Chrysler Pt Cruiser?

Question

I'm interested in buying one as my first car because they're not too expensive..but i'm not sure how they handle, or how good they are with gas..all that goood stuff, can anyone tell me what they know about these cars?

Answer 1

The PT Cruiser is a nice car and handles pretty good. It is very similar to the Neon, but not the exact same platform.

As far as fuel mileage, expect to get around 20 in local driving, about 25 or a little better for highway driving. The turbo version has more power, and only slightly less fuel economy, maybe a few mpg difference.

Answer 2

I've had my 2002 PT cruiser since I bought it new in 2002.
I bought it because it had a very good rating in consumer's reports - much higher quality than the Neon even though it's a similar platform.
I have not had any problem with it so far (80,000 miles). Just had to do the usual maintenance - brakes, oil change, filters, etc.
I consistently get 24 MPG with mixed highway and city driving (not that great in other words). I can manage about 25 or 26 if it's majority highway. In the winter, the fuel mileage is a bit worse, but not much.
In my opinion, these cars are very basic - they have what you need, but no extras. Maybe the newer ones (2006 - 2008) are better in this regard. I mean no MP3 player, no GPS, no deluxe anything. But i guess that's what you're looking for - an affordable car.
One last thing - these cars carry a LOT of stuff for their size. I could not believe how much stuff I could cram inside when I moved last year. And it's kinda fun to configure and move the seats around in the supposedly 26 different configurations/combinations.
I think you'll like the car if you get it.

Answer 3

I've had one for several years now, and love how it handles. You can take out the back seats to easily carry big loads, there is a shelf in mine that makes transporting grocery bags easier, and it is fairly roomy. When people sit in the back seat they have plenty of head room, and have mentioned that it is comfortable. Mine has been very reliable-only routine maintenance needed so far. The down sides....gas mileage usually is only about 24mpg for the 4-cyl (that's a mix of city and highway miles), and any repairs under the hood become expensive because they usually have to lift up the engine to do just about anything. Other than those, I love it! Oh, just to note, I have a friend that got a convertible...okay if not transporting more than 2 people with the top UP. It doesn't have much head room for people, and not as comfortable in the back. The convertible also does not have the trunk space. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

You should know that the PT is known for having brakes that make noise. The front discs seems to last about 20,000 miles, the back, if you get the drums, last longer. I'm not sure about discs in the back, but I would imagine they last longer then the fronts. My drums have 40+ K and are still good. In fact I just checked them Saturday and they can go another 15K miles. I have had the fronts replace twice. and I just went over 42,000. This is typical of discs on the front as they provide most of the stopping power.

Answer 5

My friend owns an 06 and he isn't happy with the fuel mileage he has been averaging less than 23 mpg with his in mixed mostly highway driving.Because of his experience I checked out the chevy hhr and bought it.I've been averaging 2 to 3 mpg better than him with my car crammed with work items and his empty.Both the PT and the Chevy HHr are designed by the same engineer.Test drive both in automatic compare road noise and quality of interior items and I'll be surprised if you don't like the hhr better.

Answer 6

They handle like any other car. at least they are not stolen like Hondas or Toyotas!!

Anyway, they are very close to the Dodge Neon, but with a different body.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1416&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1106977572

Answer 7

Consider this Honda, toytota or Nissan. You will be happier in the long run.