found an '01 Cruiser for sale - opinions

[MJ]

Hi all - found your site and have a few questions about PT's. Have always wanted one and found an '01 with 74K mi. on it. I live in PA and was wondering about its handling in the snow. Also, is 74K nearing the end of it's trouble free existence? What can I expect to go wrong at this point? It's in great shape - a 5 spd. Is an automatic any better than the manual? Thanks - I really hope to be contributing something other than picking your brains soon!

[Sandy-GRR8PT]

How much are they asking for it...and does it come with any warranty??

[Mean Green]

Automatic has had problems while the 5 speed holds up well.

[bobs turbo pt]

i havnt had any problems in the snow or otherwise either they are great cars , i have one and wife has her own !! good luck kep us posted

[MJ]

They are asking $6500 for it - 3 mo. 3500 mi. power train warranty only

[quicksilverdon]

I'd say that's good if it's a Limited, okay if it's a base edition.
5-speeds are more reliable than autos, give better mileage and performance.
Here's a sample of PTs for you:
http://ptenthusiasts.org/forum/showthread.php?t=56239

at around 100K miles, you should have timing belt replaced (and water pump gets done at same time).
That's about it. With an Auto, you should have the auto tranny fluid flushed at around 50K miles.
I went 87,000+ miles on my '02, and all I had done was the auto tranny flush.

[ptlovr]

I live in Phila,Own a 2005 Pt that just flipped to 31,000 miles and have had absolutely no problems running wise or with the snow if that helps you.I have also been up tp the Pocono Mtns with it and had no problems in the more vast amounts of snow that they get up there either.IMHO you should definately get it

[fritz_t_coyote]

Standard advice for anyone looking at used cars:

Make sure it ain't a "Katrina Car"... check the National Insurance Crime Bureau's flood car database:

https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/SI.../hs.xsl/79.htm

(also accessible from their homepage: http://www.nicb.org
click on 'theft & fraud awareness' then 'flood vehicle database')

Other then that: with decent all-season or winter tires the 5 speed is ok in snow. With the ABS/Traction control package it is even better.