PT Cruiser Weekly.com

Our Local Club is meeting again

2008-08-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

So back at it after a long winter for most, or should I say a cooler summer for us in Florida.
Our Local Club is back at it with meetings again. We will be picking up again in September at our normal local place the Victory Lane Cafe.

However come October we will be moving to a more centered location at Mel's Diner in Fort Myers. Our board has come to an agreement from the number of members we have whom live down south of the city, they find it hard to drive to our existing location. In an effort to keep us all having and feeling an excitement for events and meeting with friends, we have moved to this location.

This location will be good to revamp our spirits and get us back into the swing of things. Best part of all, it is a 60's replica diner! So for all the older members, they should find this place a nice fit ;). After all the PT is a "retro" styled vehicle and should be located in a retro styled place, don't you think.

Anyways we will see what happens here with the club. I have heard through the grapevine that the spirits of many other club members has been done recently and many have disbanded because of the vacationers who typically leave around this time of year.

Hope to see everyone real soon.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Movie Cruise Night

2008-07-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

THE "DUMBING DOWN" OF CHRYSLER

2008-07-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

THE "DUMBING DOWN" OF CHRYSLER
A Personal Editorial and Observation

I'll apologize to begin with on this lengthy semi-editorial and any grammar errors you may see. Many of the views you read here are not necessarily mine but shared by many.

I was accepted and part of the "Chrysler Advisory Board". A moderator driven board posing questions and polls in a forums based website. Maybe 50 people are part of this board and are able to give thoughts and ideas about Chrysler who is reading and supposedly taking in the thoughts and ideas that are being discussed. The board has been up for about 7 weeks now so hundreds of posts have been made. Many redundant but all valid in their own eyes.

Such subjects are: Brand Identity; Current Chrysler Cars; Current Dodge Cars; Current Jeep vehicles; Dream Cars; Ideal Features; Older Chrysler Product Cars; Eco-Conscience; Online Shopping; Safety & Security and Technology. The moderator, who is a Chrysler employee poses questions and the board responds.

Below, in no particular order or heading are some of the thoughts from the board postings: (and more below on the PT)

