was lacking.

I'm used to a little more "zoom" as I have a 2-door with a V-6 engine. I rented an automatic, but I doubt the standard would have provided any more pick-up. Still, it was a fun ride, comfy, and I liked the interior controls and seat position. I would own one, despite the fact that it's based on the Neon. Not a ringing "gota get it" endorsement, but I liked it.

[In_The_Wind]

30. I guess my drag-racing days are over!

Nothing is going to match the get_up_and_go of my 8 cylinders. I drove a 4 cylinder automatic 1,500 miles :shrug: without scaring myself at the on ramps.



If I had a small parrot for a companion I'd love to have enough money to own a Crossfire. I can dream (about winning the lottery).

[Lex]

5. Animated photos (5) of the cargo room in the PT:

[In_The_Wind]

12. WOW! That is a great advertisement!

I've seen them so many of them on the road but I didn't want think about driving through the deep snows at home. I'm renting a trailer in south Florida this winter x( I'll have to evacuate if there's a hurricane while I'm there. It looks like plenty of room for Frodo. :)

Thank you :hi:

[LTR]

7. It's a tin can, IMO

Reputation/quality is kinda shoddy. It's built on the same platform as the Neon. 'Nuff said.

Terrible gas mileage for a car that size.

Resale value is horrendous (too many rentals dumped on the used market). If you really have to buy one, look into buying used. I'd also look into buying a sportier model PT (with more powerful motor, performance tweaks, etc).

Chevy's new HHR is somewhat similar (designed by the same guy), but it shares its platform with a much better car (Cobalt). Not as wide as the PT, but storage capacity is greater.

In the same size class is the Honda Element (boring, IMO) and the Scion Box xB.

[In_The_Wind]

13. The Element is about the right size but it's UGLY!

I was surprised when I saw how much of my Chevy Tracker is :wow: plastic. Cars aren't like they used to be.

I was thinking of buying an extended warranty on the top of the line Cruiser. My shoulders won't let me drive a standard shift. x( That's a bummer because I miss the control of power.

Thanks :hi:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

40. Actually, the inside of the Element is pretty cool.

The interior makes up for the outside in my opinion. When my ex-gf first mentioned wanting an Element, my exact words were "What that piece of ugly-ass lego shit?" Then she got one and I really liked it.

[ForrestGump]

10. Got one as a rental once

A fun car to drive and the thing can really move, which kinda surprised me. Took it from Vegas to LA.

But the trunk space is negligible. Not practical as a car for me, for sure.

I liked it as a rental, though.

[In_The_Wind]

14. I think I'm going to be traveling the north/south corridor for a while.

I need the fold down backseats for cage space.

I'm glad you had fun with it!

Thanks :hi:

[bridgit]

15. they hug the road like they're glued to it...

:thumbsup:

[In_The_Wind]

19. Wonderful! It's time for me to start downsizing.

The little Tracker I drove down to Florida last week is squirrelly on the open road. They really aren't designed for high speeds on route 95.

I'd be willing to bet that your driving experiences are a bit more taxing than most. Did you put it through its paces?

thanks, gf. :hi:

[bridgit]

26. you got it, Hon, plus they seem very spritely, which i know you will...

enjoy, we followed one down through the 49 which is very curvy, after he & hubby worked it though some traffic, the both of them took off...PT in front, hubby was raised in 1/4 midgets & go-karts, i thought he thought he was a race car driver :shrug: but hubby said "naw. the guy's doing just fine, he's cutting a 'line'" and was impressed with the way it was handling :hi:

[In_The_Wind]

36. It looks like fun! You've made it sound like a good ride.

That's what I wanted to hear! I'd love to have a coat of flipflop pearlesant paint on it.

[KeepItReal]

17. Don't get lost on the way to the dealership...or you'll end up with this:

Chevy HHR....ugh!

x(

[Lex]

18. I agree--those HHRs are butt ugly.

Ugh is right.

[KeepItReal]

20. Another reason why GM should only make Caddies and Corvettes

<eom>

[In_The_Wind]

22. What don't you like about the Chevy HHR?

I haven't started looking yet and I don't want to make a mistake when I downsize.

Thanks for your help. :hi:

[qnr]

31. Personally, I think they look better than the Chrysler n/t

[In_The_Wind]

35. Alright, I'll take a look at it.

:hi:

[spacelady]

24. That pic looks just like our CherryLava. We bought a 2003 PT Cruiser

for our very first new car. Been pretty happy with it. It is the most basic model. Nice comfortable ride, had engine light come on twice - first time, it was a computer glitch, second time just recently was from the idle motor had some dirt in it & the car stalled & had to be towed. Sometimes the brakes squeal when they get wet, but was assured not a danger. Nice car, fun, but not perfect - what can you expect for 17,000?

