Used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Consumer Reviews
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Little Big Criuser
Thrifty Old Fart, 02/04/2009
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because it was my wife2B's symbol of good luck. Good luck I won't comment on, but it has lived up to and fulfilled all my expectations. I had owned three turbo engined cars before the PT (Volvo 850, Mazda 626, Saab 700) and swear by the turbo technology and engine boost. The surprising thing about the PT is the versatility and expansiveness of the interior (can haul 8' 2x4s inside!) and grown people can fit comfortably in the rear seat. I have had no trouble with the turbo, indeed when the oil price went sky high I stopped using the recommended premium and switched to regular with hardly any power loss. I am at 70K mi. now and about to get my 2nd set of brakes & tires.
great buy so far
Greg, 04/22/2009
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car about 2 years ago, and have put on 20,000 miles so it has a total of 40K. This car has, thus far, been pretty reliable. I love the 5 speed manual and all the space. Removable seats have come in handy alot. Only problem noteworthy is the lift gate hydraulic struts stick and Click really loud when opened. Only BIG problem, this car is HORRIBLE in the snow. Will NEVER buy a car without ABS ever again. Great for cruisin and moving stuff as it has LOADS of space, just really not recommended for northern states who get lots of snow.
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser for sale near you
3 of 32 listings
- GT WagonMSRP: $4,990198 mi away
- Limited Edition WagonMSRP: $2,999361 mi away
- Base WagonMSRP: $3,999455 mi away
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This car puts a smile on my face
oscarcat, 07/01/2019
updated 07/02/2020
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
When buying used, buy the best one you can afford. Many of the issues are due to neglect and "I'll fix it when it breaks" attitude. These cars require preventative maintenance. They were designed with a European philosophy. European cars are higher maintenance than Japanese or American cars but much more rewarding to drive. This is my second 2003 Base manual 5 speed. Purchased and loved my new one in 2003 but needed a minivan so kept it 2 years/24,000 miles. Fast forward to 2019 and I just purchased an Inferno Red 2003 Base M5 speed with 29,000 miles on it. It was well cared for. I changed plugs myself, changed the bushings on the shifter cable and it runs like a dream. Fun. Peppy. Yes, most people don't or can't work on their cars. But find a decent mechanic, change the fluids especially the coolant with factory-recommended HOAT coolant and you will prolong the life of all cooling components. Same with engine oil. I saw ads for PTC's, many with over 200k miles. So the variable is the care. Lots of useful info and YouTube videos about repairs online. A good dealer is the best chance of getting good advice on engine issues. Specialty shop for suspension, etc. These cars will be collectible in a few years.
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My 2003 PT Cruiser
1daddyjoe, 07/29/2011
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
All in all I am happy with it. I bought the car new and now have 150,000 plus miles on it. I don't baby the car at all, I drive it hard. Would I buy another one, probably not. The car has treated me ok. Just regular maintainance, tires, brakes, tune ups, timing belt, and just replaced my front wheel bearings. No real major issues on the car. The gas mileage is bad, and it feels under powered. Coming from VW's and driving them hard as well but, taking care of them as well. They felt a bit more sturdy and the gas mileage and power was there when I needed it.
Horrible!
jillf, 07/25/2009
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
This car is so disappointing! I bought it used with 54k miles on it. The electrical system has always been wacky - dash indicator lights come on and off randomly and the fog lights wouldn't turn off, constantly draining the battery. I've had it in to fix various power steering problems EIGHT times!!! A/C broke twice. Back liftgate broke. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! I've easily spent twice as much in repairs as I originally spent to buy the car.