PT Cruiser Forum

Hooligan · #31 (**permalink**) 12 Nov 2009, 03:51 pm

wanzewurld, Welcome to the Forum!! I'm going to cut & past some of your questions and add my answers:

2008 cruiser that will total out about $11,000, you don't mention what model, base (I think so, because of no cruise control, does it have the security system?) Touring or Limited. IMHO that is a lot of money for a base model that lists for 8 or 9K new most places.

It's a 4-banger and has surprising zip! It's a bit choppy ride and super-firm suspension. That is normal!!

BTW that price includes an extended warranty. What kind of warranty, Chrysler 60 months/60K miles or just the basic 7/70K on running gear? Stay away from anything except Chrysler extended.

One other accessory I'd love to have would be a sun roof. I'd actually like to have the kind that opens completely to let the wind run through. Most I've seen lately don't offer any ventilation.
We have had sun roofs on our last 2 PT's, I bet we haven't used them more than 1/2 dozen times each. With them open, the wind makes a "whoo-whoo" noise, so you have to open the back windows 1/2 inch to relieve the pressure

Again IMHO, not needed.

wanzewurld · #32 (**permalink**) 12 Nov 2009, 10:31 pm

Thanks for the reply. I'll get out tomorrow and get all of that info. It's the first time I've even considered buying a PT Cruiser so my lack of information at this state is legion. I didn't realize the retail would be that low. I believe the base price is $10,200 but I've got numbers running over. I've never even known anyone who owned a PT but it looks good and seems to "fit" me. I'll get back to you with more particulars fer shure though. Thanks again for the imput.
Wayne

quicksilverdon · #33 (**permalink**) 13 Nov 2009, 10:50 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanzewurld

I'm thinking about being new here. I've had my eye on a 2008 cruiser that will total out about $11,000 so I'm wondering if anyone here has anything I need to look for or look out for. It's a 4-banger and has surprising zip! It's a bit choppy ride and super-firm suspension. I love everything I've seen about it so far with the exception of no cruise control. Who would think of ordering or building a car without cruise control? Anyway I think it was a program car of some sort and has 33,600 miles. BTW that price includes an extended warranty. Any input would be appreciated. I plan on taking a wanderlust trip out west from Mississippi this spring and/or summer so I'd plan on a little bit of camping. One other accessory I'd love to have would be a sun roof. I'd actually like to have the kind that opens completely to let the wind run through. Most I've seen lately don't offer any ventilation.
From what I've read I can expect to spend about $500 to have cruise control added and I haven't even researched the sun roof.
For what it's worth, I'm a senior citizen, 63 years old and fairly handy with tools so I may be able to install a cruise for myself although I tend to leave anything that requires interior disassembly to a qualified person... Been there, done that, got in trouble too many times.

I'm 62, so don't sweat senior....;-)
The price is high for it not being loaded.
Agree w/Hooligan that only Chrysler extended warranty is worth it - and there are several variations - read how much "co-pay" or deductible and what's covered.
I disagree about sunroof - I LOVE mine. THe noise it only at highway speeds, and then I don't slide it back but tilt it open, which is minimal noise. In town, having it wide open is great. I use it all the time except in rain...
I suggest you look around - you can find better deals - with cruise and sunroof - for that price range. For $11,000, you can get a new one (okay, maybe not with sunroof).
Try how I bought my '02 - go to Chrysler website - find "get a quote" - you put in your zip code & it gives you dealers in your area. Email them and tell them what you want (sunroof, cruise, A/C, auto, etc) New/used, and ask for prices.
About half will tell you you have to come in and talk - tell them not to waste your time - I got replies that varied over $1,000 from high to low - I printed out the email from the low dealer, went in and bought my PT.
It was painless, and better than playing the usual games.

