YACT: So my dad is having vehicle trouble, so he bought a new vehicle...

[GtPrOjEcTX]

So my dad is having vehicle trouble, a '96 Ford Windstar. Worth about $3K. Still owes about $3K on it. Mechanics wanting $1,200 for repairs. So he made a smart move and bought a new vehicle this past Sunday.

A 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition. Kind of took me by surpise. While not brand new (was a show car, and has 4,880 miles on it) its the newest car that my parents have ever had.

My first impression of PTs were that they were misshapen vans, but after actually having one in my driveway and taking it for a spin I retract that impression. It rides much lower to the ground then I imagined, more like a car instead of a van. Also the insides were not near as roomy as a van. As for pickup/acceleration, much better than the van but still no where close to my Firebird as I expected.

Anyways, I just took a picture of it this morning after my drive so here it is.

Downsized 800x600
High Res 2048x1536

 

[chin311]

thats a pretty nice one...i never really liked them all that much...but ive never drove or been in one so i dont really know...

how much did he get it for, if you dont mind?

 

[crab]

http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/product.asp?ProdID=1146

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

He traded in the van, they paid it off. After that ~$21K

 

[JEDI]

ah..the PT Barnum car...as long as your dad enjoys it, is all that matters

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
He traded in the van, they paid it off. After that ~$21K

tax, tag, everything for 21k$? i guess thats not terrible...

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
He traded in the van, they paid it off. After that ~$21K

tax, tag, everything for 21k$? i guess thats not terrible...

I wish I would have at least KNOWN he was going to get one. I wished I could have been there to help him out on the price. I know he didn't get a very good deal but I wouldn't say he was took to the curb either.

 

[dman]

PT is nice, but, too small... congrats to them on the new purchase.

 

[MrBond]

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
He traded in the van, they paid it off. After that ~$21K

tax, tag, everything for 21k$? i guess thats not terrible...

Seems high, especially for a used car. I thought PT Cruisers were sub-20k? I guess if you add in the $3000 on the van (the dealer never really pays that off) thats about right.

Edit: blue book is 20,600, so if he got it for $21k out the door that's a pretty good deal, especially with the van.

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: MrBond

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
He traded in the van, they paid it off. After that ~$21K

tax, tag, everything for 21k$? i guess thats not terrible...

Seems high, especially for a used car. I thought PT Cruisers were sub-20k? I guess if you add in the $3000 on the van (the dealer never really pays that off) thats about right.

yeah, as long as 21k$ included tax and title and all teh bs charges they throw at you, then you didnt get it too bad. looks like its the pretty loaded out model anyway.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: MrBond

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
He traded in the van, they paid it off. After that ~$21K

tax, tag, everything for 21k$? i guess thats not terrible...

Seems high, especially for a used car. I thought PT Cruisers were sub-20k? I guess if you add in the $3000 on the van (the dealer never really pays that off) thats about right.

Had it been brand new, Edmunds.com has it dealer priced for $22,848 with the options, MSRP of $24,370.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: chin311
yeah, as long as 21k$ included tax and title and all teh bs charges they throw at you, then you didnt get it too bad. looks like its the pretty loaded out model anyway.

yep, its got the works, heated leather and suade seats, indash 6disc changer, chrome accents, sunroof, etc...

 

[Lotheron]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX

Originally posted by: chin311 yeah, as long as 21k$ included tax and title and all teh bs charges they throw at you, then you didnt get it too bad. looks like its the pretty loaded out model anyway.

yep, its got the works, heated leather and suade seats, indash 6disc changer, chrome accents, sunroof, etc...

yeah those PTs are nice, too bad its not a Turbo...

 

[Toasthead]

PT cruisers are glamorized Neons.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: Toasthead
PT cruisers are glamorized Neons.

I've heard that as well, is that true?

My famil owns 4 neons of different years. They are very good cars for the price (If you get the dealer to pay for the head gasket replacement). The first car I bought new.

I'm ready for a new car and don't think I'll ever buy a 4 cylinder again, though.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: Toasthead
PT cruisers are glamorized Neons.

Bull. I drive my fiance's Neon a good deal. The PT drove nothing like her Neon.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX

Originally posted by: Toasthead
PT cruisers are glamorized Neons.

Bull. I drive my fiance's Neon a good deal. The PT drove nothing like her Neon.

PT uses the neon platform.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: MrBond

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
He traded in the van, they paid it off. After that ~$21K

tax, tag, everything for 21k$? i guess thats not terrible...

Seems high, especially for a used car. I thought PT Cruisers were sub-20k? I guess if you add in the $3000 on the van (the dealer never really pays that off) thats about right.

yeah, as long as 21k$ included tax and title and all teh bs charges they throw at you, then you didnt get it too bad. looks like its the pretty loaded out model anyway.

Yes, that includes rolling the balance on the van into the new car's price.

 

[Doggiedog]

What was wrong with the Windstar? I hear that car has a lot of problems.