How is the PT Cruiser?

I know that you have to be carful that if you live in the snow belt that the under side of them will rust out very quick. Other than that great little car awesome on gas.

I have to Pt Cruisers. One is a 2004 N/A PT Cruiser the other one is a 2005 PT Cruiser GT. They both have been fantastic and very reliable. Have had no issue with them and have only done routine maintenance on them. Its roomy for its size and I find it easy to park it in small areas. I have used it to bring a lot of things home, most recently took a trip to Best Buy to get a new 55" T.V and it had room for it and my passenger as well as the other things we had purchased on our trip to Best Buy. Over all very satisfied with it.

I have a 2004 that I bought brand new in April, 2005. Love the car. I have over 230,000 miles on it and it's still driving fine. I had the transmission rebuild at 160,000 and have gone through a few timing belts. The computer got replaced at about 200,000, and I've replaced the struts and shocks. Other than general maintenance (tires, oil changes, etc.), that's all I've had to do. It's a great car and I'm going to keep it until it's completely dead!

I actually have one for sale. It's a great car. I have owned two. Put 140,000 miles on the first one that I bought new. I have 105,000 miles on the convertible that I bought as a certified pre-owned at 25,000 miles. You should test drive and see what you think!

We've got 3 in the family and there are about 10 in the neighborhood... I've got a 2001 and my mom has a 2002. Both are "Limited Edition" trims. A cousin has a 2001 (also Limited). No problems at all besides the weight. Creates a solid car, but affects fuel economy and performance.

My 2001 PT Cruiser has been great for me! In 2005, w/074254 mi. I purchased a vehicle that I could easily get my GoGo Scooter in and out of the hatchback as I am episodically handicapped. This was the answer for me! I had a complete check up w/new battery, 2 arm controls, both tie rod ends etc, at 92.721 miles before my California trip in July of 2008, when I towed a 4 X 8 U Haul trailer packed solid with my precious belongings from Northern Michigan to Southern California, and it came through the mountains just fine! In 2010 w/106,266 mi. it was suggested that I needed to have my transmission rebuilt at the Chrysler dealer, and I also had problems with the key ignition and lock cylinder, which they replaced. My favorite mechanic (not at Chrysler) found it just needed a new battery. It drives through the heavy sandy desert roads of my area just fine. It does seem to take a larger area to turn around in than expected. Now in November of 2013, I have 118,113 miles on it.

I have a 2005 PT Cruiser Limited Edition Turbo "White" . If you like weak transmissions, senor problems, and top end work on engine then buy on. Most the people on here say this when there car is a lemon. Mine yes, but 04 pt's and up, I don't care who says it, tranys suck.. These cars are good, infact mines great. Bought it new specially ordered, but when they break, so does your wallet. I build exotic sport cars (fiberglass kit cars) and I'm very educated on this stuff and I've been threw the ropes on my car... It seems the Turbo models have more problems. 2004 Chrysler redid the trany's (made them more weaker). 2005 is the problem child of all years In my opinion, seems Chrysler had more oops all over the place. Mine, just hit 71,000 miles and I've had 3 auto trany's, one engine, all motor mounts all trany mounts, power steering pump, both CV axles, cam sensor, map sensor, and now today Starter (replaced that and now I have no fuel, won't start, btw it ran perfect yesterday drove it in turned it off, this morning now nothing, idk??) oh, and if you look in the air box (love this lol) you will see the oil breather (on valve cover) is connect to it. Chrysler puts a pos sponge to block the oil, which does not work, all it does is bypass the sponge causing your air filter to soak in oil, which now your engine will burn oil while running. made my laugh when I spotted that lol. so I made aftermarket breather fit so its not connected to air filter box. I highly recommend this.. Overall for a normal person wanting a nowdays car, sure why not, but for a mechanic that knows what's a good deal, HELL NO.. one look inside the engine compartment, specially turbo models, ha, CRAMMED working space..... Alternators are fun too btw lol.. Just throwing my testimony out there for yah, the only reason why I have this car still is, #1. Sentalmental Value, (Grandparents last car they bought) #2. I replaced just about everything on it, and now I know the car and what it is and how to fix it, I could do it blindfolded now lol why get another lemon and go threw that all over again...... My advice, buy a Porsche, I have one, never had a problem....

