Welcome to the forum Lawchick,
If you learn how to post pictures I'd like to see what those chrome tires look like.
I have a 2001 with just under 100,000 miles and I plan on keeping it for a long time to come. If it's properly maintained it should last you a long time also. You sound like you have a good mechanic so have him go over the car for you. Go for a long ride and let it idle with the air conditioning on for at least 15 minutes. See it the temperature guage stays right below half way all the time. The first thing you might want to do is a tune up with new plugs and wires and a transaxle flush (not just drop the pan) but a complete flush.
Have your mechanic check the front end for worn bearings and check all the bushings. Both items seem to wear out prematurely on a lot of PT's and then again my front end has needed nothing. Luck of the draw.
Good luck.