I love my 01 Cruiser Limited with 62,000 miles; yes I do. But I just got it back from the dealer after a recall repair.
The dealer reported that I need a new radiator and water pump; $550.00 or so.
I need new front suspension links and sway bar links; $600.00.
I need a new transmission sending unit: $450.00.
In the past I have changed out 3 wheel bearings and rear sway bar links.
The guys in Mexico did a superb job on assembly; perhaps Chrysler needs to give them better parts.
Richard.
Maybe you need to get a second opinion from another dealer or mechanic and not tell him what this one said.
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You need a second opinion from a non-dealer.
Well, I reviewed the paperwork and saw the actual dealer prices. I went out and found a new lifetime warranty radiator for $99.99 instead of $327.00 and a shop that will put it in for $180.00 plus the cost of coolant instead of $255.00.
I picked up an OEM thermostat for $16.00 including a new vinyl gasket.
So that's about $300.00 instead of $580.00!
The Solenoid for the transmission is working to perfection with a small fluid leak. The dealer wants $235 for the part and $125 to screw it in. I'll pass on this for now. The leak is very small and fluid is cheap.
The dealer wants $110 for the front end links and bushings and $220 to put them in. I'll either do this myself once the 0 degree F weather passes or find an independent shop.
Richard.
Sounds like a plan...
Front and rear suspension bushings are a common problem with early PTs, according to PTCruiser.com
x-- 100 Proof News -
My 2002 Limited Edition PT has about 54k miles on it, last week, the solenoid pack was also leaking a little, AND the power steering gear was also leaking a little. I had them done, at the dealer, but only because I still have the extended warranty. It was about $775 and the "Advisor" reminded me these prices is what the dealer was allowed to bill to Chrysler, deeply discounted. If I would have been paying the whole bill, it would have been much more. I ended up paying only the $100 deductable .
Yeah, owners should get opinions from other dealers and private shops, but the original poster's thought seemed to be that even though the build quality was good, the wear-out quality sucks. I'm beginning to agree, and both my wife and I own PT's and love them.....
SRG
As noted, the dealer wanted $330.00 for the front links and bushings. A local spring/suspension shop agreed to do the whole package for $135.00, using name brand, non-dealer sourced parts, where available.
Richard.
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