2003 VS 2007 PT

[mjb457]

OK apples to apples which year provides the most trouble free of the two years only??Who has has both years '03&'07 & all opinions welcome. Lets get this rolling thanks

[Roadcuda]

I have an '03 non turbo 5 speed just under 40,000 miles. I had an alternator bearing go bad at around 15,000 miles, was covered by warrenty, and a rod for the drivers door lock break. Other then that there have been no problems, and I get good gas mileage with it.

[SRG]

Wife had an 03 touring edition, bought used at 20k miles. Now she has an 07 PCH edition, bought new on Halloween 07.

The 03 had constant problems with belts and the belt tensioner. We had the belt tensioner replaced 3 times under warrenty, and finally it stayed quiet for the next 35,000 miles.

At about 70,000 miles, belts were squeeking again, and the check engine light was on for the evap system. Also, the headlights were fogged.

We decided to trade it in for the Pacific Coast Highway edition, which at that time, was selling as an 07 leftover, with $3000 rebate.

Shes had it over a year now, 23,000 miles and only had it to the dealer to have the front wheels rebalenced.

Except for the problems listed, the 03 was always dependable, got as good gas mileage as any PT and had pretty good pickup.

The 07 has the benefit of the redesign, so there is some more sound-deadening in the car, and it works. It also is equipped with the EVIC, which is the electronic display for the driver, compass, temp, mpg, miles to empty, and you can change personal settings there too.

We like the 07 better, although this is also a product of it being a more espensive model too.

srg

[mjb457]

Has realiabilty improved form '03 to '07? How comfortable are the seats in the '07 compared to the '03? MPG better or worse??

[SRG]

Except for the belt tensioner problems, the 03 was very reliable for the 50k miles we had it. We've only had the 07 PCH for 23K miles, but has given us NO problems whatsoever.

The both cars have the same engine, (4cyl 2.4L) and the same transmission, so it's no surprise the mpg is about the same, 21 mpg combination city/highway driving.

Since I'm a big person, (6'3") and a little heavy, the newer seat design of the 07 feels a little more restrictive than the 03. However, if I had to choose between them, I would choose the 07, because the whole car seems to have benefited from the 06 redesign.

Let us know how you make out.

srg

[mjb457]

SRG: IT was sold when I called today.... not meant to be..still cruising my Chromed Touring '03 (maybe Ill put 150K on it if LUCKY??) thanks for input.& help...cool: