Chrysler PT Cruiser Street Cruiser 5d (2003/52) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
The Chrysler list prices being slashed by £1000 in 2003 has now made the PT Cruiser good value.
Costs
The 7500 mile / 6 months service has just taken place and cost around £10 less than that of my previous Renault Clio.
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On the road
Driving
A visually exciting but thoroughly competent practical (and roomy) vehicle. Overall build quality is excellent, with a good solid feel to it. Manual gearbox is precise, if a little notchy. Turning circle for manoevering / parking is a bit poor though.
Performance
The PT Cruiser is a heavy car. 140bhp from the 16v 2.0 litre is ample rather than exhilarating. The fuel economy takes a dive when the car is pushed hard. On average, at 76p/litre, £20 lasts 170 miles. The car is geared quite high to improve economy.
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Living with it
Reliability
No problems encountered or expected.
Image
Almost everyone loves the look of this car. If you can get over people staring and pointing, you'll love it. The Street Cruiser comes in only one colour though, Inca Gold and the interior is two tone pale grey & gold leather. A bit of Las Vegas on wheels.
Comfort
The theatre-style leather armchairs fitted are unbelievably comfortable without feeling 'low down'. Rear passegers benefit from an elevated seating position. The rear is roomier than the front, with more headroom due to the rake of the roofline.
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Security and Service
Security
The remote fob for the central locking/immobiliser/alarm sometimes fails to operate when in the vicinity of certain frequency transmitters. This can be overridden with the encoded security ignition key though.
Service
Problems with the chrome plated alloy wheels were dealt with promptly and efficiently by DaimlerChrysler UK under warranty. The warranty supplied is excellent, covering everything bar the tyres.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
The chrome alloy wheels fitted to the Street Cruiser model had a defect in the chrome plating where the chrome was peeling on the inside of the wheels.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes