2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Summary:

Odd design issues, but mechanically sound

Faults:

Not much. High miles on the car, so the repairs that need to be done are fairly typical and of no surprise.

Bushings and control arms need to be done.

Tires 'cupping'.

Timing belt is due.

Engine light comes on once in a while. It's a sensor problem that has been repaired and keeps recurring. Doesn't affect vehicle operation.

It has been well taken care of and runs pretty decently for the high mileage.

General Comments:

It's actually not my car, it was lent to me and I've been driving it for a number of months now. I mostly want to comment on some of the weird design issues. It's like Chrysler did things in the car just to make it odd.

Don't like the placement of the window controls. They're in the center of the console, instead of on the door (where the windows are). The rear controls are in the center of the rear console. So, not only does the driver not have any control of the rear windows, the rear passengers have to lean way forward to open them. It's a pain, and a lot of extra wiring in the car.

The rear wiper controls are under the stereo in the center console as well. Find 'em before you take it for a drive, so you're not searching your whole car looking for them while you're going 100k/hr down the highway.

The doors autolock (which is apparently safer, according to my wife)... but they don't auto unlock when you open the driver's door. So, unless you remember EVERY TIME you get out of the car to unlock the rest of the car; you'll be really frustrated when trying to get your kids out. It's infuriating.

Could be this particular car, and I know you can fix it with a clip, but the seat belt clip slides all the way to the ground. So you have to reach down to the bottom of the door to do up your belt.

Drives a bit like a truck. This could be the bad bushings though.

I'm a tall guy, and usually have trouble seeing the gauges on vehicles, but not this one. Gauge layout is great, and lots of gauges and lights, so you really know what's going on with the vehicle.

It has plenty of room, paint still looks great after 10 years, engine has lots of power, and is fairly decent on gas.

Still works really well after 340K, which is impressive for a domestic. It's been well taken care of. Not a really huge fan of the look, and the interior design of the controls are mostly a pain. Just my opinion though, if you like that kind of thing, this car is great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th October, 2011

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limted Touring 2.4

Faults:

Just got the car, had a clunk when driving. Taken care of by a good friend who is a former Chrysler tech.

General Comments:

In light of the rising fuel costs, the wife and I, due to the amount of driving we do, thought it wise to buy a more economical car at $5,000 or less. We own outright our 2004 GMC Sierra and 2005 Ford Expedition.

Long story short. I bought this from our mechanic, who had put in a new 5spd trans and a used 2.4 engine with 57,000 miles on it. The car odometer showed 52,251 on the body. The body is in great condition, and the interior is immaculate.

I had driven a friend's Cruiser, and liked it, so with the idea of better mileage, 27-30mpg, we got it and really like it. Lots of room with the seats folded down, and has a nice ride on the highway.

Our mechanic told us that prior to installing the engine, he went ahead and replaced the timing belt, spark plugs, water pump, and of course with a new trans, it has new fluid, so we should be OK for quite a while on basic maintenance, other than oil changes, and tire rotation and balance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th March, 2011