Calling those in the know...

[CassielFell]

I know there's a trillion threads on here about mileage, performance, etc.. But I like to hear things directly from the horse's mouth..
Back in November I got a pretty good deal on a 2005 PT with 38,500 miles, only one owner, original warranty and optional extended warranty from the dealer..

She's electric blue, clean, cute.. and I had to have her. Traded in my ZX2, which was a workhorse, and brought my PT home.
I like this car, alot. It's roomy, the BF is happier than a clam in it (in fact he often sleeps like a wee babe), it handles surprisingly well for it's overall build.. and yes, I have put it through it's paces, has decent get up and go, and is just, overall, pleasant.

Now, I'm having the fuel issues. My past two Escorts averaged about 30 miles to a gallon, despite being driven like stunt cars. The PT, not so much.... 17 on a bad day, 26 on a good day. I'm pretty sure the plugs and whatnot are still stock..
So, I just have a couple questions.. she's due for inspection next month, so I'm going to just get a tuneup too..

What plugs and wires are recommended?

And how long should I expect this car to last?

[Hooligan]

CassielFell, Welcome to the Forum!!! See my info below my sig for the plug and wires I have put on my NA. Champion plugs are also good. Your mileage is about the normal for the PT. Timing belt change at around 100K as well as water pump, serpentine belt.
Have fun & enjoy,

[Cathy06PT]

I had a tune-up between 45k and 49k with new mopar wires and plugs...Nothing aftermarket. Someone else might say go outside Mopar, but I just stick with what it came with. ( Mine is a non-turbo convert, as pictured below ) I'm sure it'll last as long as you want given it's matained well and regular oil changes. Also check the pcv valve, I had mine replaced at 22k, I forget why but it needed it at the time ( I have 52k on mine right now.)

PT's arn't known for excellent gas mileage, Mine is like 19 city and 28 Highway, or something like that, maybe 26, I'd have to go look at the original window sticker, but I'd def. get the 30K Mile service because I noticed my car started to get kinda sluggish before I did the tune-up and fuel injector cleaning. Shop around though, dont go to the dealer because they were going to charge me between 550 and 600 before taxes to do that, but for my luck my boyfriend's brother is a mechanic and I only paid for parts. Also check tire pressure, under or over inflated tires can cause bad mileage.

They are fun cars, especially for summer crusin' ( atleast for me, LOL ) but it'll last as long as it's taken care of Hope some of that helped :-)

[crusierdad76]

well for sure get a good set of platinum plugs
I went with a set of MSD wires----- most on here will for sure tell you that the stock plugs and wires are just to get it off the dealers lot and should be pulled and replaced as soon as you can--the sooner the better
I run a bottle of sea foam through my fuel system like every other month it helps keep the injectors clean as far fuel millage its not to good i get right at 21 and mine is like 90% interstate but it sure looks good sitting in the parking lot,,
how long will ti last is up for grabs pretty much like cathy said as long as you keep it maintained
With your tune up Id go for syntactic oil and a good wix oil filter but everyone is a little different on what they like

saddly it probably may not last as long as the escort them things are like cockroaches they just never die ( I have one whit 250,000 miles on it and it still starts and runs just not much body left)

[quicksilverdon]

First off, stock wires don't last - the Crane wires do - only 25 ohms/ft - the energy goes to the spark, not lost in the wire.
Platinum plugs last longer, (but don't use them in a turbo, copper or iridium only in a turbo) and gap at 0.040 ( careful of the center post).
Synthetic oil is just plain better for your engine and gives a little bit better mileage.
Biggest, easiest boost? Keep your tires inflated! Check them often (always when cold) and fill at least to what door sticker says (I go a couple PSI over).
Chuck the stock air filter and get a K&N replacement - about $45, but with a $15 cleaning kit, it's the last air filter you'll ever need, and it flows better.
You still won't get Prius mileage, but I get 25+ MPG OVERALL for 70,000+ miles.

[Franksredpt]

My '02 has 93.000 miles and still gets about 21 city. Best it ever got on the highway was 26. Changed the stock wires and plugs at 70.000 but the car was still running fine befoe I changed them. Went with platinum plugs and Crane wires. You'll love the car, just don't expect great mileage.