- Daimler did more damage to Chrysler in the few years they owned them than Chrysler could have done to themselves had they remained independent. People think that Daimler "dumbed down" Chrysler so that Chrysler would not compete with the various Mercedes products.
- Chrysler was not allowed to market and advertise certain products properly. Why? Have no idea except possibly for the reason mentioned above.
- The number one complaint are the cheap interiors. They all look the same, they all use that same dark gray hard plastic, all are basically laid out the same, all extremely cheap looking.
- Everyone agrees that the Chrysler brand should stand for upscale luxury. But the lines are so blurred between all the ChryCo models that they all look the same. Dodge should stand for every day cars and performance. Jeep should be rugged off road vehicles.
- The 300 base model is cheaper than the mid-model Charger. It shouldn't be, Nor should it be offered with the tiny 2.7 V6. The 300 should be offered as several models including a coupe and a Magnum wagon version (the Magnum was sold in Europe as a 300 Touring, it had the 300 dash and front end). The 300 should move much more upscale. A higher end Imperial should be offered that competes with Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes.
- The Chrysler Sebring sedan should either be deep sixed or completely redone. Busy body lines, a busy and cheap interior, no power are just a few of the complaints.
- The Dodge Avenger should not look like a Charger wanna-be. It should be a stand alone car and needs to be redone top to bottom to compete with the Camry's, Accord's, Malibu's.
- Apparently there is a clean-burn bio-diesel engine being used by Chrysler in Europe that gets better fuel mileage than hybrids and puts out less carbons and pollutants. And is quick compared to the current V6's offered in the US. Bring it here as an option. No smoke, no diesel rattle.
- Hybrids possibly pose a greater risk and cost down the road than gas engines. Battery replacement will cost thousands per car and then of course the land fills will fill up with hazardous batteries. Hybrids are supposedly just a quick fix for right now that again could pose more issues in the future.
- Two cars that were killed should have never been. The Magnum and Pacifica were cancelled. The Magnum, mentioned above should have been sold as a Chrysler. The Pacifica was one of the nicest vehicles Chrysler had. It had a unique and classy interior totally unlike anything else Chrysler had. It was the crossover Chrysler should have advertised and pushed.
- The Caliber should have never happened as should the Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Compass and the remodel of the Durango/Dakota. The Caliber is NOT a replacement for the Neon even though Chrysler thought it would be. The Jeep Compass is a Caliber is Jeep's clothing. The Aspen is the answer to a question never asked. The Durango/Dakota are ugly, boxy replacements for what once was a decent looking vehicle. (these are not necessarily my thoughts but the general consensus of the board). The Dakota pickup which was once advertised as a "mid-size" pickup is now larger than the Ford F-150 was just 7 years ago. Ditto on the Durango. The Aspen shouldn't have happened, Chrysler should have kept and pushed the Pacifica as their SUV crossover.
- Quite a few people think the Plymouth name should be brought back and let it be the low cost offerings. Let Dodge be the performance brand and Chrysler the up market version.
- Almost everyone agrees that Chrysler, somewhere in some division needs entry level gas sippers like the Aveo, Yaris, Versa, etc.
Now onto the PT.......
- Most people on the board think the PT should be axed. Best case they think it should change and be sold as a Dodge. They don't think the PT falls in line with where they think Chrysler itself should be headed. Unless it had a complete change and went upscale, Chrysler should drop it.
- A few like myself disagree and have posted reasons why.
- Chrysler (or maybe Daimler) dumbed down the PT excessively. As many of you know who have 2001 or 2002 Limited Edition PT's, the current models don't hold a candle to it. We have items on our PT's that came standard equipment that you can't even get as options now. It should have only gotten better than worse.
- Why in the world would a special edition PT be built off the base model? Why would hot rod type editions such as the Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway or Sunset Strip edition not even have fog lights as an option? The turbo lite offering? Makes no sense.
- Why was the GT dropped? Even Chevy is hot rodding the HHR and offering sedan delivery versions...something PT people for years have been begging for. Chrysler not listening is one of the reasons it's in the shape it is. How many years and how many millions of dollars is it going to take to reverse peoples perception of Chrysler? Can Cerebus handle this?

I could ramble on more and more about what all is being said in the Advisory Board. Some is totally unrealistic, much repeated over and over by many people. It boils down to Chrysler overall having poor quality and poor offering of vehicles. Too much over lapping of products and parts. Too cheap looking. Way too much redundancy between their line up. Many perceive Chrysler as being on their way out.

I would like to see that changed. Not sure if this Advisory Board will amount to any more than someplace for a few to vent. Will Chrysler listen? Do they have the means to make the changes? Will they make the changes? Only time will tell.

Original author undisclosed.

This was a colaboration of thoughts many had from various forum boards via the internet.
Thanks for reading.

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

Chrysler Quarterly

2008-07-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

The thought lost magazine has gone electronic!

Since the fall of the Chrysler provided magazine, the initial editor has decieded to bring this mag back in an eletronic format. This is the new wave of the future for all magazine types. Makes printing of paper less of a demand and you can receive you issue as soon as it is made possible via the internet.

See the first installment here!

Check out the first ever PT Impressions. Make sure you click on the sponsors to let them know that you want their support for the e-zine.
http://www.flip24.com/issues/cq/#

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Colby Butler aka Kingkole02

2005 PT For Sale

2008-05-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Super low milleage Turbo!
See link here

Blue and in like mint condition!

Someone asked me if I would add this to promote the sale, so I'm trying to help out.

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SW Florida PT Cruisers Meeting

2008-05-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Last nights meeting was horrible! We only had 3 of our members show up. This time of the year, most of our members travel back up north for the season because it gets too hot for them here in Florida.

As a result, we have postponed our meetings for the next few months. Typically we cancel through June and August because of the lack of members. This is typical of most clubs in the area. As a area member of the 3 T's (Traveling Timeless Treasures) I have information stating that they have postponed their meetings because of the change in seasons as well.

Aside from that mentioned above the meeting went great. We all enjoyed dinner as usual and talked about coming events and things to happen with the club. We are going through re-structuring and looking to bring the club back to its fun environment as it used to be. We simply keep others informed about meetings and cruise in's. We all love cars so why not hang with other car lovers.

Also, the working of a regional board is forming. However this board is merely just a connection to other local clubs to get each name out and people together for a great time! I am a board attendee as a representative for the SW Florida PT Cruisers. My plan is to link to as many other local area clubs as possible. Where we each can go and see some great cars, bike and all around great vehicles!

Colby Butler aka KingKole02

Use of Turn Signals

2008-04-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Use your turn signals!

This isn't hard to do is it! However you lazy people out there don't use them. So how is the person in the next lane over going to know that you are moving over to avoid driving into the side of your vehicle? By using your signals.

I almost got hit the other day because this guy in a large van did not use his signal. I used mine, I looked and as I moved over, he did the same. However the difference here is this: I had my signal on, if he had even looked he would have seen my signal and chose not to move over, also if he had used his signal himself, I would have not almost hit him as he rushed over into my lane.

So day I was driving and there it goes again. Someone moving into another lane without using there signal while a person in the opposite lane does the same. So one person gets mad and feels cut off. Well...if each of you had used your signals, none of this would have happen.

Quit driving in the dark people! Open you freakin' eyes and use your signals!

The use of the turn signal:
Did you know that it is ILLEGAL, yes ILLEGAL (in state of florida) to change direction without indicating your signal prior? I think it should be illegal to change lanes without indicating your intentions by using your signal. This law would probably save lives or at least your vehicles.

So might I ask you, "What is the point of a turn signal that doesn't get used?" Nothing...turn signals there aren't being used are pointless. Why do you think the car manufacturing industry added them to vehicles, so you have yellow lights?

Colby aka Kingkole02

Save the PT

2008-04-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

Save The PT Cruiser! Rumors have been swirling that Chrysler does not plan to redesign the PT Cruiser and that the 2009 model year will be the PT's last...the time has come to act. Scott Kissinger from PTenthusiasts.org has made SaveThePT.com and is asking for our cooperation. Please take the time to visit SaveThePT.com and sign the online petition to tell Chrysler how we feel and that the PT Cruiser deserves better than to just ride off into the sunset. Scott says "If enough of us act, we can make sure that there are PT Cruisers for years to come."

Follow the link below.

http://www.savethept.com/node/9

SW Florida PT Cruisers

2008-04-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

As something for value I will be adding some details from our local club to this site.

4-10-08 Thursday's Monthly meeting.

We covered many bases last night as the meeting was rather a short and small meeting. During this time of the year we have less members because the seasons change and they leave us to go back up north or vacation to a place less hot.

Last nights meeting consisted of about 11 people and a total of about only 6 cars. As we re-structure and re-focus on building the club up again we are trying new approaches. In an attempt to stream-line the building materials, yet still make each unique to each vehicle owner, we are focusing on ideas still in the making. We are looking to form a stronger club and get the word out about the club. At one point we had a dedicated 35+ member string, which is now down to about 10.

We are in hopes of starting weekend membership drives. Simply put, this will be the outing of people in the club through their daily lives. See a PT, provide them information about the club and see if they wish to join us. We are a fun club, nothing strict, and we just love cars.

Visit us at
www.swfloridaptcruisers.com

Kingkole02 aka Colby Butler

Cut out a PT

2008-04-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Came across this in my search for new content, thought it might be fun for a bit. Check it out. Right Click on picture and go to Print. Then cut out the design and build. There work out pretty well, a little boxxy, lol, but I don't mind. I think if you try to save it into another program such as Paint, you can even change the colors a bit.

Kingkole02 aka Colby Butler

PT Through Creation

2008-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Don’t know how many have already seen this but it is a treat!

Below is a picture of a PT Cruiser as a reference of what a standard silver model from 2001-2004 would have looked like stock.

2001 PT Cruiser

The following are pictures of a PT that was created from the imagination, truly one of a kind. Used as an advertisement purpose perhaps, yet I believe it is just filled with only the components. This PT has very unique body work and fiberglass sculpting from the looks of it. Differently a one of a kind creation to be seen in person if anyone gets a chance.

This "Alien PT" if you will, was created or developed in Russia, has made a definite hit in the Russian car show scene. I believe this PT is featured somewhere in the 2006 Russian IASCA shows.

