I just read the article on Allpar called "5 Missing MOPARS" and I need to take issue with the PT Cruiser part of the article. The author stated this "Not until the 2006 redesign did the PT go from being a premium, desirable car to a joke,"
REALLY?
Not sure how this person became so mis-informed but that statement is stunning in its ignorance. Now I understand that especially in the 2008-10 models that were mainly sold to fleets in the "Touring" trim they were cheapened considerably. BUT to say that anything after 2005 is a "joke" makes this author lose all credibility on this subject.
Last year I spent almost 7 months looking for a used PT. I read every single word written on ALLPAR and related sites about PTs. I finally decided on a 2006 and after model because of the following reasons.
1 The 2001-2 models with the grey bumpers look like hell, period.
2 The 1G models dashboards instruments are too small and the compass display etc on the roof is a dumb place to put it since one rarely looks there. The EVIC and compass and radio display in the cluster is much better. Also the analog clock add a touch of class to the interior. There is NO way the 1G interior has a more "premium" feel than the 2g Limited and GT models. The center console is much more usable than the drawer under the passenger seat. The driver can actully use it while driving. (what a concept)
3 It was difficult to find a 1G with tan interior. I hate grey or black.
4 The power seat in a 1G is another joke since it only goes up or down.
5 The Boston RAQ system with BA speakers sound MILES better than any stock 1G unit.
6 Even though the front grill looks nicer on the 1G, the way the bumpers wrap more smoothly into the body on the 2G models looks much better.
SO what I got was a 2007 Limited Turbo. Sunroof, BA RAQ/UConnect stereo, tan leather/suede interior with 53K miles in Tangering Pearl.
I got the Limited instead of the GT because we did not like how the 17in wheels rode and how the dash had the fake and cheap looking "carbon" look instead of body color inserts. The 180HP Turbo is fine...especially with its K&N intake. I drove a 2004 and a 2006 back to back at Carmax (I got my car from a private party and I am sthe second owner) and the 2G rode better and was quieter all around. I love the 1G models just fine, but just had to say something to make sure that the above article was not taken as gospel, because its BS plain and simple.
REALLY?
Not sure how this person became so mis-informed but that statement is stunning in its ignorance. Now I understand that especially in the 2008-10 models that were mainly sold to fleets in the "Touring" trim they were cheapened considerably. BUT to say that anything after 2005 is a "joke" makes this author lose all credibility on this subject.
Last year I spent almost 7 months looking for a used PT. I read every single word written on ALLPAR and related sites about PTs. I finally decided on a 2006 and after model because of the following reasons.
1 The 2001-2 models with the grey bumpers look like hell, period.
2 The 1G models dashboards instruments are too small and the compass display etc on the roof is a dumb place to put it since one rarely looks there. The EVIC and compass and radio display in the cluster is much better. Also the analog clock add a touch of class to the interior. There is NO way the 1G interior has a more "premium" feel than the 2g Limited and GT models. The center console is much more usable than the drawer under the passenger seat. The driver can actully use it while driving. (what a concept)
3 It was difficult to find a 1G with tan interior. I hate grey or black.
4 The power seat in a 1G is another joke since it only goes up or down.
5 The Boston RAQ system with BA speakers sound MILES better than any stock 1G unit.
6 Even though the front grill looks nicer on the 1G, the way the bumpers wrap more smoothly into the body on the 2G models looks much better.
SO what I got was a 2007 Limited Turbo. Sunroof, BA RAQ/UConnect stereo, tan leather/suede interior with 53K miles in Tangering Pearl.
I got the Limited instead of the GT because we did not like how the 17in wheels rode and how the dash had the fake and cheap looking "carbon" look instead of body color inserts. The 180HP Turbo is fine...especially with its K&N intake. I drove a 2004 and a 2006 back to back at Carmax (I got my car from a private party and I am sthe second owner) and the 2G rode better and was quieter all around. I love the 1G models just fine, but just had to say something to make sure that the above article was not taken as gospel, because its BS plain and simple.