2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition review from UK and Ireland

It has been a reliable car, other than the many many many... suspension faults. And an on-going brake fault. These are the only two issues we have had with the car, but we have felt like banging our head's of a brick wall.

The brake issue is alone down to poor design of the brake pads, where by they rattle so bad, it's as if they are going to fall off, drop off, or fly out, it is down right dreadful. I cannot describe how loud this noise is. But people look around to see what's driving past.

That aside we really like the PT Cruiser, it is a very comfortable car, with armchairs as front seats, though the rear passengers are not as well catered for with a rather up-right bench seat.

I especially like the very smooth ride, it also corners really well for a car that almost weighs 2 metric tonnes, one very heavy car, but yet good performance.

But that performance seriously relies on having to rev' the thing, and then it drinks fuel like it is going out of fashion. It likes a drink anyway, but 'drive it' and blow those cobwebs any, and WOW... I might as well own an oil refinery.

The fuel gauge is also rather poor too, it gets into the 'RED' and the needle takes a 'DIVE' we have had MANY buttock clenching moments, motorway driving has seen many a 'TIGHTER CLENCH'... on those buttocks.

Other points to mention... love the gear change, clunky and precise, even better with an American '8 ball' on top like ours, like a truck gear stick.

Road noise while on the motorway could be better, it spoils it somewhat.

We found our local Chrylser dealership, apart from being totally useless, very expensive for parts and servicing, I really don't know where they get their prices from, and even have the audacity to charge folk such exorbitant prices, it really is quite unbelievable.

The whole driving experience is great,

even the admiring the stares from folk, although you don't notice it as much now we have had the car a year.

But surely Chrysler could have had bettered those super-tankers, on turning circle terms, which take around 'ten miles' to turn around, it is

total and complete PANTS, people think you are taking the 'BISCUIT' when they give way to you in 'car parks'...

The '3 point turn' is more like a '20 point turn'.

Enough said... we love our PT Cruiser, but we have out grown it, it might well be classed as an MPV, but it not as practical as other larger MPV's out there. So next year 2005 it might be going the journey.

Would I buy another one? maybe one day when they sort their suspension systems out.