This is a PT modeled from that of the Alien movie series, where the alien has take the PT as its host and is now coming out of the host organism. Made to look like the alien is ripping the grille to pieces and the head crown is coming out through the hood area.

Following are some shots of the interior and the components.

The neon's are nice touch! I would have loved to see this get created!

Looks like all Audiobahn equipment was used here in this install. Hard to believe this was once where the backseats where in this cruiser.

I obtained these images from the net via an image search. I have also noted the links for more information at the bottom.
www.autocult.com.au/Image.aspx?id=17840

http://www.ptcruiseralliance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=2

Colby aka Kingkole02

True Enthusiast Cars?

2008-03-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been in search for, the perfect car. I have come to the exclusion that I don't believe that vehicle form exists in today's market. Its seems every vehicle I look at is fitted with foofoo frilly unnecessary equipment. Who needs a hands free phone adapter to listen to your cell through your radio, or a navigation system (driving is an adventure, unless you really really get lost), or perhaps a TV. Whats that point of all this? Do you hate driving that much that you wish to do something else? I think all these components are stupid and a waste of the driving experience.

What ever happened to the drivers car? The car that was geared towards driving and the thrill of driving? It seems today every vehicle owner wants their home amenities in their vehicles. I have been looking at the PT cruiser more recently then I used to. We as enthusiasts, love to drive, simply put. Some of us have the navigation, sure, some have the XM and Sirius radios, of course. Those items came equipped and we didn't complain at the extra options. However if you are that bored while your drive, then frankly you need a new vehicle.

When I first bought my PT it was all about the driving. I purchased the PT based on driver feeling and comfort, not options. Of course the price was nice too...however I shopped 12 other vehicles ranging from, Volvo's, to Mazda's, Toyota's, and even other American and non-American dealers. The one thing that sold my on the PT was comfort and drive-ability. This vehicle is not highly equipped nor had a massive horse power engine. It was simply fun to drive, no other way to say it.

Since my recent researching of new vehicles I find that, I cannot find, a vehicle that fits my priorities in a drivers car. What I like about the PT is the ability for the passenger to control the windows and other non driving essential utilities. One thing I find I hate the most about new cars is that the passenger is left to do nothing while the driver does everything. I can see it now, your trying to drive and the passenger keeps complaining about the windows, or the sunroof and the controls are out of the way. The driver must take their hands off the wheel to satisfy the passenger, what a waste! I want a car with every non-essential control right down the center so that the driver is concerned with only one thing, driving.

Driving the PT is raw and real with minimal computer buttons and things to worry about. No useless items to worry about figuring out or having to research through the manual. Do you think they have TV's in Nascar race cars? Almost like a debut Viper back in the 90's. Just look at the debut Viper, "Those rare early Vipers only 285 were built the first season (1992)--had nothing so civilized as air-conditioning, ABS, or traction control. Not even roll-up windows or external door latches. And no one seemed to care.*" Of course a machine like that, who needs all that stuff to worry about, just drive.

If I ever happen to ever become a vehicle reviewer, I think I would point out the obvious driver pluses and the possible driver minuses due from distractions. I think every driving enthusiast dreams of only one thing. Them and their car on an open rode, nothing more than that.

Colby
Kingkole02

References:
*Marc Cook, "Pre-Owned: 1992-2002 Dodge Viper", Motor Trend
http://www.motortrend.com/buyersguide/preowned/112_0408_1992_2002_dodge_viper

PT Cruiser Quaterly

2008-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Gets cancelled!!

Yes shocking. The magazine that has opened our minds to the PT world or added to it, is now being cancelled by Chrysler. Apparently Chrysler figures it can subsidized the publication through advertising. Maybe Chrysler can, but what happens to the real car put into a project run by advertising? It eventually gets dumped through lack of interest.

The PT Cruiser specific magazine also provided some incite to some other Chrysler vehicles on occasions. The magazine provided an insider world to a vehicle that seldom really knew they were a part of. Special articles can still be read on there website, www.cruiserquarterly.com.
This particular magazine's website also featured some key interests for cruisers looking for clubs or part distributors. If anything, some readers would join the forum and post messages on the board. Or clubs would join to get their name recognized.

