I bough my PT Cruiser in January 2003.
At 87,000 miles, the transmission failed. It began to stutter between 1st gear and 2nd, and then took a minute to pressurize from park to reverse.
The radiator fan went out at the same time also.
It takes me a while to get the speed I need to pass a car or move to another line. It is so dangerous when I have to merge with the flow, when I know my car takes a while to get there.
Did you ever change the tranny oil & filter? I haven't had any problems with my 2005 pt cruiser.
Dodge auto transmissions are, and have always been junk.
Others looking at Dodge cars, be aware. The PT Cruiser in a 5 speed is a good mode of transportation if you like the roomy and unique (other than the 5 million other Cruisers) look.