PT Cruiser - What do I need to know?
08-11-2006, 10:49 AM
#1
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PT Cruiser - What do I need to know?
My wife may be selling her 99 Civic to her dad and is kind of set on replacing it with a PT Cruiser. We need an all-purpose vehicle for hauling stuff around (I'm not crazy about bags of fertizier, paint, and other assorted home & garden stuff going in my TSX), getting groceries, fitting our bikes, etc. but something that isn't too big. She doesn't want an SUV. We had a PT Cruiser as a one-day rental about a year ago and it seemed fine (engine sounded a little rough). Its her choice but I thought I'd tap into the collective AZine knowledge base and ask, "What do I need to know before we buy one?"
08-11-2006, 11:19 AM
#2
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Depends. What specific things are you looking for?
If you want power I recommend the 5 speed, as the 41TEs are prone to failure at stock turbo horsepower levels before 100k.
The n/a's are fine if you want to stick with auto.
As far as trim levels there are way too many combinations to name...but a couple of the models include a lot of features and are very cost effective.
I personally know of a couple that are for sale that would be excellent buys, but I need to know what your requirements are:
Price
Power
Transmission
Features: (Sunroof, heated seats, leather)
Aesthetics: (Painted bumpers, interior colors, chrome trims)
Just for reference:
You can pick up a 2001-2002 model with 50-60k with great options for right around 10k or get a 2003-2004 with the same options plus stuff for 15k
Websites:
www.ptcrew.com (will make you want a 5-speed turbo) - younger crowd
www.ptenthusiasts.org (will make you want to chrome or flame it out) - older crowd
If you want power I recommend the 5 speed, as the 41TEs are prone to failure at stock turbo horsepower levels before 100k.
The n/a's are fine if you want to stick with auto.
As far as trim levels there are way too many combinations to name...but a couple of the models include a lot of features and are very cost effective.
I personally know of a couple that are for sale that would be excellent buys, but I need to know what your requirements are:
Price
Power
Transmission
Features: (Sunroof, heated seats, leather)
Aesthetics: (Painted bumpers, interior colors, chrome trims)
Just for reference:
You can pick up a 2001-2002 model with 50-60k with great options for right around 10k or get a 2003-2004 with the same options plus stuff for 15k
Websites:
www.ptcrew.com (will make you want a 5-speed turbo) - younger crowd
www.ptenthusiasts.org (will make you want to chrome or flame it out) - older crowd
08-11-2006, 11:36 AM
#3
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Pros:
Space
Power (if turbo)
Size
Reliability (besides the auto issue)
Styling (
)
Price
Cons:
Gas mileage (20-25 usually turbo or not)
Handling (can be remedied with a sway bar/strut tower)
Styling
Insurance (rated as an SUV...can be higher for some people)
Pre '06s dont have many interior compartments, but a shitton of cupholders
And as always, you have to deal with the Chrysler dealership bs
Space
Power (if turbo)
Size
Reliability (besides the auto issue)
Styling (
)Price
Cons:
Gas mileage (20-25 usually turbo or not)
Handling (can be remedied with a sway bar/strut tower)
Styling
Insurance (rated as an SUV...can be higher for some people)
Pre '06s dont have many interior compartments, but a shitton of cupholders
And as always, you have to deal with the Chrysler dealership bs
08-11-2006, 11:54 AM
#4
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Thanks for the info (and the links). My wife isn't into performance or bling and she doesn't drive a stick. She's looking for basic utilitarian transportation. AT, A/C, power windows, is about all she wants. We'll be looking at brand new ones. I had heard they were one of the cheapest to insure so I'll need to look into that. I'll probably do a swaybar and speaker upgrade if I find I'm spending more time in it.
08-11-2006, 12:05 PM
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For brand new Chryslers, Id recommend www.carmax.com as they sell way below MSRP with no problems. If you can find one in your area that would be your best bet.
If you cant try and get a dealership to get as close to that price as possible.
Im not sure how soon she wants to get into one, but the new PTs will be revealed this fall, so Id wait to see what they came up with. If its good the dealers may want to get rid of the '06s and '07s even sooner.
Heres the info for the '07 model, just in case the colors make a difference https://www.fleet.chrysler.com/fleet...uiser_conv.pdf
The trim levels are cut and dry and the basest of the base models comes with the things she requires (power + a/c). The functionality of these things are crazy. The seats easily fold down or come out...there are pics of a guy who moved a fridge with it.
If you cant try and get a dealership to get as close to that price as possible.
