PT Cruiser Forum

tempest0mouthy · #1 (**permalink**) 21 Nov 2009, 03:27 pm

Okay, so 10/30 I had p0340. Took it to well rec'd nearby mech who was in the free towing range of AAA. He replaced cam shaft senor and it worked fine for a week. Then, 11/6 got p0344. He put old part back on and refunded my money. Took it to nearest dealership who said new, MOPAR sensor didn't fix it and want to do a bunch of other stuff for big $$$. Towed her to my mech, who only found a leak in the water pump so did that and timing for way less. Never saw engine light or had trouble the multiple times they drove her to try and make sure nothing else really was wrong. I have driven her with no problems since getting her back from them 11/17. But I'm still gun shy due to her running fine for a week before.

We're supposed to take a trip from Atl GA to NYC in mid-Dec. I wanted to take the Cruiser, as she's our newest car and bigger and more comfortable than my husband's 94 Celica. More room is especially good since our friend in NYC wants a ride home for Christmas and the back seat of a PTC is far better than the back seat of a Celica. But again, I'm freaked out. Buying AAA this weekend regardless (waiting on my friend to send me her referral info). But what would you guys do if you were in my shoes? I've only had my PTC since March, so I have only had about 6 mos experience with them...

We'd prefer not to rent a car since saving money that way = more for NYC. And I can not fly because just looking at ticket prices gives me severe panic attacks from anxiety over flying. Also, the Celica has never had problems, so our only concern is the comfort level and spaciousness, though her other perk is better mileage. So, again I ask - what would you do if it was you?

cdynaco · #2 (**permalink**) 21 Nov 2009, 04:40 pm

I would drive it as much as possible in the next few weeks - traffic & highway speed. Push it a bit. That should tell you if the mechanic covered all bases.
If all is well you'll have AAA for backup for the trip and check into what your insurance provide if stranded on a trip. But its probably all good and ready to run now!

quicksilverdon · #3 (**permalink**) 21 Nov 2009, 04:47 pm

You should be fine with the PT.
Highway is actually easier on a car than Stop-n-go.

tempest0mouthy · #4 (**permalink**) 21 Nov 2009, 05:02 pm

Thanks guys - you are both making me feel a little better! <3

When the mech drove her and couldn't get her to do anything but drive great, he pushed her hard on the highway a couple times to really test her. I have been kinda gentile with her, because I feel like she 'tricked' me before, LOL! I mean, I never drove her hard, but I am definitely going a bit lax out of fear.

I do plan on seeing how she is until we are getting ready to leave before I really make a decision. The mech even said he really gave her an extra thorough comb over since the dealership had 'found' so many things, but he could only find the water pump. He said she seemed fine to go to NYC and just to pay attention to her until then to see if I felt comfortable.