Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: oboe on October 07, 2005, 11:49:58 AM

Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: oboe on October 07, 2005, 11:49:58 AM
OK, who has one and how do you like it?

I can never take my eyes off one when I see it, but don't know if I'd buy one as I don't think they get very good mileage for being such a small car.   But they seem pretty versatile, and it seems like the retro styling would appeal to guys crazy about WWII airplanes.

I asked my Dad about them once and his reply was, "Why would I want a brand new car that looks like a '38 Dodge?"

They've been out a few years now and I wonder if their reliability is typical of Chrylser cars - average at best?
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Sandman on October 07, 2005, 11:56:57 AM
Underneath that bloated exterior is a Dodge Neon.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Nilsen on October 07, 2005, 11:57:12 AM
what the *bleep* is a PT cruiser?
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Toad on October 07, 2005, 11:58:48 AM
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser  (http://research.cars.com/go/crp/safety.jsp?makeid=10&modelid=4667&year=2005&crpPage=summary.jsp&aff=usatoday)

The JD Power Mechanical Quality and Body & Interior Quality ratings are 2 out of 5.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Nilsen on October 07, 2005, 12:00:20 PM
Oh those.. :)
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Sandman on October 07, 2005, 12:07:11 PM
FWIW, the JD Power Mechanical Quality rating for my truck (http://research.cars.com/go/crp/summary.jsp?logtype=6&aff=usatoday&call=crp&makeid=36&year=2000&modelid=3318) is 2 out of 5.

I've had just one problem and it was a common one to Xterra and Frontier, hairline cracks on the exhaust manifold. Warranty covered it so it wasn't a big deal.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: RightF00T on October 07, 2005, 12:11:29 PM
Friends don't let friends drive PT Cruisers.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Octavius on October 07, 2005, 12:23:55 PM
PT Losers suck.  They're not small, more like a slightly condensed minivan.  Turning radius is horrible.  My folks called the other day and said they got rid of theirs (finally) and traded up for a Silverado. :)  Perfect timing for a V8 dontcha think?

Teh suck, stay away.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: oboe on October 07, 2005, 12:28:26 PM
Gotta be a buyers market for V8s about now....
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: indy007 on October 07, 2005, 12:33:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Sandman
Underneath that bloated exterior is a Dodge Neon.


Yup. Watched a few make it to 60k miles like champs... and then promptly begin falling apart.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: GtoRA2 on October 07, 2005, 12:52:24 PM
I know a few people who have them and they love them.  No complaints other then lack of power.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Holden McGroin on October 07, 2005, 01:22:21 PM
PT Crusier is better lookin than Chevy's clone...

(http://car-reviews.automobile.com/images/cars/ArtImages/33882/alt01.jpg)

But that ain't saying much
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Hangtime on October 07, 2005, 01:35:00 PM
I just wish the GM thing was longer.

I've always wanted a retro lookin van.. even priced out having a 40's Dodge, Chevy or Ford bakery/delivery truck re-engined and painted up military-TMP colors.

(http://www.rasloto.com/gallery/dodge/40dodge_panel-1617.jpg)

For hauling around giant scale model planes, of course.
;)
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: SirLoin on October 07, 2005, 01:43:52 PM
That Chevy clone is hillarious!..Sorta reminds me of when Suzuki tried to clone Honda's V4 Magna back in the 80's...Too bad Chevy didn't name it the "Madura"
Title: Options
Post by: A_Clown on October 07, 2005, 01:58:38 PM
The new convertible is pretty cool, and I think you can get it with a turbo to increase the power. But of course the turbo will need a bit more service attention down the long road- decisions decisions. They are fairly popular and I know of several Cruiser Clubs.

Still very few convertibles around, and the top is a design marvel IMO. Long, and well insulated, and automated. Neat to watch it go up and down.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Sp4de on October 07, 2005, 04:17:24 PM
(http://www.carphotoalbums.com/photos/data/874/411-med.jpg)
Toaster on wheels is better
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Hangtime on October 07, 2005, 04:23:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Sp4de
(http://www.carphotoalbums.com/photos/data/874/411-med.jpg)
Toaster on wheels is better


Than what? A toaster without wheels?
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: oboe on October 07, 2005, 04:57:03 PM
I dunno.   The Scion may be much more reliable but in the quirky category I think I prefer retro.
(http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/news/regularnews/082405/chrysler.pt.500.jpg)

Always thought a black and white one would be a cool Geek Squadmobile.
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Sp4de on October 07, 2005, 05:55:28 PM
Both the cars are ugly.

Upside : You wont get shot for your car:)


(http://www.autoextremist.com/cars/new%20york%20show%202005/ford%20gt.jpg) :D
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: 63tb on October 07, 2005, 09:10:22 PM
I've had one for 3 years. No problems at all. I have a 5-speed which runs better than an auto. I took the back seats out after I had it about 6 months and never put them back in. I put down a piece of plywood instead. It makes a great little panel van. I load up 2 amps, a PA head, 2 speaker cabs, two guitars and various cable bags and it all fits in no problem.

63tb
Title: PT Cruiser thread
Post by: Leslie on October 08, 2005, 02:09:47 AM
One thing I've noticed on cars nowadays is the lack of a forward "rake" on the hood, along with a boxy rear end.  On some cars it works but on most I've noticed it doesn't.  The PT Cruiser is not a bad looking car and neither is the new VW Bug imo.  But those cars are designed to be retro looking.  Hangtime's picture of the old panel truck even has the look of power.  The hood and grill is slightly tilted forward.  Btw that would make a great hot rod project Hang.

An example of the stepping away from the forward rake became evident with the Dodge Ram trucks about ten years ago.  This was a radical look which I didn't like at first.  Too different for a pickup truck at the time.  Though am used to it now.  The new Mustang kinda has a rearward rake up front, which looks ok but could be better with the forward rake.  Just would look more powerful with a forward rake instead of the aerodynamic look.  However I like it just the same, it looks better to me than the previous Mustang.  Would a little forward rake affect gas mileage that much?

I know it's silly, but seems like modern car design is becoming more and more submissive looking and less distinguishable in individual design.  And the "toaster", well there's no excuse for that at all from a safety standpoint, never mind the looks.





Les