Im not sure how soon she wants to get into one, but the new PTs will be revealed this fall, so Id wait to see what they came up with. If its good the dealers may want to get rid of the '06s and '07s even sooner.
Heres the info for the '07 model, just in case the colors make a difference https://www.fleet.chrysler.com/fleet...uiser_conv.pdf
The trim levels are cut and dry and the basest of the base models comes with the things she requires (power + a/c). The functionality of these things are crazy. The seats easily fold down or come out...there are pics of a guy who moved a fridge with it.
I knew AZine members wouldn't let me down.
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08-11-2006, 12:50 PM
#8
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I've never been a fan of the PT and never will be. And so my only help I can provide is offereing alternatives that are cheaper and Better IMO.
Have you considered the Mazda 5?
Or how about the Mazda 3 Five Door:
Have you considered the Mazda 5?
Or how about the Mazda 3 Five Door:
08-11-2006, 01:16 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by treyster
I don't think anyone else here owns one 
The PT has always been a love it or hate it car, especially with car enthusiasts. Its a huge seller for a reason...ugly or not, its quite a bang for the buck.
08-11-2006, 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by brianlin87
the PT looks like a horribly stubby hearst imo.
i'd rather rock a honda fit than a PT-Cruiser.
i'd rather rock a honda fit than a PT-Cruiser.
I put the styling as a pro and a con for a reason. Its understandable if YOU dont like the styling, but you cant knock the entire car for that reason if someone likes it.
Besides. You can make anything look good by slamming it on wheels anyway
08-11-2006, 01:42 PM
#12
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Well now I dont know what the crap is going on....
Thats just fine with me.
The PT Cruiser got a freshening for the 2006 model year, and LaSorda says quite a few good years are left in the current Cruiser's life. But it's what to do next with the PT Cruiser that has Chrysler planners scratching their heads.
In mid-July, Ridenour said one issue that had not been resolved is whether to offer a V-6 engine, which will determine the vehicle platform. The JS platform can accommodate a V-6, but the GS is too narrow.
Another issue is styling. Retro and cutesy are out of fashion. Expect the next-generation PT Cruiser to be more of a straight-up Toyota RAV4 fighter with the retro elements played down.
Sources say Chrysler has not decided whether to use the PT Cruiser name for the redesigned model, which could debut in the 2009 or 2010 model year.
In mid-July, Ridenour said one issue that had not been resolved is whether to offer a V-6 engine, which will determine the vehicle platform. The JS platform can accommodate a V-6, but the GS is too narrow.
Another issue is styling. Retro and cutesy are out of fashion. Expect the next-generation PT Cruiser to be more of a straight-up Toyota RAV4 fighter with the retro elements played down.
Sources say Chrysler has not decided whether to use the PT Cruiser name for the redesigned model, which could debut in the 2009 or 2010 model year.
08-11-2006, 07:09 PM
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don't do it!
08-11-2006, 07:49 PM
#15
Moderator
A604/41TE transmission should be OK now given its recent updates/improvements to correct the flaws, but I don't blame anyone who still *shivers* about them.
The Chevy HHR, IMO, with the 2.4L Ecotec, is much more powerful and is a better buy. Also look at the Dodge Caliber.
The Chevy HHR, IMO, with the 2.4L Ecotec, is much more powerful and is a better buy. Also look at the Dodge Caliber.
08-11-2006, 08:22 PM
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Honda Fit?
Subaru Outback?
Subaru Outback?
08-11-2006, 09:16 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by SakiGT
Well it IS an Acura board. Everyone is scared of the Chrysler brand
The PT has always been a love it or hate it car, especially with car enthusiasts. Its a huge seller for a reason...ugly or not, its quite a bang for the buck.
The PT has always been a love it or hate it car, especially with car enthusiasts. Its a huge seller for a reason...ugly or not, its quite a bang for the buck.
08-12-2006, 06:06 PM
#20
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Originally Posted by CLpower
Go turbo or don't go!
We had an N/A one as a rental, and it's pretty anemic. I haven't driven the turbo, but I'm sure it has ample power.
08-13-2006, 08:47 AM
#22
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by youngTL
We had an N/A one as a rental, and it's pretty anemic. I haven't driven the turbo, but I'm sure it has ample power.Forget about power up a hill. Just drop it to third and mash it, if you have any hope of making it to the top - granted this is based on an automatic, NA model, but nonetheless, acceleration is pitiful.
The car IS amazingly roomy and convenient as a family hauler though. Not very gas efficient though - I got around 26mpg on the hwy.
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