2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition from North America - Comments

I have a 2004 PT Cruiser and I am having a problem with the rear seat. I folded it down and the seat belt will not release and allow me to unfold it. I have tried everything and now have had to schedule an appointment with the dealer to have that fixed, and my car seems to want to stall out while idling in gear. It recently stalled at a red light.

I love my car but am getting frustrated.

Wow. $558 for a timing belt and water pump? Where do you live?

Your comments have been very helpful. We have a 2002 PT, the upgraded but not touring edition, with 58,000 miles. The dealer is suggesting we need to change the timing belt, water pump and other service interval stuff (at a cost of $2500...). We've had a lot of cars in our lives and never heard of changing a timing belt before 80,000 to 100,000. Sounds like you did fine waiting.

Sorry for the late reply. I haven't checked this site in awhile for comments.

I have never had any trouble folding/unfolding the seats in my PT Cruiser. The seat belts always function normally. Hopefully you got that fixed for free at the dealer or for cheap at least.

For the guy needing the timing belt. I live in Firebaugh, Ca. Pretty much in Central Ca. I didn't want to deal with the dealership because I knew I would get ripped off. I took it out of town a little ways and got the job done.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask me, just e-mail me at willie_fox24@yahoo.com and I will answer questions to the best of my knowledge/experience.

I am very pleased that my comments have been helpful to people. You are all very welcome.

Just another update on my PT Cruiser.

I have just over 125,000 miles on my PT now and have yet to have any trouble with it whatsoever. I will also get it paid off in 6 months! Then it'll be mine entirely.

I don't have much to update on since there really haven't been any issues with my PT.

All I will need to do when it is paid off is get the rear bumper painted again because the paint is fading. I don't know why because I wax my car kind of regularly. The front bumper is fine, it's just the rear that has faded.

Also the transmission fluid and filter need replacing since I haven't had any service done to it whatsoever yet. Shame on me.

And lastly I will get my headlight lenses restored. More than likely I will do that myself. The lenses are badly fogged over because the clear coat on the lenses has oxidized.

The restoration is really simple to do, it just takes time. You can buy the kit to restore the lenses at Wal-Mart and I'm sure other automotive places. The one I have used in the past is Crystal View. But it is hard to come by. Only costs around $20.

Other than these minor things needed to be done. I am still very happy with my PT Cruiser. It has been the best car I have ever had... and I have been through a few.

I enjoy your updates!

You were right to replace the timing belt. My Dad's 2003 PT blew its timing belt, but the engine survived. I was told this was because Chrysler anticipated this and factored in a little extra give in the engine somewhere. I applaud their forward thinking.

Because my father enjoys his PT so much (and I enjoyed driving it when I borrowed it for the occasional errand) I purchased one of my own in 2008. It's the 2008 model, so it's still very shiny.

I know what you mean about squeaky brakes. Mine had some debris in them but have since quieted down. My company uses them for courier vehicles, and have warned me that the horn tends to stick, so I just don't use it. Other than that I love my car! You have inspired me to write a review.

I'm so glad Chrysler has decided to put this model back on the line so many other people can enjoy it.

Thanks for these great posts! We just bought a used 2003 PT Cruiser and I now feel very confident with our decision. They were really informative and helpful!

I think my PT is in big trouble! I was driving down the road and it just quit. No warnings or anything. It had been running great. My husband says it is the timing belt.

Anyone else have this problem? Mine is a 2003.

Thanks for any help.