2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition from North America - Comments

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.

I have a 2003 PT Cruiser... That just happened to me exactly as you said. It was the timing belt.

To the original poster: I have been really close to purchasing a used 2003 Touring Edition with 86,500 miles on it. Reading this has been very helpful and informative, especially your updates over the years. This helped me make up my mind to go forward with it. Thanks so much!

To the OP, thank you for your updates. I recently bought a used GT, but worry quite a bit about its reliability. It is good to know from your experience that the car can last with some conscientious care.

Just a note regarding timing belts.

I am currently (as I type this) having the timing belt replaced on my '03 PT Cruiser Touring. Also having the water pump and tensioner replaced. My mileage is 104K. The cost is $880. This is the FIRST major work I have had to have done on my vehicle. I consider this to be preventative maintenance. I have owned it since it had 13K on it. I have changed the oil at regular intervals (I recommend 5/30 synthetic blend) and have repaired an minor things immediately. The only two things to note is that I had to replace the window switches (EASY DIY project - cost $65 or the part and a quick google search for how to do it) and replace one bulb (I replaced them all) in the instrument cluster (This I had the dealer do, it is NOT that easy - cost $75 labor plus the 5 bulbs I purchased for $2.25 ea).

I absolutely recommend this car. I have taken it from border to border and coast to coast MANY times, filled as full of household items as it can be.

After today, I should be able to get another 100K out of my Cruiser.

'01 PT Cruiser with 126,000 miles here. My trunk's springs gave out about 30,000 miles ago and I'll go grab new ones from AutoZone for $50. Other than that, I've had to switch out the battery twice and do a little bit of maintenance here and there. I'll be taking it to the shop for a check-up this month - can't wait to hear the bad news (hopefully not?). I'll report back.

The Original Poster again for my '03 PT Cruiser.

I know it's been awhile, but I still have my PT Cruiser and it's running just fine.

I have nearly 140,000 miles on it, and all I have had to do besides regular maintenance is get the transmission fluid flushed and the filter replaced. Cost like $110 to get done.

I noticed an odd whining noise coming from the transmission that got worse, and it was slipping a little. I figured it was the filter that got plugged. And it was. It's all good now.

All I am having trouble with now is a small overheating problem in the summer. It is my thermostat. I will be replacing it soon with a new one.

For anyone considering on buying a used or new PT Cruiser, they are very reliable cars. Just don't hot rod them or abuse them, and they'll last with no problems. I have been very happy with mine these past 5 years and counting.

We have a 2003 PT Cruiser that's at about 96,000 km (or 60,000 miles).

They suggest to get the timing belt and water pump replaced which costs $1,300 total. Did anyone have a timing belt break before this mileage, or after? Seems like some people are getting well over 100,000 miles out of their timing belt.

I have a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. I had the water pump and timing belt replaced about two years ago by a Chrysler dealership. The other day I was told that my water pump is leaking. I was also told that I need to change the power steering pump. How much does it cost to replace a power steering pump? How much does it cost to replace the water pump? I thought that the water pump should last more than 2 years!

HELP!

I have a 2008 PT Cruiser and I have a couple of questions.

First, when my car is in park and I have the air on it is idling at like 800, and the air isn't even cold. I have to turn it off then turn it on again and the air works fine when the car is moving. Why would that be?

Also I had my brakes and rotors replaced a year ago and they are grinding badly. I live in the mountains in Asheville NC and wondered where and what parts to use to replace myself.

I am a 30 year old female that is broke, so I have to do it the cheapest way possible. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks.

I have a 2003 PT. The dealership said replace the timing belt at 100,000 miles. At 72,000, the timing belt went while driving. Repair without valve damage and no new water pump was 1500.

Last week I had to replace the cam sensor assembly and oil sending unit sensor to the tune of 500.

At 72,000 miles this is a lot of work. I keep up the usual maintenance and oil changes.

I don't think that's a lot of work. But it is a lot of money for that work.

Look for an independent mechanic.

Original Poster here.

I have 154,140 miles on my PT Cruiser now, and it's still running fine.

Sorry it's been so long since I've put an update here, but I thought it's about time.

All who have been helped by the updates are very welcome. That's why I try to keep something up here.

Last summer I had to get the radiator cleaned out, since it got plugged by bugs and debris. That cost around $140. Not bad, and it fixed my overheating problem.

Everything was fine until it overheated again in the winter time and the coolant was low. So I took it in to the radiator shop again to get it checked out. The radiator was leaking from the upper gasket, and also the plastic where the upper hose connects to was getting old and brittle. I questioned it, then they showed me. I agreed it best to get a new one put in.

So I got the radiator replaced today, 1/30/2012. The cost would have been $325 to replace it with labor, but since the shop I took it to didn't catch the leak back a few months ago when I took it in, they gave me a $100 discount. I agreed with that, since the leak wasn't very noticeable until a month ago.

I didn't really mind this expense so much, but I still have a leak, and it's a bit of a "mystery leak", because when I'm driving it normally there's no coolant leaking much, though I still smell it a little.

The only time it really is noticeable is when I build the revs up, like when I pass a car or something like that. When I come to a stop afterwards, I see steam coming from under the hood.

When I open the hood, I notice the engine is wet around the thermostat housing, as well as I see steam coming from the front of the engine where the belts are.

I'm going to get that checked out tomorrow by taking it back to the radiator shop. I called, and they said it's one of two things. It may be either the water pump or the thermostat housing has warped over time and is leaking.

I'm hoping it is the thermostat housing, because that'll be much more affordable.

Getting the water pump replaced will be around $600. That is what I was quoted because of how long it will take to do the water pump, since it's run off the timing belt, and the engine bay is very, very cramped.

As much as I love my PT Cruiser, I hate the price of maintenance when it comes to something like this.

I'll try and post a follow up on what needs to be replaced and what the cost is.