wanna make 'er last: anything extra I should be doing?

[prettybluewoody]

Okay, first off, I drive a 2003 Limited edition; I'm her first and only owner, as well as the only driver. My baby just turned six years old this week, and just turned over to 73k miles the same day. I have always been a firm believer in preventative maintainence; she has no 'health' issues, she sees an honest and reliable mechanic, and is garaged at night. She's been in one relatively-minor accident (hit by an unlicensed driver at about 25 mph just in front of the front right wheel), and was fully and promptly repaired. Looks good inside and out, drives good, all is well.

My hope/plan/goal has always been to keep her until at least 150k, if not longer. At my current usage --- about 300 miles per week --- that'll be about five more years. Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas on anything extra I should be doing to make that goal?

[soonercruiser]

I've read that the PT engine (even if it isn't a turbo) will last much longer using synthetic oil. "They" say that Chrysler didn't plan on us using synthetic....and that can help you keep the car much longer than the 5 year average.
(Of course Chrysler didn't want the engine to last tooooooo long)
That's why I have the GT vert garaged, and I'm drivin' soonercruiser as my day car until I find a good, rich home for her!

[prettybluewoody]

'Five year average', huh? Well, then I must be doing things right, since we just finished year six!

[CREWZIN]

Since I bought mine in Sept 2000, I'm coming up to 8 1/2 years 96,000. I think it's Luck-of-the-draw if you buy one that doesn't have any problems. Let face it, we didn't pay an arm and a leg for these cars and I'm sure Chrysler didn't go out of their way to line up the cream of the crop for parts.

Just look at the ignition wires and plugs. That's the first thing we tell people to change and it solves a heck of a lot of problems.

Use good oil, frequent changes and a decent filter. We all know the TE41 transaxle isn't the greatest. The minivan with the same engine has been having problems way before the PT hit the market. A flush using ATF-4 or the newer synthetic trans fluid every 50K (or sooner) should help to extend the life on the tranny.

Best thing...preventive maintenance. Don't just keep driving till something goes wrong. Check it over yourself or have a mechanic do it.

I'm planning on a few more years with mine. Just flushed the brake fluid and changed both 02 sensors and I'm waiting for all the on-line parts for the timing belt change now. The front end was all checked over (bearings/bushings) and everything looks god.

[ptborder]

Daily use makes a real difference. My coworker has a '05 with 37,000 miles....but lots of short trips(less than 3 miles). So far, a head gasket, brakes, tires, cam sensor.
My '03 is all origional at 71,000 except plugs and wires.
My other coworker(yep, 3 of us in 1 office, 3 PT's)has a '02, 101,000 miles. New plugs only(too cheap to buy wires), tires. He changes oil IF he remembers to or the oil light stays on. The poor thing rattles, growls, misses, check engine lite stays on constant.......and just keeps going.

[quicksilverdon]

I agree with the above advice. Synthetic oil is worth the extra money. I change mine every 5,000 miles.
If you have an auto, have it flushed and refilled with ATF + 4 - should be done every 50,000 miles.
Plan on having the timing belt and water pump changed at about 100,000 miles.
Throw the stock ignition wires out and get good ones, like Cranes, and change plugs at the same time - set at 0.040.
I plan on keeping mine, too - only reason I traded my '02 was to get a turbo.

[joshdo7]

my 01' limted edition is 156k... how long till my cruiser is useless? can it go 30k more?

[soonercruiser]

It will only be useless, to you, when it is no longer useless TO YOU!

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by joshdo7

my 01' limted edition is 156k... how long till my cruiser is useless? can it go 30k more?

I put 195,000 on a '92 4-cyl Dodge Spirit - I called it quits when the auto wouldn't shift - and I never had the fluid changed!
Used synthetic oil in that and the engine was still good.
You can keep a car going forever - either pay as you go (maintenance) or on interrupt - fix/repair/replace.

[sptanz]

I own a 01 PT with 107,000 miles on it. Bought it new and have always maintained it myself. I use only synthetic lubricants, engine oil, brake fluid, chassis lube grease. I also recommend that you back flush the cooling system every two years and install fresh coolant. Change your brake pads to the new ceramic type and you won't get that awful brake dust all over your wheels. A Colgan front bra really helps protect the front end. Use a good quality polish and stay away from wax. Rotate your tires regularly and check air pressure often. Keep it clean, a good policy is to invest in good floor mats that catch and hold winters crud. Keep the air filter changed and listen and watch for anything out of the ordinary. Have the timing belt and tensioner replaced at 100K. PT's are well built cars but they are heavy and fuel economy isn't the best. However with care they will last and look new for a very long time.