Faults:

Purchased my PT Cruiser 2006 Nov, drove for 6 months without any problems.

In the 7th month, I noticed a leak on the ground front right side. After about 3-7 days, the leak increased. It was my water pump!

Estimated repair about $1,368.36. wWrk completed was new water pump, belts, timing chain and (1) motor mount.

No other major problems have come up, except things that should be maintained on any used car.

I have replaced windshield blades back and front, oil change every 4 months and filters. As of yet I have had no tune-up; the car really did not need a tune-up, but it must be done this year.

Out-side body and inside clean, well cared for by the previous owner.

Does not get good gas mileage, since gas went up in price I was paying $20.00 for regular and my tank was full. Now I need about $25.00, maybe $30.00 to fill up.

General Comments:

Car handles well on the road; the tires grip the pavement firm.

Seriously quick on take-off.

Love the inside console, has everything to offer; CD, cassette, (4) plug in for cell phone chargers, or whatever you are charging, computer notebook.

Safety back windows for kids.

Faults:

After only one year the black bumpers faded.

The car could be better insulated. My back window fogs easily.

Radiator had to be replaced at 100,000 miles (wear & tear).

A gas station attendant put diesel fuel in the car. I was able to get home (40 miles) and had the gas tank & line serviced. It runs fine now!

Currently the a/c has become weak as it takes so long for the interior of the car to become cool in the summer.

General Comments:

This car was a wonderful surprise. It was an impulse purchase as my acura died and I was to be married later that week. The engine is weak and the handling could be better. However it is the perfect height (not too high like an suv, not too low like a civic). It is very comfortable. The seats are great and heat quickly in the cold weather. I surf and snowboard so the folding seats and station wagon style help it hold my gear easily. People said it would never last. My friends drive BMWs and Audis. But I like quirky cars. Now they say "You got a good one". I disagree. This is a great car with great quality.

With the weight distribution and traction control it is EXCELLENT in the snow. I drive around VWs, Hondas, and even Audis that have skidded out or got stuck in the snow.

I feel safe in the car. I do not regret for a minute buying it.

Faults:

Misaligned screw rubbed a hole in the AC condenser necessitating replacement. $250.00. I installed it myself then took it to an independent shop for recharging.

Door locks actuate intermittently when pressing on the brake pedal.

General Comments:

I purchased the car used with high mileage. Not a highly optioned car. Just power door locks and an automatic. The standard items that come with the Touring Edition are also included. It was the proverbial “Little Old Lady” car, the previous owner being a widow in her 70s. She purchased it new and drove it between her summer and winter homes. I think her mechanic became nervous that it was going to need CV joints due to an odd vibration. I replaced all four tires and the vibration ceased.

For the first couple of months I drove the car to work, but as soon as I would get home one of my two daughters would jump in the thing and it would be gone all night. The girls love the ride, comfort and room. One daughter has a friend who is 6'2” who has plenty of leg and head room.

Currently one daughter uses the car as her daily driver. I've replaced the engine in my Continental and am back to using it. When I get to drive the car I enjoy it very much.

I need to trace down the door lock problem. It is at least slightly annoying and can be aggravating on occasion. I will also be installing an after market cruise control in the next few weeks. This is needed because if I just try to hold steady pressure on the throttle the speed fluctuates quite a bit. I will check my speed and then a minute later notice that I'm going 10 miles an hour faster. Also teenage daughters need something that will help to keep their speed in check.

There are four of us in the household, each with our own daily driver. The Cruiser is definitely the favorite, as evidenced by the nearly 20K miles put on the car in one year.