Are Chrysler PT cruisers rubbish?

The diesels do about 40 to the gallon, are reasonably nippy and reliable but iirc, chrysler didnt release info to autodata so if you have a problem then they have to go to chrysler for diagnostics checks, you might want to check this out to see if it is true.

It is a good job you don't want opinions on aesthetics! I feel queezy just thinking about it!

Same engine as the Neon's right?

Mate of mine has the 2.2 GRD......soon as you open the turbo...fuel drops a little bit...but prob same with a lot of cars
I'm long legged and when iv drove it...theres been loads of room....id have 1

A friend had a petrol one that was very thirsty and got rid soon after managing to go through 3 windscreens in 3 weeks. It was straight and had never been crashed so it sounded like a manufacturing problem to me. Replaced it with an A class merc and swore she'd never have another again.

Mrs Ku owns one. We've had it maybe 2 years? 2.5?

You are welcome to come have a drive in it, be nice to see you again. Its been too long.

My thoughts are:

Good:

It looks cool as funk. Especially in a good colour like Inferno Red.
The seating position is good.
The interior is nice. Dash is cool. Only neg is the cheap feeling panel for the electric windows

Bad:

Any part that comes in a Chrysler box is expensive. Any part comes in a Mercedes box is VERY expensive.
Almost everything is a PITA to work on, get to, or both.
Diesel engine is not Mercedes' finest hour. Several "known problems" like firing the injectors out of the head.
I don't like turbo diesels and this one is a good example of why. Not a driver's engine.
The manual gearbox is horrific. Like an old Transit van or something. Coupled to heavy clutch.
The turning circle is that of the QE2. I can turn the Fleetwood in less space.
Rear blind spots due to thick rear pillars.
Not very economical on fuel (35 MPG average)
Suspension bushes go regularly. Ours are mostly poly bushed.

That said 3 of our friends have them and have never had a moment's bother with them, love them and are very happy with them.

TBH while I can't really recommend them I can't think of any comparable vehicle I would deign to give driveway space too either.

I think ours will be for sale soon. Its low miles, tidy, FSH, full MOT and half a year's tax.

I find it odd that people who own older yanks, Seem to have these as a the other car/ misses car...

My auntie has one. Her husband (my uncle) Runs a american/ hotrod garage/workshop

Another guy round the road with a 40's chevy truck has one he and his wife? use daily...

And akku's wife has one too....

I don't MIND the look of them, I don't at all think they are a nicely designed car. It was part of the prowler/pt cruiser thing to have the whole hot rod influence. But imho they missed the mark with this one by a long shot. The prowler on the other hand was a great looking car (without the fenders)
They get away with being an OK car that can just fade into the eurobox blur that is modern life. Appart from that god awefull dashboard.

I like the dash.

Also Mrs Ku chose it herself, no input from me other than me picking what appeared to be the best example in the price range she had.

Also there is a Mk1/Mk2 thing going on with them, Mk2 has a revised dash, different engines, alloys and maybe more stuff too. Were out of our price range so I didn't bother comparing

I always thought the Prowler was fugly. Interesting, but fugly.

I've actually been looking at one of these as a replacement for the IS, need a diesel and need loads of load room. Choices up until now, were people carriers like a Lucida/Delica or 4x4s like a bighorn/pajero until I remembered the PT. Always like the looks even if everything else was compromised but the american base mechanicals.

Hmm, interesting stuff.
I've never been a big fan of the styling, but wouldn't slate them. Interesting as some people who do slate the looks happily drive cars I wouldn't be seen dead in. Horses for courses, each to their own, etc. I suppose.

As far as I know there was no diesel Neon, so they are out. Plus although I don't mind the Neon they do look a bit Hyundai for me.

Styling wise I think a lot of them could be improved by ripping off all the 'accessories' that have been fitted by over-enthusiastic owners.

Alistair, I seem to remember you hating, ahem, 'yours', with a passion a while back?

I didn't realise the Diesel PT had a Mercedes engine. I'm now even less of a fan.