I'm looking into getting a used pt cruiser with 2.4 turbo. I'm concerned though because of the timing belt issues and fallout when they fail. Does the turbo engine have the same issues? And the turbo?

Asked by tibu721 Apr 22, 2015 at 01:17 AM about the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Wagon FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Is there a difference between 05-08 years? What is difference between interference and
non? Which one does the 2.4t have? What about turbo or transmission problems? Would
appreciate some feedback. Thanks in advance.

5 Answers

915

I can't answer all your questions, but if you peruse this website for Cruisers, specifically, you should be able to get a fairly extensive overview of the types of problems you can expect, how easy they are to fix, and how extensive and what repairs will cost when they have to be performed. As an original owner of a 2006 non-turbo, which I am selling presently, I can give you my personal insight. The closer you get to the 100K mileage mark, starting from 80K, the more you can expect things to go wrong with models from 2005 to the discontinuation of this model. Among the common failures are radiators, radiator fans, water pumps, suspension, head gaskets, and electrical problems. Of these, I have the good fortune to not have had the transmission problems of which so many other owners have complained. From the car's inception to about 2003-04, many of these owners voice that they have had few problems and have more than 150,000 miles on their vehicles and some who report that they still enjoy theirs with more than 200,000 mile on them, with few problems. Apparently, Chrysler changed some facets the vehicles around 2004-05, especially with the transmission. Keep in mind that turbo repair/replacement can be cheap but never inexpensive. This is just a nutshell of the testimonies you can expect to read on this website. Keep in mind that the turbo versions run at about 180hp compared to the 150hp non-turbo, but the turbo requires premium fuel, which will add significantly to the expense of keeping the car on the road. Right now, here in Houston, 87 octane runs about $2.25/gallon. Premium is about 20-30 cents more per gallon, which isn't too bad as long as prices don't return to the $4.00 gallon mark while you own the turbo. Just some fuel for thought, so to speak. Anyway, if this helps, I'm happy to oblige.

10 people found this helpful.
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Can you tell me what the module for the headlights on a PT Cruiser 2006

3 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2008 Sunset Blvd Edition. I have followed the guidelines for upkeep at the dealership. I have 86,000 miles on I. No cruise control. I have had 3 sets of tires put on, 2 sets of rims. Once the 1st tail light needed a changing every time it rained or I went through a car wash the bulbs burnt out. There actually was water in the bulb. Now I have my brother change the bulbs and caulk outside the plastic rim of the tail light. I use clear silicone caulk. The bulbs will now last a couple of years. The car is now starting to nickel & dime me. I had an oil leak for 8 years which no one could find. The 9th year they found it to be a major leak. Turns out it was covered under a life time trany warranty I have. But I also had ac issues which was connected to the radiator fan. Radiator fan had to be replaced along with freon in the ac, but the clunking sound in the vents has stopped when I turn the ac on and car inside cools down very quickly now. I am a female 64 yrs old. I am the original owner. I have throughly enjoyed driving this car. I am going to hate trading it in. I have heard horror stories from friends about their cars. I have heard very positive things. I don't think I would ever buy a used PT Cruiser without being able to find out the complete history of the vehicle. I think you either got a great car or a lemon from day one.

4 people found this helpful.
60

we have 2 cruisers, one turbo, one not. the turbo has 125k miles on it, the non turbo has 170k miles on it. you do NOT have to use premium gas in the turbo. it says recommended, but it is not required. it will not hurt the engine if you use regular gas. it only makes a difference for how much "umph" you feel when you hit the gas. we use mid grade gas in the turbo car. a PT is a good car for the most part. you do have to do certain things at around 100k miles. you have to change the timing belt, preferably before 100k. at the same time change the water pump and idler pulleys. this will guarantee the engine lasts much longer. at 100k miles the cam sensor will go bad. it is 300 bucks to replace. you need to change belts and hoses at 100k miles. you need to have the spark plugs changed about evey 60k miles. do your maintainence, and check your fluids, and this care will easily go 200k miles. yes, it rattles too much at idle with the AC on. this is a problem with the computer which fails to kick up the idle.

6 people found this helpful.

And they tend to develop a ‘walking crankshaft’ which ruins the seal and costs far more to repair than the car is worth. I like the car but HATE Chrysler’s QC/engineering. A rebuild should not be required on a maintained sub 127k mileage vehicle. Chrysler sucks.

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