Buying a 2002 PT Cruiser

[drumdoctor]

I am looking at buying a 2002 PT Cruiser with less than 100K miles.

It has been well cared for.

What are some things I should know about the PT Cruiser?

Any quirks? Problems? Tips?

It is a stock base model--what simple things can be done to increase the gas mileage and reliability.

[VsandFords]

Welcome to the forum from Texas.

Keep in mind that the timing belt WILL need to be replaced around 100,000 miles. I bought my 01' three years ago with 93,006 miles. At that time replaced upper and lower motor mounts, lower control arms, inner and out tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, thermostat, radiator cooling fan, plugs, wires and two tires. By 100,000 also replaced strut assemblies, shocks and watts link. My TB broke at 110,000. I was being stubborn and tried my luck.

Take things like this into consideration on the price when buying. To me all of these are parts that you normally will replace during ownership.

Overall, GREAT multi purpose vehicle! As an added benefit, they look COOL!

[_PTGT03]

Originally Posted by drumdoctor

I am looking at buying a 2002 PT Cruiser with less than 100K miles.

It has been well cared for.

What are some things I should know about the PT Cruiser?

Any quirks? Problems? Tips?

It is a stock base model--what simple things can be done to increase the gas mileage and reliability.

Get a toyota corolla or a hyundai. You should have known all this before registering on this forum !
This is NOT a fuel economy car. Nor is it as reliable and easy to maintain as a japanese econobox. Nothing you can do will improve any of what you're wanting. Listen, 100K miles is 160,000KM - all the rubber in the suspension will be rotted out, timing belt is due for replacement, same with engine mounts. The cost of doing all that work is more than you would buy it for.

Advantages: cheap initial used purchase price, unique body style appealing to a certain crowd, fun experience
Disadvantages: major maintenance costs will be over half the cost of the vehicle. poor fuel economy compared to similarly sized cars. low cost cars have low cost owners, they abuse maintenance and dont care about their property.

I suggest you think about it if this is the right car for you, and then use AutoTempest.com: The Best Used Car Search. to search for models - there's a lot of them, but you can find one that's right for your style and budget. Take care

[ptprice]

The PT Cruiser is very reliable, predictable and fun to drive. What can go wrong with a PT can go wrong in just about any car. If the age or mileage justifies don't hesitate to replace the timing belt. That's the PT's Achilles heel.

Gas mileage is no great shakes, 15 to 17 in town, 25 to 27 on the interstates. My PT SOOO BIG's non turbo engine is all I need in the way of power to get me in trouble.

If your a DIY, PTs can be reasonable to maintain. I support a lot of my PT's needs with raids on our local salvage yards as do a lot of Forum members.

Bottom line, if you decide to get one, a PT's a lot of fun to drive, classic lines, reminiscent of yesteryear, comfortable, and as the name implys, you'll come to consider your PT your "personal transportation". That'll have to be the reason you get one.

I think I echo what every PT Cruiser Forum member feels about their PT.

Happy PTin', ptprice