Through the years we all have enjoyed reading the articles. Others have been dreaming of having their own PT shown in some issues. May no longer get the chance to make that dream a reality. Only time will tell.

Sadly it will be missed, forever? I hope the starting editor will find an avenue elsewhere.
Colby
Kingkole02

Chysler 300c For Sale

2008-02-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

2006 Chrysler 300C - $26,900 Fully loaded, power everything, satellite radio ready, heated seats (yes, you need them in FL!), like new condition. Hemi V8 but gets good gas mileage as vehicle senses how many cylinders you need to run on and adjusts to them. One owner - must sell. For more info, contact me.
Lisa @ carolinabound2@comcast.netcourtesy of Colby

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/kingkole02/100_00122.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/kingkole02/300c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/kingkole02/100_00144.jpg

Boyd Coddington

2008-02-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

2-27-08, 6:20AM, Boyd Coddington died.

Details vague, possible relation to recent, undisclosed, hospital visits.

Boyd Coddington is best know for his wheels and tires in the car show industry. Enthusiasts of all types have seen or heard his name before. Maker of self designed products, created a uniqueness for all to enjoy. Best know for hot rods and other custom era vehicles. He was associated, some say, to the rise of custom car era with his contributions.

This legend will be missed.

See more complete story at:
http://jalopnik.com/361391/boyd-coddington-hot-rod-king-dead-at-age-63
Colby
Kingkole02

2007

2008-02-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser:
PT Cruiser carries over unchanged.
However this year receives another special addition to the family.

This year Chrysler PT Cruiser has received the Pacific Coast Highway special Edition to the car line family.
Pacific Coast Highway edition include (Limited production):
Exclusive Ocean Blue.
Comes standard with a lift gate spoiler (a popular aftermarket option), 17-inch wheels with traction control and a sport suspension.
Interior additions include:
Six-way power seats with 2-tone interior of blue and gray, also matching gauges.
A “Street Cruiser” badge is featured on the lift gate, and “PCH” emblems are located on the front doors. Unique with blue accents.

Price: The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for PT Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition:

$20,735 for the manual transaxle model. (excluding $640 destination).

$21,570 for the automatic transaxle model. (excluding $640 destination

2006

2008-02-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser:
Chrysler decided to revamp the loved auto with a whole new front fascias and dashboard, which enthusiast of the original models did not, originally, agree with. Overtime we all learned to like them with some discussion.
Color choices were:
Inferno Red Pearl Coat, Midnight Blue Pearl Coat, Electric Blue Pearl Coat, Cool Vanilla Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Linen Gold Metallic Clear Coat, Black, Magnesium Pearl Coat

This year Chrysler PT Cruiser has received the Route 66 special addition to the car line family.
Route 66 edition include (Limited production):
Exclusive Solar Yellow color (also painted brake calipers). Come standard with a liftgate spoiler (a popular aftermarket option), 17-inch wheels with traction control and a sport suspension.
Interior additions include:
Six-way power seats with multi-colored leather
A “Street Cruiser” badge is featured on the lift gate, and “Route 66” emblems are located on the front doors.

Price: The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for PT Cruiser Route 66 Edition:
$19,185 for the manual transaxle model. (excluding $640 destination).
$20,020 for the automatic transaxle model. (excluding $640 destination).

2005

2008-02-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser:
The PT Cruiser is unchanged for 2005.
Color choices were:
Dark Plum Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Pearl Coat, Midnight Blue Pearl Coat, Electric Blue Pearl Coat, Cool Vanilla Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Linen Gold Metallic Clear Coat (exclusive 2005)

2-Tone colors were optioned (available on Touring, Limited, and GT)
Black/Silver, Black/Electric Blue, Black/Red, Black/Linen Gold (2005)
Midnight Blue/Silver (GT only)

Dream Series on longer exists as a four door, but is now a 2 door convertible.
Color exclusive Deep Lava Red paint, a maroon cloth convertible top and powered by a 220-horsepower high-output turbocharged engine.
(limited production)

2004

2008-02-26T10:33:00.001-08:00

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser:
Remained much like the 2003.
Color choices were:
Dark Plum Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Pearl Coat, Lt. Almond Pearl Metallic Clear Coat, Onyx Green Pearl Coat (discontinued 8-01-2003), Electric Blue Pearl Coat, Semist Green Metallic Clear Coat (discontinued 10-231-2003), Patriot Blue Pearl Coat (discontinued 8-01-2003) Black Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Cool Vanilla Clear Coat, Graphite Metallic (with optional Platinum Edition 2-tone leather)
New 2-Tone colors were optioned (available on Touring, Limited, and GT)
Black/Silver, Black/Electric Blue, Black/Red, Black/Almond.