I own 2, a 2007 and a 2003 and the only problem I have had with either is the high speed fan system does seem to work correctly and either the fan unit or the relay seem to go out. Both of mine had no problems until they were well over 100,000 miles. A friend also has one that had the same problem with the cooling system. If I had anywhere near the problems as the previous writer I would check my driving habits and the parts or repairs (3 tranny's ???) that were being done. There are far too many of these cars that most drivers have little or no problems with. "weak transmissions" I have 230,000 on my 07 and never touched it. My wife's 03 has 160,000 and we have never touched it either. I also haven't been into my engine top or bottom end.

@techman1 open the trany up, if you know what parts your looking for they are weak. you have never done any work on one, ask someone who has. they're junk. crammed working space and junk.. is your 07 turbo? there's a difference...

DONT BUY IT!!!!! We have a 2002 pt loser and its nothing but a pos! Replaced the fan switch, fan, transmission(2x), ignition switch, radiator, sway arms, and now the freakn water pump. There's always something wrong or going out in this car. It's absolutely the worst car I have ever owned and am selling it now. Any buyers?? Yes I need a new car but maybe you should re think it!!

I bought this used about 8 mos ago. While i recognize that cars hit a zone where everything just starts needing to be replaced, i find the ease of detection to be too mysterious. ive had this constant slight drop in idle ever since i bought it. turned out it had several problems. Valve cover gaskets, cam shaft sensor, crank shaft sensor, oil pressure sensor, 2 of 3 motor mounts were broke and the transmission mount. This car has 3 on 1 side and the trans mount on the other (just sounds like a bad idea) Ive been on many blogs and forums that indicate the same types of problems or bugs with this car. 1. timing belts need replacing at 90-100,000 Miles and if you dont and it goes out they are built in such a way as you have a 5/50 chance of having to have your heads redone. 2. transmissions need rebuilt around 70,000-100,000 miles 3. Map sensors go out. 4. Camshaft and crankshaft sensors. 5. Link between cam and crank shorts out. 6. Motor mounts break. 7. Random idle issues that cant be detected until something bad happens.(like mine right now, been to 3 shops fixing the stuff listed in the beginning, told them something was wrong, nobody caught the problem. now its died, and possible its the timing belt). 8. high speed fan malfunction. 9. cramped work space. 10. engine is sideways. 11. 9 and 10 result in high repair charges. 12. idle air control sensors go out. fuel pumps need replaced. Im sure theres more im not remembering. All of this is common and frequently occurring in all of the blogs and my own experience with mine and all prior to around 100,000 miles. The previous replaced the tranny prior to 100,000. the rest i have done and i'm at 119,000. The most frustrating thing is the number of things that cause this car to randomly die and are hard to detect. even if it does throw a code, there are usually several things that can cause it, not necessarily the part that the code is indicating. So many people have gone down the line of replacing numerous things in a guessing game. i have owned many used vehicles and none have had so many problems, and major costly ones so early in the mileage game and all at once between 90,000 and 120,000 miles. DONT BUY ONE if you like your cars to have longevity before you have to start rebuilding stuff.

The PT cruiser ALWAYS has plenty of electronic problems, the ECM/PCM is always needed to be replaced, small trick to use before purchasing one, 1st reset the PCM: https://youtu.be/nIKJcg2c66w 2nd Pt Cruiser - Pulling OBD II Codes: https://youtu.be/rcwAFsdCivw This will tell some good info i.e if they changed the PCM with a used one and reprogramed the VIN #' to make it work, also they have engine cooling fan issues be sure and check that the fan works at low and high speeds.

Interesting Mark that you say there are ALWAYS electronic problems and the ECM/PCM always needed replaced. I am not sure that is correct since I have owned and and worked on several and have NEVER had a ECM/PCM replaced on any of them. Pretty standard to disconnect the battery on many vehicles to remove and reset error codes that may or may not be real. So I appreciate that "trick" that you referred to. I totally agree Cruisers often have cooling fan issues but the engines and transmissions seem to last a long time IF they are maintained and driven sensibly. They are a great little "grocery getter" and far more comfortable to get into and ride in than many cars of the same price range. I have had mine back and forth from Canada to Mexico and several 1000 mile plus trips to California with 4 adults and everyone and everything went well. They are not as comfortable to ride in as my wife's Cadillac but few cars are and it isn't designed as a luxury car.

