New here..some questions:)

[willz0072002]

Hi all...

I am about to take on a 2001 pt cruiser. Not sure if it is touring, but its the 2.4 litre auto non turbo, but has leather and moonroof. While the online reviews are really bad, I'm hoping since I'm picking up a very clean unit very cheap, and there's a ton on the road, replacement and repairs wont be such a big deal as when they were new..plus i didnt pay $17000 for it. Down side it does have 160k..am i taking on a death curse?

Mileage...how could i increase it? I read an intake and KN, high end plugs/wires help alot.

Tranny..they suck dont they (auto)

Brakes...they suck too huh..?

Yes this car has 160k...kinda scary yes, but I do have a good mechanic..

What do you guys think..Im getting this for under 3k...most of that is in trade. It is very clean, one of the classiest units ive seen with the color scheme (dark silver with chrome wheels, grey leather interior)

thanks in advance for any and all input !

[Travis2k7]

Originally Posted by willz0072002

Yes this car has 160k...kinda scary yes, but I do have a good mechanic..

Are you getting maintenance records? You should find out the status on the timing belt/water pump etc.. etc... because that is a ballpark $1000 job.

With that many miles it should have been done at least once, but you never know.

[willz0072002]

Hi. thanks for the response..timing belt was just done, new serpentine belt as well. I'm also hoping with the high mileage most maintenance was done..wishful thinking it has no maintenance records.

I live down the street from a junkyard, and parts seem to be plentiful, so...? I dont think these cars are known as high mileage kings, although the neons are...and they have the same motor?

[cdynaco]

Originally Posted by willz0072002

Hi. thanks for the response..timing belt was just done, new serpentine belt as well. I'm also hoping with the high mileage most maintenance was done..wishful thinking it has no maintenance records.

I live down the street from a junkyard, and parts seem to be plentiful, so...? I dont think these cars are known as high mileage kings, although the neons are...and they have the same motor?

I used the same reasoning as you to buy mine as a winter fwd vehicle as to a million on the road, plenty of parts, plenty of non Dealer repair shops that should have experience with them, etc.

The mediocre mileage must be because of the weight is all I can figure. Either that or the power band is too weak at the lower rpm's to be efficient in top gear O/D. My first tankful was 25.0 mpg hiway climbing from sea level (where I bought it) to 4200' where I live. Other 16v DOHC's I've had back in the 70's - 90's were 27+ so its close. I haven't had it long enough to figure my local combo mileage but geez, my Mustang is only a few hundred pounds heavier - and a V8 - and I get 23.5 local combo, 27 hiway on cruise if I stay out of it. So I'm a bit disappointed in the PT mileage but it beats the winter clunker I had.

I tried hard to find a new/pretty new 5 spd that would work within my numbers, but couldn't put a deal together after 4 tries (I wanted some factory warranty left since I'm not that familiar with the PT). So I settled for the auto and I'll definitely treat top gear as an overdrive - no rough stuff and no lugging - and change tranny fluid and filters more often that required. Because I'm not reading where the more recent years had any manufacturer upgrades for the weak tranny or some other recurrent issues.

And I just checked last night and my 18 month old car already has cloudy headlights.

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome.
Brakes don't suck with decent rotors and pads. I got 1 set of disks from NAPA - their best (they have more than 1 price level) and also got a set from Tire Rack - Brembo - both were great.
Pads - get ceramics - I like Raybestos. Braking was much better than stock, and NO DUST.

Mileage - make sure the tires are inflated - I go a few PSI over the door sticker value.

The rest you seem to have a handle on.