Dream Series 3 was introduced:
Paint Color:
Midnight Blue Pearl over Bright Silver two-tone paint (this is the only color offered for this special edition)
New Interior: Two-tone leather interior and unique Blue tinted glass.
Available Options:Automatic transaxle with AutoStickChrysler's True Blue 2004 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 3 Kicks Off Woodward Dream Cruise Chrysler Adds to PT Cruiser Dream Team With Yet Another Version of Its Popular Segment Buster Standard 220-horsepower High Output Turbo Engine Limited-Production Run Limited-production Midnight Blue Over Bright Silver Paint Treatment Unique Tinted Blue Glass, Two-tone Interior and Chrome Accents
Price: The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for PT Dream Cruiser Series 3:
$28,810 for the manual transaxle model. (excluding $590 destination).
$29,100 for the automatic transaxle model. (excluding $590 destination).

Colby
Kingkole02

2003

2008-02-26T10:32:00.001-08:00

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser:
A new turbocharged GT was introduced in both a 180 low output and a 215 horsepower hi output engine which came standard with 17-inch wheels. The "PT Turbo." came standard with a manual transmission gear box, the automatic was optional. Flame decals, a chrome-trim package, or a wood grain-body-appliqué "woody" look were optional equipped to all models.

Color choices were:
Dark Plum Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Pearl Coat, Lt. Almond Pearl Metallic Clear Coat, Onyx Green Pearl Coat, Electric Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Pearl Coat, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat, Black Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Stone White.

Dream Series 2 was introduced:
Paint Color:
Tangerine Orange, with standard 2-tone interior of black and orange leather.
Available Options:Automatic transaxle with AutoStick
Standard 220-horsepower High Output Turbo Engine Limited-Production Run Limited-production Midnight Blue Over Bright Silver Paint Treatment Unique Interior, Two-tone Interior and Chrome Accents
Price: The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for PT Dream Cruiser Series 2:
$26,475 for the manual transaxle model. (excluding $590 destination).
$26,915 for the automatic transaxle model. (excluding $590 destination).

Colby
Kingkole02

2002

2008-02-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser:
Remained a hot seller in its second year, however PT Cruiser got newly optional flame accent decals for the hood and front fenders. Base, Touring and Limited Editions models were offered as well to keep with the models. Base models were awarded some previously option only items such as a CD player and under seat storage bin. The Limited Edition received an adjustable driver's lumbar support. While side-impact airbags were standard on the Limited and optional on others. Antilock braking remained an option as well.

Color choices were:
Deep Cranberry Pearl Coat, Inferno Red Pearl Coat, Taupe Frost Metallic, Lt. Almond Pearl Metallic Clear Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Pearl Coat, Patriot Blue Pearl Coat, Black Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Stone White.

Dream Series 1 was introduced:
Paint Color:
(7,500 Units were made)
Inca Gold, with standard 2-tone interior of white and yellowish gold leather.
This first edition Series 1 can with the stand engine and transmission options. It features custom edition only wheels.
Price: The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for PT Dream Cruiser Series 1:
$23,245 for the manual transaxle model. (excluding $565 destination).
$24,070 for the automatic transaxle model. (excluding $565 destination).

