2002 PT Cruiser

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Feb 11, 2026
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Considering this as a work hauler just something to sling tools and a little giant ladder in and out of.. What to look for?

I would bring my battery tester and Bluetooth dongle code reader.

https://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/cto/d/myrtle-beach-private-owner-2002-limited/7938294255.html

Very nice 2002 PT CRUISER.
Been in my family since new.
It is a black limited edition.
Have carfax on it also.
Everything works.
Car has been kept up.
OPTIONS On vehicle.
Moonroof
Am Fm CD player
Tilt steering
Heated seats and mirrors.
Outside temp and compass
Has pretty new tires on it. Maybe 500 miles since being put on.
Upgrade rims.
Upgrade interior.
New battery.
Weather tech front floor mats.
2 remotes and keys.
Has 1small dent on driver’s passenger door. Golf cart hit it.
Would make someone a great vehicle.
 
Timing belt is the big thing to look for on them, aside from that believe it or not they are fairly solid cars along with Neons, they just got a bad reputation for bad transmissions when in reality in many cases the transmissions were perfectly fine and it was the solenoid pack on top of the transmission which is easy to replace as a result many people junked them thinking the transmissions were bad.
 
I could work on vehicles that I am not afraid of but maybe this isn't the vehicle for my fleet. wouldn't be a big mileage vehicle around town maybe 100-150miles per week. Getting mixed reviews guessing its a sort of quirky vehicle. I have heard them referred to as a PT Looser.
 
And its replacement is due @90 k. Don't go over cause it wont make it to 95k. It WILL bend valves. Although many say its a non interference engine.

The cost to replace the belt and related parts will be at least $2000
Those who say it is non interference were at very low speeds and had absolute pure luck on their sides because they are interference and if that belt goes on the highway them valves are hitting.

But overall they are reliable engines, early 2.0's in the 90s had some head gasket issues such as the ones found in 1st gen Neons.
 
I could work on vehicles that I am not afraid of but maybe this isn't the vehicle for my fleet. wouldn't be a big mileage vehicle around town maybe 100-150miles per week. Getting mixed reviews guessing its a sort of quirky vehicle. I have heard them referred to as a PT Looser.
Why not look for a 4 cylinder S10 or Ranger or if gas mileage is not a huge concern go for the 4.3 in the S10. Then grab yourself a cheap bed toolbox.
 
Why not look for a 4 cylinder S10 or Ranger or if gas mileage is not a huge concern go for the 4.3 in the S10. Then grab yourself a cheap bed toolbox.
I would love that but here in South Carolina you can't touch a pickup for the $3-4k range even a beater. I have resorted to looking at station wagons, older mini vans etc. I may have to expand my search radius out maybe 100-200miles from Myrtle Beach location.
 
I would love that but here in South Carolina you can't touch a pickup for the $3-4k range even a beater. I have resorted to looking at station wagons, older mini vans etc. I may have to expand my search radius out maybe 100-200miles from Myrtle Beach location.
Toyota Sienna or older Dodge Caravans with the 3.3 or 3.8 would be good candidates for mini vans.
 
In the 7th picture in the CL ad, what are the 5 black 'squares' between the shifter and the cup holders...switches?

A caboose for a funeral procession.

TRIVIA:
I've read that the sheet metal of the PT Cruiser had the longest run in automotive history.
The blurb mentioned that the Model T's stampings were tweaked.
 
I would love that but here in South Carolina you can't touch a pickup for the $3-4k range even a beater. I have resorted to looking at station wagons, older mini vans etc. I may have to expand my search radius out maybe 100-200miles from Myrtle Beach location.
Thats everywhere prices now. Especially toyotas. I have been looking at nissans

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