New '03 PT , What to watch for?

[bitbyter]

I just recently purchased a 2003 PT Cruiser and was hoping someone with experience could enlighten me as to what to look out for regarding future repairs or known problem components?

I am mainly asking about things I should mention to my mechanic to keep an eye on when I take it in to be serviced. Also, if anyone can suggest maintenance improvements that can be made over the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance...

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome.
How many miles on it?
Just some guides, based on my experience...
20-30,000 miles - Ignition wires need replacing (use Crane wires www.RaceAndStreet.com) - replace plugs (at 0.040) at same time.
Tires are probably shot - I love my Michelin Hydroedge - better life and handling
Brakes - front pads - get ceramics (I chose Raybestos) and they last and black dust is gone.

If you have an auto, at around 50,000 miles, have it flushed (not just drained) and be sure they use ATF + 4 (or 5) ONLY - runs about $175.

At around 100,000 miles - have timing belt replaced - with the water pump. Varies, but around $700.

I would recommend synthetic oil (Mobil 1) - there is no question that it's better than regular oil.

That's it. Enjoy.

[bitbyter]

It has 78, 000 km on it (I'm in Canada). So I should look at replacing:

Ignition Wires & Plugs (what are the signs that this needs to be done?)
Tires (will probably only do if they show signs of wear)
Brakes (same as above)
Auto Transmission Flush (I believe the dealer is doing this but I will check)

Timing Belt & Water pump (miles to km 160, 000 km? does that sound right?)

Anything else anyone can think of that I can budget for either to replace right way or for preventative maintenance? Anything that is known to be a problem part that I can have my mechanic keep an eye on when I go in for regular maintenance?

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by bitbyter

It has 78, 000 km on it (I'm in Canada). So I should look at replacing:

Ignition Wires & Plugs (what are the signs that this needs to be done?) It starts to "hesitate" or "cough" or "stumble" either at idle or when you accelerate.
Tires (will probably only do if they show signs of wear) Of course. If they aren't Goodyear, they've already been replaced
Brakes (same as above)
Auto Transmission Flush (I believe the dealer is doing this but I will check)

Timing Belt & Water pump (miles to km 160, 000 km? does that sound right?)
Yes. Insist dealer get you an owner's manual - it's in there. The bums always throw them out.

Anything else anyone can think of that I can budget for either to replace right way or for preventative maintenance? Anything that is known to be a problem part that I can have my mechanic keep an eye on when I go in for regular maintenance?

Other things that MAY arise - power steering (groaning or squealing or leaking)
Lights - fog lights stay on - it's the multifunction switch.
Remote Locking - locks go beserk - it's the Remote Keyless Entry Module (RKEM) above/behind the radio.

Now, nobody I know of had all those things happen, and I and most PT owners never had any of them happen, but they've happened enough that I remember several instances.
Hope that helps.

[ptma767]

deer wach for deer they can cause a real problem. hope your enjoying your pt!!!