wanzewurld · #34 (**permalink**) 13 Nov 2009, 02:15 pm

I haven't got out yet to get the information on the used 2008 I'm looking at but I did go the Chrysler site and apply for a quote. Apparently it was about a minute or less before I got a call confirming my request and the operator said she'd pass my information along to a local dealer so the gears are in motion. I'll probably wind up getting a new one but I can definitely say my visit here was time well spent. I'm not a trade-em-up-every-couple-of years type of guy and prefer to keep something I like for quite a few years... I'm presently driving a '91 Cadillac Sedan De Ville and a rather bucolic '94 Chevy S-10 4-banger that'll make you think twice before pulling out into traffic so I've got both ends of the power and comfort range and I love them both. I'll probably wind up getting rid of the Caddy because I do electrical work here and there, now and then. I'm retired, not dead!
I lost my wife this past March following a 9-year long battle with Hepatitis-C, cirrhosis, and finally a peaceful death before she entered stage 10 of hepatic encephalopathy- a debilitating and progressive dementia course that would have been unpleasant for both her and me.
That said, I'm ready to take a sabbatical and get away from home for a while. We'd always discussed taking a trip out west and seeing the mountains, deserts, Grand Canyon, and wide-open spaces. We both realized it would never happen together but neither one of us made mention of that sad fact. The dream was enough to sustain us both.
When I sat in the PT I realized I'd found my vehicle and now I'm ready to begin preparations for my journey of a lifetime or perhaps two lifetimes would be more appropriate.
I don't know what Chrysler's incentives programs are like now but fortunately I'm well enough off financially that I'll probably put up a CD security for a bank loan and still have plenty of gas and expense money left over to see our dream.
I'll keep the group posted on how it goes just in case any other newbies could profit from my experience.
Thanks to both of you for your replies. You'll never know how much they've meant to me. I suppose the only way I could have come out any better was to have been able to jump on the cash for clunkers bandwagon; someone will hopefully still have many years to enjoy my old Caddy. It's still in good shape and a screamer off the line and jaw-droppingly quick around the slowpokes on 2-lane highways! I'll miss that car.

You get what you INSPECT - Not what you EXPECT!
Words to live by, those.

quicksilverdon · #35 (**permalink**) 13 Nov 2009, 03:22 pm

I would strongly recommend you look into a turbo - it has 180 HP instead of the stock 150, uses regular gas, gets the same or better mileage, and tolerates higher altitudes better. I'm not talking the GT, which needs premium gas, and puts out 200+ HP.
It does cost more up front, but I've had both, and the turbo is sweet when passing....

knightrider · #36 (**permalink**) 13 Nov 2009, 04:14 pm

Hey Sweet Gurl. Just wanted to let you know. I think you might want check out pteazer.com That's where I got all my mods for my last cruiser. Just reminding you though. It's very addicting. Have fun and keep cruizin.

wanzewurld · #37 (**permalink**) 14 Mar 2010, 10:03 am

I wound up getting it and it's a pretty involved story which I wrote up in story form. If you'd like a copy just ask and I'll get it to you somehow. I bought an extended warranty and wound up paying a tad over $8,000. It's super-clean and I've been loving it. All of my passengers have had positive remarks as well and have commented on how comfortable it is front and back. Thanks to everyone for their replies and comments. I got a custom license plate (First ever!). I'll post a picture if someone would tell me where to put it up.
I'd forgotten about this site but I'll be returning regularly now. I'm going to do some traveling this summer and will post a blog somewhere; I haven't decided where yet though. I haven't looked at this site completely and there may be blog space available here.
Now I'm looking for a shelf for a decent price.

Cheers

wanzewurld · #38 (**permalink**) 14 Mar 2010, 11:05 am

I wound up getting it and it's a pretty involved story which I wrote up in story form. If you'd like a copy just ask and I'll get it to you somehow. I bought an extended warranty and wound up paying a tad over $8,000. It's super-clean and I've been loving it. All of my passengers have had positive remarks as well and have commented on how comfortable it is front and back. Thanks to everyone for their replies and comments. I got a custom license plate (First ever!). I'll post a picture if someone would tell me where to put it up.
I'd forgotten about this site but I'll be returning regularly now. I'm going to do some traveling this summer and will post a blog somewhere; I haven't decided where yet though. I haven't looked at this site completely and there may be blog space available here.
Now I'm looking for a shelf for a decent price.

Cheers