2001 PT Cruiser Limited Edition

I just bought a 2001 limited edition PT Cruiser
and really like it. It has 60,000 miles on it but was well maintained
and in good shape.

But the mileage is terrible - luckily I don't drive far
distance and can live with it no problem.

Any hints to improve mileage? I'm using the cheapest
gas (lowest octane) right now. Would using a higher
octane help? Most of my driving is done in the city
rather than on the freeways.


Thanks
CJ

 

I get about 18 city and 22 highway on my 01 Limited. I always use Mobil 1
5W-30 oil. Other than keeping the weight of the vehicle down, using low
rolling resistance tires inflated to 36 lb and conservative driving there is
not much else you can do to improve its fuel economy. Chrysler did a poor
job in this area with the Cruiser. Our mini-van with the same transmission
but a 3.8 V6 does better!!!!!

 

No. Use the grade your owner's manual recommends as long as the
engine isn't knocking. In fact, some sources say you get lower
mileage on higher octane in an engine not designed for it.

Follow the usual ideas for mileage: Check tire inflation, remove
unnecessary weight, don't carry anything on the roof, smooth starts,
brake early, reduce your speed, combine trips, reduce idling times, ...

 

Also how long has it been since it had a complete tuneup?

 

I have a '95 Fleetwood with a 300HP LT1 8cyl engine that gets better
mileage than that. How can a PT manage to use so much gas?

Steve B.

 

Under powered and overweight.

 

CJ,
After two PT's, a 2003 sedan and a 2005, we went with the Caliber. We
never got over 22 with either car, we used Mobil1 synthetic, the K&N
oil filter and still, nada! That transmission is the culprit, if it
had the CVT transmission it would get a lot better mileage.
--

 

The PT gas mileage is bad because Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler) got the
PT classified as a truck. As a truck, Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler) did
not HAVE to make the PT get good fuel mileage. At 18 mpg it did not
bring down the CAFE for autos and actually increased the CAFE for
trucks.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3012/is_2_179/ai_54051112

 

I have the same car. I love it, it's cute. Drives fine. Low
maintenance except for brakes (eats through them.)

We're just stuck with the gas guzzling.

It is heavy I think. Small engine for such a car. Tranny may suck too.

Eventually I'll get something that is better on the gas. Haven't found
anything I like though. Hoping for the electric revolution to catch up.
I'd own a Prius if it wasn't so ugly. Boring.

When I bought it in 2000 a tank was $25. Now it's $55. Just didn't
care then. I cared, just didn't worry about it.

Won't buy another one. Probably won't by anything Chrysler/Dodge. Need
to support car companies that are trying harder to get green.

 

Same here with two PT Cruisers, a 2003 base Sedan and later a 2005
Convertible. Never could get over 21-22mgp and most times 17-19.
Traded in the Convertible for a Dodge Caliber, great mileage, getting
28-29 in town with A/C running. Over 32 on the road with A/C going
65mph.
Stay with Chrysler products. I also own a 1940 Chrysler Royal that
still gets 20mpg with the flathead 6.

 

My 2001, stick tranny, has 74k on it. I get 21-23 in town and 26-28
highway. And that is in brutally hot Las Vegas and using AC. Keep
tires at 36psi, K&N air filter, Penzoil 10w-30, and thermal barriers
around the air intake system. I think the main reasons I get these
numbers is slow acceleration, braking slowly and early, and keeping my
speed down.

 

They should put the CVT transmission in the PT, my Caliber gets 28-29
around town using the A/C.

 

so you like that Hyundai built caliber engine and trans?

 

I think that the tranny is made in Japan, JATCO.


--

 

Hah! Vegas, lived there for several
years.

I've already pumped up the tires
to 34psi and that's as high as I
feel safe with. I've already noticed
an improvement in the mileage.

What brand and octane of gas do you use.

Ctiizen Jimserac

 

that could be. not sure


think its the world engine too. I don't like the damn things unless I can
get one with an adjustable see, otherwise its a pain to see over the hood.

 

The Caliber has a seat height adjuster that will allow you to see over
the hood. I like that feature, my wife does not!

 

An adjustable what?

 

that seat height adjuster must not be in the base model then. the one I
test drove was a pain, noisy trans, program car ( that was part of the
problem) so good chance it was abused.

it was base model but didn't see an adjuster. I'll look at another when I
get back down there.

 

Yea, it is the SXT, pretty well loaded, with the 2.0 engine and the
CVT transmission. Power window, air, and all the standard SXT stuff.
You might have been driving the 1.8 base stick shift model. There is
an adjuster on the left of the driver's seat that you use to pump up
the height of the seat. We are VERY pleased with our Caliber, no
problems after almost one year.