Colby
KingKole02

2000-2001

2008-02-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Chrysler introduced the PT back in the spring of 2000. A vehicle which looked nothing like anything else on the road, was an instant hit. Being styled in a retro looking 1950 or so style, the PT became the car to have.
PT which stood for Personal Transportation, in the beginning. Many have adjusted the name to fit thier own style of the vehcile. Such names as Pimp Transport or Pimp Truck. Pretty Tempting and Personal Touch (like many of us owners have added to it), and the names can go on. This wagon styled 5 door vehicle is classified as a truck under the federal-economy regulations. It is comperable to the Honda CR-V in both wheelbase and cargo volume, yet shorter in both height and length. The PT also featured a unibody platform, shared with the Neon, and a more fuel efficent 2.4L 150 HP inline 4 cylinder. All model came standard with front and rear power windows, 65/35 split folding rear seats which could be removed and the infamous mulit-position rear shelf, which we all loved for tailgates, and the rear wiper/washer configuration in the lift gate.

An optional Touring Group package included the firmer suspension and larger 16-inch tires. Included as an option with this package was the antilock braking (including traction control), all around disc brakes were also a package addtional option.

An optional Limited Edition model included everything optioned to the Touring Group packages, however included, leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and fold-flat front passenger seat.

In early models, rear windows were controlled by console switches. Later examples got dashboard controls.
Rivals which included the Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, and Volkswagen Passat wagon.
edmunds.com rival search query

Colby
Kingkole02

Pt Cruiser Compared to Scion XB?

2008-02-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

Back in 2004
The car that became the original 2004 Scion xB was never designed to American tastes. It was purely a product of Japan, where space is at a premium and styles, at least to American eyes, run from cutesy to what-in-god's-name. But this box is built for America, and there is currently no version of the new xB in the Japanese market.

At 167.3 inches, the '08 xB is longer by exactly a foot than the outgoing model. The new version is 3 inches wider than the old one. It rides on a wheelbase that's 4 inches longer. Its 16-valve, DOHC, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the same that powers the Scion tC and the base-model Toyota Camry, and its increased displacement helps produce a maximum output of 158 horsepower, some 55 hp more than the previous motor.

If you looked only at the specifications, you'd think that the 2008 xB and Chrysler PT Cruiser were essentially the same car — a comparison that will surely make the Scion faithful cringe. But if you strip away the guerrilla-marketing programs and the thumping, bass-heavy music that always seems to accompany Scion events, the xB and the PT serve exactly the same purpose.Of course, judging by the photographs of the Scion nation that we've seen, all xB owners flash mock gang signs at the camera whenever a picture is taken of them. We don't recall PT Cruiser owners doing any such thing.

Edmunds.com search query

I think PT Cruiser owners wouldn't agree to this.
Colby
Kingkole02

Generations

2008-02-24T10:46:00.001-08:00

The PT has gone through many generations of change. Each year is unique to parts and color. Some of the early additions came with the engine modesty cover and the original equipped under body stabilizer bars as originally equipped parts. However as of 2003, we lost these parts due to cost cuts and other reasons which we didn't care.

I missed those parts in my own purchase of an 03'. I had never even known I was missing them until a later date when I looked at an owner vehicle of an 02'. Feeling cheated, I purchased the under body stabilizer and installed it myself. I found no need for the modesty cover, after painting my engine intake plenum and custom air intake system.

As the 06' came out they were given a new front fascia which the enthusiasts did not like when first introduced. However as we know, as time goes on, we have learned to deal and allow this new model into our lives and clubs.

Certain years had certain special additions, as the many Dream Series vehicles, and the route 66 edition. Some have been discounted and some were only a set run of vehicle with plaques on the dashes to let owner know their place in history.

I hope to add to this as I enter blog posts here. I'm in need of a little more research.
Colby
Kingkole02

My Favorite Web Places

2008-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

I was one of the beginning members in my mind to join an online car clubs of enthusiasts. These clubs has been by far one of the best places I have been in my course of existence. I have inputted and learned a lot of additional information from this communities.

Many of you know me as kingkole02 and my PT cruiser is a steel blue 03 N/A edition. I would not say I know everything there is to know about this vehicle but have learned a lot in every area. This vehicle as been a project car for many including myself. We have all grown and learned together to come into a common community of like minded people.

I appreciate all the insight and constant support for my idea and for many others ideas as well. We often feel as thought the world is against us, yet we find some many friend from great distances. A lot of us have tried some really off the wall ideas and have done some really tremendous changes. Some are completely unique while some others are simple, however we all share one thing, the enthusiast mind set for this vehicle.
Colby
Kingkole02