26th Sep 2008, 16:58

Wow. $558 for a timing belt and water pump? Where do you live?

Your comments have been very helpful. We have a 2002 PT, the upgraded but not touring edition, with 58,000 miles. The dealer is suggesting we need to change the timing belt, water pump and other service interval stuff (at a cost of $2500...). We've had a lot of cars in our lives and never heard of changing a timing belt before 80,000 to 100,000. Sounds like you did fine waiting.

17th Oct 2008, 00:31

Sorry for the late reply. I haven't checked this site in awhile for comments.

I have never had any trouble folding/unfolding the seats in my PT Cruiser. The seat belts always function normally. Hopefully you got that fixed for free at the dealer or for cheap at least.

For the guy needing the timing belt. I live in Firebaugh, Ca. Pretty much in Central Ca. I didn't want to deal with the dealership because I knew I would get ripped off. I took it out of town a little ways and got the job done.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask me, just e-mail me at willie_fox24@yahoo.com and I will answer questions to the best of my knowledge/experience.

I am very pleased that my comments have been helpful to people. You are all very welcome.

29th Jul 2009, 04:02

Just another update on my PT Cruiser.

I have just over 125,000 miles on my PT now and have yet to have any trouble with it whatsoever. I will also get it paid off in 6 months! Then it'll be mine entirely.

I don't have much to update on since there really haven't been any issues with my PT.

All I will need to do when it is paid off is get the rear bumper painted again because the paint is fading. I don't know why because I wax my car kind of regularly. The front bumper is fine, it's just the rear that has faded.

Also the transmission fluid and filter need replacing since I haven't had any service done to it whatsoever yet. Shame on me.

And lastly I will get my headlight lenses restored. More than likely I will do that myself. The lenses are badly fogged over because the clear coat on the lenses has oxidized.

The restoration is really simple to do, it just takes time. You can buy the kit to restore the lenses at Wal-Mart and I'm sure other automotive places. The one I have used in the past is Crystal View. But it is hard to come by. Only costs around $20.

Other than these minor things needed to be done. I am still very happy with my PT Cruiser. It has been the best car I have ever had... and I have been through a few.

12th Aug 2009, 10:47

I enjoy your updates!

You were right to replace the timing belt. My Dad's 2003 PT blew its timing belt, but the engine survived. I was told this was because Chrysler anticipated this and factored in a little extra give in the engine somewhere. I applaud their forward thinking.

Because my father enjoys his PT so much (and I enjoyed driving it when I borrowed it for the occasional errand) I purchased one of my own in 2008. It's the 2008 model, so it's still very shiny.

I know what you mean about squeaky brakes. Mine had some debris in them but have since quieted down. My company uses them for courier vehicles, and have warned me that the horn tends to stick, so I just don't use it. Other than that I love my car! You have inspired me to write a review.

I'm so glad Chrysler has decided to put this model back on the line so many other people can enjoy it.

15th Nov 2009, 11:02

Thanks for these great posts! We just bought a used 2003 PT Cruiser and I now feel very confident with our decision. They were really informative and helpful!

5th Dec 2009, 15:21

I think my PT is in big trouble! I was driving down the road and it just quit. No warnings or anything. It had been running great. My husband says it is the timing belt.

Anyone else have this problem? Mine is a 2003.

Thanks for any help.

12th Jan 2010, 21:34

I have a 2003 PT Cruiser... That just happened to me exactly as you said. It was the timing belt.

30th Apr 2010, 10:39

To the original poster: I have been really close to purchasing a used 2003 Touring Edition with 86,500 miles on it. Reading this has been very helpful and informative, especially your updates over the years. This helped me make up my mind to go forward with it. Thanks so much!

1st Jul 2010, 03:25

To the OP, thank you for your updates. I recently bought a used GT, but worry quite a bit about its reliability. It is good to know from your experience that the car can last with some conscientious care.

25th Jul 2010, 16:24

'01 PT Cruiser with 126,000 miles here. My trunk's springs gave out about 30,000 miles ago and I'll go grab new ones from AutoZone for $50. Other than that, I've had to switch out the battery twice and do a little bit of maintenance here and there. I'll be taking it to the shop for a check-up this month - can't wait to hear the bad news (hopefully not?). I'll report back.

23rd Nov 2010, 15:03

The Original Poster again for my '03 PT Cruiser.

I know it's been awhile, but I still have my PT Cruiser and it's running just fine.

I have nearly 140,000 miles on it, and all I have had to do besides regular maintenance is get the transmission fluid flushed and the filter replaced. Cost like $110 to get done.

I noticed an odd whining noise coming from the transmission that got worse, and it was slipping a little. I figured it was the filter that got plugged. And it was. It's all good now.

All I am having trouble with now is a small overheating problem in the summer. It is my thermostat. I will be replacing it soon with a new one.

For anyone considering on buying a used or new PT Cruiser, they are very reliable cars. Just don't hot rod them or abuse them, and they'll last with no problems. I have been very happy with mine these past 5 years and counting.

9th Mar 2011, 16:39

We have a 2003 PT Cruiser that's at about 96,000 km (or 60,000 miles).

They suggest to get the timing belt and water pump replaced which costs $1,300 total. Did anyone have a timing belt break before this mileage, or after? Seems like some people are getting well over 100,000 miles out of their timing belt.

15th Mar 2011, 12:35

I have a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. I had the water pump and timing belt replaced about two years ago by a Chrysler dealership. The other day I was told that my water pump is leaking. I was also told that I need to change the power steering pump. How much does it cost to replace a power steering pump? How much does it cost to replace the water pump? I thought that the water pump should last more than 2 years!

HELP!