SF area: PT Cruiser 98/mo lease?

[LAMRONH]

Up in my neck of the woods I recently saw an ad for new PT for $98 per month lease. As I recall, it was 1500-2000 down, probably a 36 month lease at about 10K per year.
Anyone seen a similar deal in the SF area?
A relative down there is in dire need of cheap, reliable wheels.

[ChebbySalesDept]

The down payment is almost always PLUS tax and DMV and dealer fees, etc.

It also may be for a base, base unit with a 5 speed manual trans as a come on to get customers in the door.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Originally Posted by ChebbySalesDept

It also may be for a base, base unit with a 5 speed manual trans as a come on to get customers in the door.

Those are the best ones

[F14CRAZY]

I haven't driven a manual PT but the auto is like dangerously slow

[mini1]

Please tell your relative to avoid this car. It sure it cheap... and built like crap. It's ugly and about to be cut from the line-up also.

[MalibuMaxxSS]

I dont car if it was 12 dollars a month and nothing down, POS car

[paul8488]

I read the title quickly and thought you were saying that it was a 98 month lease! I think in some States that's a form of punishment...

[Buick61]

The PT Cruiser is a fine car. Don't listen to any of these nay-sayers, they're ill-informed and biased to the nth degree.

[F14CRAZY]

Originally Posted by Buick61

The PT Cruiser is a fine car. Don't listen to any of these nay-sayers, they're ill-informed and biased to the nth degree.

Have you driven one? The motor and trans both suck, AND both hate each other

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by Buick61

The PT Cruiser is a fine car. Don't listen to any of these nay-sayers, they're ill-informed and biased to the nth degree.

Bah, I think almost all cars nowadays are 'fine'. The PT is not all that likeable once you get past the look of it though. The interior was 'neat' enough when it came out... but neat gets old fast. I often agree with you man, but not on this one!

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

Have you driven one? The motor and trans both suck, AND both hate each other

Yes, we've owned one since 2000.

It sounds pretty good, I think.

PT Drag race

^ The Buick was started in "2nd" or Drive, so that kind of neuters the acceleration.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

Have you driven one? The motor and trans both suck, AND both hate each other

Yeah but 98/month... it almost seems worth it to sign the papers and keep it in the yard as a backup car when, for example, I blow a brake line on my car.

[F14CRAZY]

From my review of an '07 PT Touring...

Considering the PT's exterior, and interior, hasn't really changed from 2001 I don't think you need pix...

It's off white with gray interior. It's a car in Enterprise's "intermediate" group. I asked to exchange it because I needed the extra cargo room; I had an '07 Cobalt LS sedan from them. Surprisingly, the PT has power locks, windows, mirrows, and basic things like that. The Cobalt was a stripper without all that. The PT is a 4 door hatch versus a sedan, but I don't think it would be odd to cross shop the two.

The PT has Chrysler's 2.4L DOHC and a 4 speed auto. The motor always feels taxed at any speed and RPM. It's pretty rough sounding and feeling at idle and isn't particularly quiet. It's acceptable when driving. There aren't any "dead spots" in the RPM range...its always dead. I'd consider the Cobalt with its 2.2L to be fast compared to the PT, including better low end torque and a great 4 speed auto.

I don't like the transmission's ratios or programming. On the freeway no matter how gentle I am I can't get the torque converter to just unlock and stay in overdrive, though there wouldn't be much acceleration anyway if it could due to the motor's weakness. When it upshifts to 2nd you have to give it quite a bit more gas for steady acceleration (I'm not even talking hard acceleration). It drops right off. This shift isn't smooth either.

It has rear drums but stopping performance is good. It seems to handle fairly well though to me steering is heavy at low speed. Its riding on Goodyear Eagles which grip pretty well when cornering and seems pretty good in snow.

Road and wind noise are acceptable, noticeably less road noise than the Cobalt. I find the seat uncomfortable, the front of it's too high so theres too much pressure on my hips. No adjustment is offered. Seating is fine except for this. Who the hell decided to put the window switches on the dashboard above the radio? Materials are typical Chrysler hard grey plastic with "casting flashing" visible in some obvious places. The texture isn't bad though. Audio system is comprised of 6 speakers and has an aux input. It sounds great and is quite better than the Cobalt's.

The rear cargo area has a "shelf" that can be placed to cover a "cargo well" between the back seats and tailgate. It's too flimsy. It flexes while carrying some weight that I wouldn't at all consider odd for someone to put in the back of a small hatch. I've been afraid of breaking it a few times and having to visit a junkyard for one before I bring it back to Enterprise.

I don't understand why these sell. I haven't driven one but considering its Delta platform I think the HHR would be a great vehicle in comparison. I wish Enterprise had them. I'm not going to miss this vehicle at all.

I couldn't get more than 22 mpg out of it. Cruise control, 65 mph...it wouldn't get any higher.

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Sounds pretty good for $100 a month, and the 5-speed should fix those performance/economy issues...

[MalibuMaxxSS]

Originally Posted by Smaart Aas Saabr

Sounds pretty good for $100 a month, and the 5-speed should fix those performance/economy issues...

seriously for 100 buck a month, for something that is full on warrantied, and new......how is it NOT a good deal....unless its like 10 G down.. ..sign here please