Why you shouldn t buy this car: With the top down, the PT Convertible looks a bit like a bathtub with a handle. The PT chop top is also so not a driver s car. Although plenty quick and flat through the turns, the front-driver has more body flex than Mr. Universe. The cruising range is limited by the small gas tank and the rear visibility is restricted by that baby pram cover perching on the rear deck.
Why you should buy this car: The PT has the best rear passenger room of any convertible you can name; you can take your best bud Al Fresco and two more friends for a smooth, bracing cruise (especially if you re brave enough to put the hammer down). It s well-built, fuel efficient and cheap as chips. Heck, you might even like the styling.
Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims:Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes
Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Chrysler
· Model tested: PT Cruiser Convertible GT
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $30,285
· Engine type: 2.4-liter HO Turbo DOHC, 16-valve
· Horsepower: 230hp @ 5100 rpm
· Torque: 245ft-lb @ 2400 - 4500 rpm
· Redline: 6240 (limited)
· Wheels and Tires: Goodyear Eagle RSA; P205/50HR17
· Drive type: front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 7 seconds
· 1/4 mile: 15.4 secs @ 92mph
· Top speed: 120mph (limited)
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21/27
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/4/4 (with side airbags)
[by Robert Farago]
Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]