The first time I saw a Chrysler PT Cruiser I liked the look. Retro style with modern safety. I thought that one day I might buy one. Alas, in 2010, before the days when I could afford to update my car every few years, Chrysler discontinued the PT.
Over the years I've wondered if the PT could be a project car, fitted with a V6/V8 (unlikely/impossible given the engine bay room) and looked at a few on the sales lots when I've passed by.
A few years back I thougth about buying a "fun" retro car, somehting older and more classic, but the prices put me off. Up to NZ$20k for a '70's base car? No thanks.
Just before the coronavirus lockdown Karen and I were in town shopping. We stopped off for a coffee and returning to our car Karen said she liked the look of one parked nearby. It was a PT.
During the lockdown I was at a loose end one day and decided to check the prices of PT Cruisers for sale. One of the first I found was an '06 Touring Edition (facelift model with fancy radio). The price was pretty good but best of all..... IT WAS LEFT HAND DRIVE!
Classic styling, American made, so good for our annual celebrations of America culture and vehicles with Americana and Whangamata Beach Hop, and we had just launched KiwAm Travellers (thanks for nothing coronavirus) so I thought it would make a great publicity car. I sent off an e-mail enquiry about finance and sat back.
Well a few/several days later I got a reply asking me to fill in an application. The application came abck approved and at a very low repayment amount, something the business, with shareholder input, could afford.
We had to wait until level 2 alert to leave the 'Naki but on Monday we drove down the Wellington to check the car out. Now there were mixed feelings. The seat adjustments were basic, fore and back with seat back angle only (even my '06 Ford Mondeo runabout goes up and down electronically). Steering wheel adjustment up and down only, (just like my Mondeo) but without cruise control at all
.
Getting into the left had side to drive came back with ease even if driving on the left felt 'wrong" (I kept looking in the left hand door mirror ,not the right, and having to remember to keep left with it). And while not as peppy as our '17 Mazda CX it was on par with the Mondeo performance wise. So I signed the deal.
Okay, I know there are better performing cars than the PT. Better fuel consumption too, but........
Tuesday night I was watching the last two episodes of last season's NCIS LA. Deak's was getting a bit of a shellacking from one of the guest characters who asked what car his mother drove. his reply was "She drives a PT Cruiser and gives it hell". I loved it.
This morning the transporter stopped outside and delivered the car.
I am happy. Karen is a bit unnerved at sitting on the centreline but I think she'll eventually get used to the change. A fun car with modern safety and American feel.
Perfect.
Over the years I've wondered if the PT could be a project car, fitted with a V6/V8 (unlikely/impossible given the engine bay room) and looked at a few on the sales lots when I've passed by.
A few years back I thougth about buying a "fun" retro car, somehting older and more classic, but the prices put me off. Up to NZ$20k for a '70's base car? No thanks.
Just before the coronavirus lockdown Karen and I were in town shopping. We stopped off for a coffee and returning to our car Karen said she liked the look of one parked nearby. It was a PT.
During the lockdown I was at a loose end one day and decided to check the prices of PT Cruisers for sale. One of the first I found was an '06 Touring Edition (facelift model with fancy radio). The price was pretty good but best of all..... IT WAS LEFT HAND DRIVE!
Classic styling, American made, so good for our annual celebrations of America culture and vehicles with Americana and Whangamata Beach Hop, and we had just launched KiwAm Travellers (thanks for nothing coronavirus) so I thought it would make a great publicity car. I sent off an e-mail enquiry about finance and sat back.
Well a few/several days later I got a reply asking me to fill in an application. The application came abck approved and at a very low repayment amount, something the business, with shareholder input, could afford.
We had to wait until level 2 alert to leave the 'Naki but on Monday we drove down the Wellington to check the car out. Now there were mixed feelings. The seat adjustments were basic, fore and back with seat back angle only (even my '06 Ford Mondeo runabout goes up and down electronically). Steering wheel adjustment up and down only, (just like my Mondeo) but without cruise control at all
. Getting into the left had side to drive came back with ease even if driving on the left felt 'wrong" (I kept looking in the left hand door mirror ,not the right, and having to remember to keep left with it). And while not as peppy as our '17 Mazda CX it was on par with the Mondeo performance wise. So I signed the deal.
Okay, I know there are better performing cars than the PT. Better fuel consumption too, but........
Tuesday night I was watching the last two episodes of last season's NCIS LA. Deak's was getting a bit of a shellacking from one of the guest characters who asked what car his mother drove. his reply was "She drives a PT Cruiser and gives it hell". I loved it.
This morning the transporter stopped outside and delivered the car.
I am happy. Karen is a bit unnerved at sitting on the centreline but I think she'll eventually get used to the change. A fun car with modern safety and American feel.
Perfect.
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Stock, those motors are good for 260 HP or better, but they drink premium petrol. The Speed3 motor and tranny would be the ticket, since it's front wheel drive only. The Speed6 is AWD.