[In_The_Wind]

28. It sounds like you've gotten your glitches worked out.

If I went for the basic model I'd have to sell my truck first. It's current value is way over the Cruisers.

My Tracker cost $17,000 new in 2001. It has 66,000 miles on it and it's still going strong. It had a linkage problem at 1,500. That scared the daylights out of me! I couldn't get the automatic transmission out of drive.

[fishwax]

29. i rented one once as well

and really enjoyed it. It was a long-distance trip, and it got very good gas mileage and performed well on the road. We were able to pack light (just two of us), so I didn't have the chance to really evaluate the cargo space, but it seemed quite spacious--much moreso than I expected.

Next time we have to buy a car, we'd like to get one :)

[In_The_Wind]

32. That's a great review! I knew I'd get honest opinions from DU.

Thanks, fishwax! :hi: I'm glad you had such a good time with it.

[fishwax]

37. glad to help :)

and good luck with whatever car you decide to get :) :hi:

[FredStembottom]

33. Didn't know I wanted one! Now it must be pried from my cold, dead fingers!

My older son goes to auto mechanics school. As part of what they do there they doll-up auction cars and resell them to support the school. We decided to buy something from them to help out. My son said "try the 2001 PT Cruiser" on the lot. It's fun.

I did. It was a blast!

I was sure I was driving a V-6 until I looked under the hood. A 4! How do they do it? It can move pretty amazingly good.

It tracks like it's on rails. The thing I like best in a car.

But maybe the best thing it has to offer is the most comfortable seat/pedals/steering wheel positioning I have ever experienced! And I have owned nearly 25 cars over the years. Pure heaven to sit on chair-high seats with the wheel reaching all-the-way to you and the pedals tucked all-the-way under the dash. No driving with straight arms stretched out - or knees tucked up under your chin.

Negatives: gas mileage is not so good for a 4. If I cruise straight through a long trip on the highway, I can get 31 MPG. That's not so bad but the way the mileage falls off for any other kind of driving is a bit startling. Brake, stop or turn and your mileage dips down to like 22 MPG.
I drive a lot with the cruise on just a little above the speed limit on the freeway for my 24 mile (non rush-hour) work commute. This saves a lot of gas and helps me score a 28 MPG overall.

Also, the ride can be surprisingly rough! Stiff and jarring - but I LOVE that tracking and handling that this makes possible.

Sunroof open, all windows down, music on and it's the happiest I have been in a car in 20 years!

But.... I am rambling...........

P.S. I have the 'Limited Edition" version that everyone seems to have.

[In_The_Wind]

34. I wonder if the ride can be softened with different shocks.

Every ouch I've accumulated over the years showed up after I drove my little Chevy Tracker to Florida last week. I did the same drive last month in my gas guzzling F150 pickup without getting sore from the trip. I think it's the cutest little thing if it doesn't a pain.

It's wonderful when the kids see their work come out so well.

You sound like a true motor-head who loves his cars. :hi:

[FredStembottom]

46. I really am.

When my older boy gets out of Mechanics school we sure would like to restore a classic (or 2!) Don't tell my wife....shhhhhhhhh!

[FredStembottom]

47. I think different tires might soften it up some.

Mine came with non-original low-profile sport type tires. They are thin and hard. Regular, "taller" tires would probably make the ride just right. The PT probably comes with softer tires than what is on mine.

[Aristus]

38. My Cruiser was my first ever brand new car. I love the way it looks.

It was a 2002 model, and I still get a kick out of driving it.

I'm not as crazy about manufacturing quality and mileage. So far, my little PT Cruiser has been in the shop an average of twice a year getting things like errant engine lights sorted out. Sometimes it'll go on for no discernable reason, and it will cost me $85 in diagnostic tests to find out what the problem is...usually nothing; but Chrysler is $85 richer after telling me. The instrument lights are starting to go out. I took it in hoping they could replace a few little bulbs. Turns out the lights are part of one single "dashboard array" which costs upwards of $500 to replace. Highway robbery. I have to part with 5 Franklins for what should cost no more than a few 65-cent light bulbs?

Still, I love the design and the endless versatility. When I moved across town two years ago, it was invaluable in getting all the little boxes and fiddly do-dads hauled to the new place.

I hope the newer models are of higher quality, 'cause I still want to own one when I'm done with the one I've got.

[tuvor]

39. Have it and love it. n/t

[radwriter0555]

41. THE Go - To Car guys on Top Gear (Extra), a fantastic show out of the UK

that checks out all the cars.... gave it a resounding thumbs down.

I used to like them, but as I saw sooooo many on the streets, I realized they're kind of cheesy.

I drove one for a few days as a rental, and I wasn't impressed. It's too big, bulky and it's just too plastic and... tacky.

Ya just don't need to be driving a living room around.

Go for a nice Scion. Far more affordable and economical and way, WAY higher rated.

Check edmunds.com for the final word on the technical aspects.

But I'll stand my Top Gear fellas... They are the be-all, end-all car dudes.

[FredStembottom]

48. Ths Scions! Really great cars!

If I had been able to afford a new car, I was going to get the xA.

The Scions rate as the highest reliability of ANY CAR IN the WORLD according to Consumer Reports.

[radwriter0555]

50. I had mine for one tragically short year, before I moved to europe and

sold it.

I truly loved that car. It was fun, fast, reliable, sporty, really great looking and just an all around perfect city commuter car with every option one could possibly want in an affordable car.

[Rosco T.]

42. We ALMOST bought a PT Crusier... but then we drove one of these...

for less money and triple the interior space...



you can get a LOT in there when you drop the seats...

and AWD, good for the slick roads we have.

[AirmensMom]

43. I think they look cool.

And they seem to be quite popular. But I owned a Chrysler car once and will never own another one. It was beautiful, comfortable, luxurious ... all that. But it was a piece of shit. It spent most of its time in the shop. You might want to get a hold of a Consumer's Report (or subscribe online) and see how they rate them.

[In_The_Wind]

53. Oh my! Well now I'm very glad I bought an extended warranty!

It seems like the Cruiser is the only low priced car that has the interior space I need for my traveling companion. Since I've given up my hydraulic tailgate on my truck the car also needs to be close to ground level. :( I can't life anything!


The dealer wasn't as generous with trade-in money as he lead me to believe. I bought a slightly used Cruiser instead of the new one I built on-line. It's almost the same color as my truck. Darn! I wanted color!

[Phillycat]

44. Well, I think they're hideous.

Not as ugly as a Honda Element, but definitely the 2nd ugliest car on the road. But then, it's all subjective. :D

[GalleryGod]

45. Folks over 50 seem to be orgasmic over them ! "Midlife Crisis Mobile"

I've heard it referred as...In fact, I borrowed my Bros whilst in L.A. last summer...yecch. Felt like an idiot behind the wheel...like I was driving a "prop car" I bought from a production company auction.

:crazy:

[FredStembottom]

49. Definately an age thing involved here!

As a 49-year-old, it really rings some bells and whistles in my head!
But my other choice (that I didn't feel I could afford right now) was a Scion xA. That also really "eang my chimes".

Go figure.

[RedCloud]

51. They look like Nazimobiles

Chrysler showing its true colors again?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

52. I don't like 'em.

I just returned from a vacation where I spent a week driving a spanking new 2006 PT cruiser rental on and around L.A. freeways and surface streets. I didn't get a favorable impression.

I should say that I really don't like the look of the car. But I understand that other people do and I can respect that. My wife picked out the rental.

Getting in the car I liked the styling much better, it looks pretty good on the inside. There are nice displays and I like the analog clock. I wasn't so impressed after driving it for a few days. The power window controls aren't on the doors, they're on the center console, it makes it rather awkward to roll down the window while you're driving. And the dash isn't very well lit at night either, I've seen much better.

The biggest complaint I had about the styling was the large blind spots. It made freeway driving a real hassle. I don't know if I'd call them big enough blind spots to be safety hazards (although I think an argument could be made), but I sure was uneasy on the freeways.

There's not a lot of cargo space either. We drive a ten year old camry which is the same class and we were able to easily fit all of our luggage in the trunk. In the PT Cruiser it filled the entire cargo area and we had to put stuff in the back seat. I'm glad it was just the two of us on vacation.

My biggest complaint was how underpowered the car is. And it's not just because it's a four cylinder. Like I said, we drive a ten year old four cylinder and speed might bleed off a little bit while going up hill, but if we hit the gas it really picks up. With the PT Cruiser, the first time I got on a freeway I found myself doing 40 when I should have been doing 65, so I gave it more gas and the engine screamed in complaint but only accelerated marginally faster. Between the under powered engine and the blind spots it wasn't much good for freeway driving.

The ride itself was fine. I've no complaints in that regard.

I won't say you shouldn't buy it, if you really really want it. But I think there are much, much better cars out there in the price range and class. I think what you're buying when you get a PT Cruiser is the look, and not much car.