Newbie - looking for my dream-cruiser

[Cookie67]

I am so excited! DH says I can finally have a PT Cruiser! We have 3 kids in college, and one needs a car, so my '96 Saturn will go to her - which means Mama will need a new car. I've wanted a PT Cruiser since I first saw one in 2000.

We'll get a used one, prob a 2004-2007, hopefully around 6-8K.

Any tips for me? (about which years to avoid, etc)

I'm hoping to have the wood look, so I'm leaning towards cream (vanilla?), dark green, and that tan-ish-gold color. I've seen wood on all those and it looks really nice. Someone told me that I'll need to get a kit. Anyone know about the wood kits? Is it difficult to apply?

Thanks!

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum Cookie,

All year cruisers had the same problems but like anything else, the newer the car the less likely you'll have problems...for awhile. Whatever you decide, have it checked over by a private mechanic before you buy if possible.

The color you described as "tan-ish gold" is either Linen Gold available in the 2005-2006 models or Light Almond which was available back in 2004 and earlier. Both look great IMHO with the woody package.

If you can't find a PT with the package already on it, there's a couple to choose from but I'd surely recommend you have it installed professionally.

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome.
The styling changed with the '06 model - some like the new ones, some don't.
One other thing to consider - the Auto always had 4 clutch packs, after '04 the non-turbo auto only got 2 clutch packs. I don't consider that a good thing.
If I were you, I'd look for an '04 on "turbo lite" - a turbo that uses regular gas. (The GT turbo needs premium). The GT also has 17" wheels, with more expensive tires, where the "lite" had 16". Base PTs have 15".
The "woodie" kit was a factory option.
If you get an auto, the auto fluid should be flushed every 50,000 miles, and ATF + 4 only in it.

[Cookie67]

Thanks for the info! I'll keep it in mind. I'm going to hold out for two things -a color I love and leather seats. We don't need it til summer, so hopefully I have some time...