thinking about buying a pt

[chainsaw]

Hi there. Last weekend I tested a 2002 automatic cruiser and I loved it. But before I run out and get one I want to get as much info as I can.
The dealer told me they do great on gas (around 30 mpg) are great in snow etc.

but dealers say whatever they can to make you buy the car.

I guess I would like some pros and cons.
Also how high is the insurance? is it as expensive as a SUV would be?

any help you all can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[chainsaw]

i should probably also mention im looking to get an automatic. and i know gas milage is different in automatics and manuals

[Lucretia]

Chainsaw,

See Daffy's posting re: Should I or Shouldn't I. Some good pros and cons have been included there.

Good luck with your decision

[Jimbo]

Wife gets around 17intown and 27 highway, I never checked mine
I was surprizes how well it goes in the snow.
Fun to drive
endless mods.
insurance is higher than the Explorer we had before
that varys from state to state
Just a cool car.

[bigslim]

I bought mine as a second car and I will say it does very well in the snow. I get about 19 in the city. I wasn't going to do anything to it but I caught the bug. I got wheels and some other stuff for it too. You too will find lots of cool mods for it. Good luck with your decision.

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome, Chainsaw.
If 20s is around 30, then the dealer isn't lying. The mileage isn't terrible, but 30 is not gonna happen. I did find it good in snow - the weight is good for something.... As said above, look at other posts on Daffy's question:
http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/...?TOPIC_ID=8137

As to insurance, depends what you have now. You get a later year car, insurance will go up - guaranteed.

I always assume a dealer is lying - it's very often the case. Did he tell you a little old lady drove it???

[robinjoe]

I have a 2003 PT Cruiser GT (Turbo) which probably consumes a bit more gas than the standard PT. I get between 20 and 23 MPG in mixed ruch-hour and highway traffic.

The car is incredibly versatile with room for 8' long lumber and plenty of leg room in front and back. If it's used, make sure you get the rear shelf as part of the deal. It costs over $200 if you buy it from the dealer later, and it provides a nearly flat "floor" from the tailgate to the dashboard with the passenger seat down. If it's not included, user that to negotiate the price down a bit.

Also, check that the hood support rod is not bent. Sometimes people try to close the hood without removing the rod and they bend easily. A friend of mine closed my hood without removing the rod and the rod pushed up in to the hood denting it. Fortunately CarMax repaired the damage free of charge since I'd pointed out the bent rod before the hood damage (they had ordered a replacement which hadn't arrived yet).

I love the turbo PT. It's a blast to drive - Very fast and nimble.

[robinjoe]

PS. Here is my web page discussing some of the virtues of the PT Turbo GT
http://www.pbase.com/robinjoe/pt_cruiser

[KingKole02]

30mpg
Boy they sure say anything these days don't they.

Look the PT has aerodynamics of a brick, weighs 3150 or so, and has a big 2.4L 4 cylinder.
Don't think you'll ever see 30 mpg unless highway with alot of non-resrictive engine mods.

If enjoyment of owning a PT is to your likeing, along with the comfort, size/space, potential, and all around fun to drive vehicle is what you want then get it. But if you are concerned with gas milleage they you may want to keep looking.

Basically its a average of about 20 mpg overall with some being less and some being more. It has about a 13 gallon tank which fills up with about 11 gallons on almost empty.
With the price of gas in my area it will fill to 11 in about 23-25 dollars. Which will give me about 220-240 miles out of a tank full, recorded.

You go back to dealer and tell them you want the truth. And that you have many friends that all own PTs for the funny of the car. See what BS he will tell you then and come back to us again. I imagine he said it will tow a boat too, right?

[chainsaw]

lol

thanks! youve all been very helpful!