For woman like myself, thisn k the sparkplugs are a Lil hard to get to. Have had coolant loss with. No visible leaks. Getting ready to use a produCT that has a dble back guarantee FiberLock? Anyone with advice? Also, front windows no longer work! Fuses are all ok, switches etc.. y wont work?.

Opps! Thought I was posting a Q not answer

Is 223'000 miles to much on a pt Cruser to buy

I bought mine new in 2003, have 110,000 mi. It's a Limited Edition, with the woody paneling. I bought this style specifically because I have back problems & the front seats sit like a dining rm chair---really support my back, -much better than my previous Mercedes which was more like a cushy chair. The 1st year all my maintenance was free, so I had all of my side windows worked on--they made noise & I wanted to get as much taken care of at n/c. The size is great for compact parking & high enough on the road for large trucks & SUV's to see you. ( I had a Honda Civic that got re-ended because the SUV didn't see me! ) It's great for hauling stuff from Lowes. I can fit a bicycle inside the PT. Also, I have removed the back seat & put a large dog bed there. The turning ratio sucks, but you get used to it. The front is ridiculously low - you just learn to not park too close to the cement blocks in parking spaces & watch out for dips!--You scrape the front bottom. I have had some regular car issues with it,--but all of it is just under normal regular maintenance. The only things that I really wish were different is the noise in the car--I was spoiled by the quiet Mercedes. Also, it's such a light vehicle--almost as if you can feel your PT running over a dime! I do wish the car were heavier, --that would make it feel safer. also. It sounds like alot of people got Lemons for their PT. Also, it sounds like most Lemons were not Ltd. Editions of before 2004. I really enjoy my car--it usually is always the smartest looking vehicle in a parking lot!

My wife and I purchased our 2004 GT almost 6 years ago with 49K miles. It had been very well taken care of and I am glad to report that since we have owned our PT it has done nothing but exceed our expectations. I am 6'4" tall and fit in the car with leg and head room to spare. My wife who is 5'6" tall also fits in the car and this is saying something since we do not have a power drivers seat. The car has a very smooth ride, great power (it is a GT high output turbo) and can haul more than you would expect for something it's size. Like most used cars I would find the very best example you can afford

I have owned four of them from the very first year to the last in 2010. Battery and tires are the only items I have ever needed except new brake pads on the 2010 at 78,000 miles. I bought a special order in 2008 as it was announced to be the last year (went on to be 2010). This is a turbo with leather, Chrysler 300 color and 17" Chrysler wheels. I now has 2,200 miles (yes, only two thousand miles) and all the manufacturers protective plastic still on it. This is 2020 if someone is interested in a perfect new one 915-253-6009

We have had 5 PT Cruisers in our family and LOVE them. We would never buy a different car. I just bought my 6th one!!! The PT Cruiser LIMITED model has everything I want and need. Just make sure you change the timing belt! But that goes for most cars.

I had an unfortunate accident with my 2002 Chevy Blazer LS. I needed a car as soon as the next day. Found a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser with under 94k miles. I knew and still know nothing about these cars. But the body looked very straight and rust free except a little ding in the passenger rear door at the bottom. My Blazer would require a full tank of gas per week just to go to work where my PT only uses a half tank to go to work for the week and both vehicles had a 15 gallon fuel tank. I take pretty good care of my PT. It now has 94.5k miles on it. I got a nice set of tires on it too. I should see if I need a new battery also. But so far so good! I took out the rear seats and burned them so it’s just a station wagon . I’m happy with this PT Cruiser kinda grew on me.

I’d Like to add a little more about the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser I recently purchased. The vehicle passed our local emissions check with flying colors! Engine coolant does leak around and from the thermostat housing which looks like an easy repair. The electric radiator cooling fans work spot on. The transmission shifts and down shifts as well as a new car. For some reason my engine oil idiot light comes on almost daily. Not sure what the fuss is but the engine crank case is plenty full with oil. The engine itself sounds great! If and when I feel I should replace the timing belt, Ill Do it myself. I do have the “plane-Jane” model PT. This car is enjoyable to drive. I do recognize that the turning radius is much larger than would be expected. I do a lot of work and back seats are not needed, nice to have that option! My next move will be to polish it out and wax-it’s that nice ! This 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a reliable car , and I drive it well with in its capabilities. Thumbs up!!

My 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser