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Chrysler PT Cruiser (2005 and earlier) - READ ONLY

879 messages,  Last post on Oct 14, 2006 at 10:08 AM

You are in the Chrysler PT Cruiser Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chrysler PT Cruiser, Wagon

Messages Page 39 of 89

#375 of 879 Considering a PT by hardoo

Jul 25, 2002 (9:07 am)

I am currently driving a Dodge Dakota, but the lease ends this year. In my next vehicle, which I intend to purchase, I am looking to retain some of the utility of a pickup truck while adding four doors and a full backseat for family functionality as well as affordability in the $20,000 price range. These factors, combined with eyecatching good looks, make the PT Cruiser a strong candidate on my list. So after reading 360 posts in this thread, as well as everything else I can get my hands on, I was hoping for some feedback on the following points:
 
1) Reliability -- I know that it got perfect scores in year one from Consumer Reports, but I was wondering about long-term reliability of the PT Cruiser and Chrysler products as a whole. As someone who is approaching this car as an 8-10 year investment, I was hoping that someone could allay my concerns about buying American generally and Chrysler specifically.
 
2) Safety -- As the primary driver, I am concerned with the two star safety rating. I do realize that these results reflect one test from 2001, and I have read salient posts about the relative value of defensive driving. I was just wondering if anyone had heard of improved results from the 2002 model or modifications for the upcoming 2003 models to improve driver safety.
 
3) Power -- I test drove a 2002 Limited edition with a 5-speed and found plenty of pickup for city driving. I did not, however, have the opportunity to take it on the highway for passing or to drive with a cab full of passengers or cargo. I was hoping for some feedback from owners about the car's performance under such circumstances. Also, does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumors that, in addition to the new turbo model, the 150 hp models will have a boost in torque in 2003?
 
4) Competition -- While I don't think that there is any car in its class that competes with its style, new crossover 4-door hatchbacks / sportwagons like the Matrix / Vibe, the Focus ZX5, and the Protege5 do offer similar utility for similar dollars. Some people in this thread have mentioned such vehicles, and I was wondering if anyone had extensively driven and compared such vehicles.
 
Thanks to all who have posted and who continue to post for helping other potential PT owners be more informed ones.
 
Pat

#376 of 879 I have driven the Matrix by boaz47

Jul 25, 2002 (10:02 am)

and the P-5 before I went with the PT. To tell the truth I drove the Vue and the CRV also. The Vue and CRV seem closer in size for room. The Matrix has more room than it looks like it would have but has pretty traditional sedan seating. The Suzuki Aerio wagon has a higher seating position that the Matrix. The P-5 is the smallest of the group both in space and seating position. The P-5 seems the most sporty if you are looking at the standard Matrix. Of this group the PT seemed like it had all the advantages of the small SUVs and most of the advantages of the wagons. In my opinion the PT is the most comfortable of the group but you must remember I like the higher seating position. It has more head room, at least it feels like it, than the small wagons and looks better than the small SUVs. People still stop and look at the car when I stop somewhere. It will cruise pretty well at 75 without much strain and that is with four adults. If you climb a lot of mountains the stick is a better choice but the auto works fine for most daily driving.

#377 of 879 Still lovin' it! by cheribaybee

Jul 26, 2002 (7:01 pm)

Haven't been in here for awhile. My PT was new in June. I now have just over 1,100 miles on it. I am still in love with this car! Even after making a payment There seem to be more and more of them around every day. I had been waiting for my first "PT wave"..I've been waving every time..and just the other day someone ELSE waved first! lol
My family members and friends who months ago said "You want one of THOSE? Those are so ugly!" etc etc...**hearse comments** are now WANTING one.
Heh. Copycats. --cheribaybee

#378 of 879 Love PT Cruiser Styling, Seat Comfort, etc by chryslervan1

Jul 27, 2002 (8:20 pm)

....BUT, got a 2002 T&C eL instead because I do NOT like 4 cylinder engines plus the larger interior volume of the T&C with room to lay down and stretch out on long trips for an hour or so while the wife drives.
    The PT Cruiser seats and driver leg and foot room is superior to the Town & Country. I like the firm seat comfort of the PT Cruiser and would really like a PT Cruiser for local driving with the T&C for long road trips.
    Test drove the PT Cruiser and was pleasantly surprised at the performance from that little 4 cyl engine with 4 speed automatic. However, the PT Cruiser is affected much more by wind than is the larger T&C.

#379 of 879 Saw 2003 Turbo and Limited on lot by andil1

Jul 28, 2002 (2:23 pm)

Did my Sunday dealer lot "lurking" this morning, and saw a base Turbo with the autostick on a dealer lot in Naperville IL today. The MSRP was $23,320.
 
Also saw a non-turbo Limited. The bumper colors now match the color of the car. That's the only exterior difference that I noticed.

#380 of 879 Still working by boaz47

Jul 28, 2002 (8:46 pm)

on my PT. The power issue is still there but with a K&N cold air intake it pulls a bit stronger. I have the stick so it has more scoot than the auto anyway. Next move may be to get a Borla exhaust and maybe a duel. I got some custom Pin Striping Friday and it is starting to look pretty good to me. I plan on going to a PT cruiser gathering in Lancaster in August to see what other have done with their cars. It looks like this will be a pretty good family event. I'll try to take some pictures and upload them next week.

#381 of 879 Boaz47 by hardoo

Jul 30, 2002 (8:04 am)

Thanks for your response to my post. I have one follow-up question: in your comparison of these vehicles, how did reliability factor into your decision? I would describe myself as searching for a utility vehicle that does not look like I bought it for utility purposes, and the PT Cruiser is the best combination of style and function in its class. However, my mind continually turns to the Protege's excellent reliability record, or the Matrix's Corolla platform that has similarly superlative durability. Then I look at the suspect results of the PT's Neon platform or Chrysler products generally, and I get queasy. If I were to make this decision with my heart, I would certainly buy the PT Cruiser, but my mind misgives. Since I am approaching this car as an 8-10 year investment, I would appreciate any feedback that would put my mind at ease.
 
Pat

#382 of 879 hardoo by crkeehn

Jul 30, 2002 (8:50 am)

The PT Cruiser is proving so far to be a very reliable vehicle with few problems. Even Consumer Reports gave it a very high score in their frequency of repair rating. The only thing the PT Cruiser carried over from the Neon was the budget first earmarked for the stillborn Neon Coupe, and some of the ancillary controls such as the HVAC controls. The drivetrain, chassis (as a result of a redesign to provide a flat load floor in the back) and virtually everything else is different.

#383 of 879 The PT has by boaz47

Jul 30, 2002 (1:06 pm)

Proven to be very reliable by just about every consumer magazine you look at. You just have to understand that this is a different vehicle from the Neon and it was aimed at a different market.

Messages Page 39 of 89

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