I've seen these around since they came out (old news, I realize) but have never been in one until yesterday when I was given one to use while my car's being fixed (that's another story, thank God for Hyundai's 50,000/100,000 mile warranty).

Anyway, the car drives fine but seems to have zero visibility to the side. Biggest blind spot I've ever seen. And when I turn to look out either side window, the headrests block my view.

When these came out, I think they were rather expensive compared to other cars of the same size. Don't know if they still are but can't figure out why they'd be so overpriced.

Does anyone have anymore knowledge or experience with these than I do?

From what I can tell, folks purchase these as the final car before they move into the retirement home.

Consumer reports states their reliability is above average.

And you know why Hyundai came up with that outrageously long warranty, right?

Hi Saul,
I hope I have another car between now and the retirement home but I do currently drive a 2003 PTC. There definitely is a blind spot when using the driver's side mirror, as when checking the left lane to see if it is safe to enter. I find however that I don't actually have to turn my head around, but rather just turn slightly and use my peripheral vision. I don't find it to be a major problem. I think my wife's old Volvo was much worse. The thing that I really don't like in the PTC is the speedometer face -- it is white, and is very difficult to read in twilight or in other conditions of reduced visibility, even with the headlights on which should illuminate the numbers on the dial. The visability through the windshield is slightly limited when looking up -- e.g., when stopped at a red light. Minor issue. I have found the interior to be well designed overall, seats are moderately comfortable with an adjustable tensioner for the lumbar spine.It doesn't do much for me. Mechanically it has been very sound. I like the car but am not wildly enthusiastic about it. It doesn't have a great deal of power, but I do not have the turbo version.
This was one of those cars that was a "compromise" with the wife. I had been the one who had been driving mini-vans for the previous 20 years as our children were growing up, and my van was on life support -- wife had the Volvo and then an Explorer. I actually wanted a Miata -- about the same price($20-23K)but the wife really dug her heels in and the car wars were on. Then one day I was driving my beatup minivan home in miserable DC weather -- 98 degrees, 98% humidity -- and my AC did not work. It made me rethink the whole convertible idea. The tide turned when she said "Why don't you wait until the kids are out of college and get a real sportscar -- and what I asked for clarification, she said, "Well, like a Corvette that you always wanted." Hello PT Cruiser. So my daughter graduates in May 06, my son in December 06 and I hope to have a yellow Coupe in the stable shortly thereafter!
Be happy to answer any questions Saul; my email is in my profile.

quote:

Originally posted by saulphx:

Does anyone have anymore knowledge or experience with these than I do?

Yes, they make you look gay. So do small Suv's, minivans, and pretty much all newer VW's.

quote:

Yes, they make you look gay. So do small Suv's, minivans, and pretty much all newer VW's.

SHF Which one of those do you drive?

JC

quote:

Originally posted by Cavphoto:

quote:

Yes, they make you look gay. So do small Suv's, minivans, and pretty much all newer VW's.

SHF Which one of those do you drive?

JC

None of the above thankfully

To be honest, i really hate these cars. i dont like the way they look at all. I dont know what it is about them, especially the wood paneled model.

quote:

Originally posted by dan_speece:
The tide turned when she said "Why don't you wait until the kids are out of college and get a real sportscar -- and what I asked for clarification, she said, "Well, like a Corvette that you always wanted." Hello PT Cruiser. So my daughter graduates in May 06, my son in December 06 and I hope to have a yellow Coupe in the stable shortly thereafter!
Be happy to answer any questions Saul; my email is in my profile.

LOL That is awesome!!!

Just remember, they are slow and handle like a stick of butter. They are based on the Neon platform, so they have loads of body roll and are a bit numb on the ride. Also keep in mind it's a Chrysler (and not one of those Mercedes/Chrysler things) so your transmission will blow up and your air conditioner will die in the time frame that you own the car.

My Mom's Dad was an employee of Chrysler, so our family had the small percentage over factory discount. My Mom and Dad drove them for years and every_single_one had major repairs before it hit 75K miles. My Mom finally got so fed up with their Bull$hit that she went and bought an Acura 3.5RL (which I find rather boring, but they are reliable). She has had two now (MDX) and both of them have driven 150K+ miles with exactly 0 major repairs.

I work for an auto insurance company. Any time you have a Chrysler product, you're leaving yourself open to have your car stolen. They are probably the easiest cars on the market to steal, on an overall basis. PT Cruisers are not a hot theft item, but the fact still remains. Also, they wrinkle pretty easily when involved in an impact.

I think the only model of PT that looks halfway decent is the solid panel van style. This isn't the wood panel, but a utility model with solid steel sides where the rear windows would normally be. I always thought it would look cool to make a mini A-Team styled van out of one of these panel models.

I saw the Brian Setzer Orchestra a few years back at the Philly Auto show and it was the panel style and was on eof the few that I would actually be seen driving. I can't find my pics of it,but here is one off the web.

quote:

Originally posted by grouch0:
I work for an auto insurance company. Any time you have a Chrysler product, you're leaving yourself open to have your car stolen. They are probably the easiest cars on the market to steal, on an overall basis. PT Cruisers are not a hot theft item, but the fact still remains. Also, they wrinkle pretty easily when involved in an impact.

Welcome, Groucho. Another one of us insurance dudes!! There are at least 5 of us here, administration, adjusting, agency,...

I hate them. I think they look like a Nazi squad car. My father's company just switched there fleet cars to Chryler's, so when he trades his Taurus in this fall he's getting a PT Cruiser. He had the choice of a Sebring or the PT. I would have chosen the Sebring. He and my mom think the PT is cool.

quote:

And you know why Hyundai came up with that outrageously long warranty, right?

Okay, I'll bite. Why?

as far as I've heard the PT cruiser was built around the dodge neon chasis, pretty weak platform to build on I think. Other than that, being a former junkyard dog I haven't heard much griping about the car mechanically for what its worth.