The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s saving grace is its rock bottom price. Fair market values start at under $3,000, and typical listing prices are in the mid-$4,000 range. But, you get what you pay for.
Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – The PT Cruiser is the definition of an average, mediocre car. It’s not a clunker, and it’s nobody’s dream car. It’s just a dependable, hassle-free way to get from point A to point B on a budget.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The cabin is pretty basic and hip room is a bit tight, but you’ve got plenty of head room and cargo space thanks to the unique wagon style design.
- Reliability 7/10 – A PT Cruiser won’t outlast a Mazda3, or most Hyundais, but major mechanical issues are few and far between.
- Safety 7/10 – Crash test ratings are decent, but onboard safety tech is skimpy, lacking standard features like anti-lock brakes.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 19/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway, is a perfectly acceptable fuel economy for a 15 year old compact wagon.
- Value 7/10 – The PT Cruiser is priced fairly in the $4,500 range. It’s hardly the deal of the century, but it’s not highway robbery at that price, either.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Consumer Reports praised the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser for its practicality and versatility, pointing out that the car offers easy access and a solid mid-range turbocharged engine. They note that the slow steering, wide turning circle, limited rear cargo space, and awkward visibility contribute to the car’s mediocre reputation.
Kelley Blue Book liked the PT Cruiser’s spacious interior and they really liked the convertible model, as well as the wide assortment of aftermarket parts and upgrades available. Poor visibility and less-than-sporty handling and performance cost the car a more positive review.
Edmunds liked the roomy, accessible cabin, they found the ride to be pleasingly smooth, and they liked the low price. The outdated design, wimpy acceleration, mediocre fuel economy, and awkward layout all earned some red marks.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser has generated just 113 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 43 of these are for electrical issues, with drivers reporting that the vehicle stalls out and loses power when driving at city speeds.
23 airbag complaints point to the warning lights flashing and the “ding” sound going on and on. One driver reports the airbag deploying on the driver side simply because the car was struck by a random object on the road.
A handful of engine and powertrain complaints point to sudden jerking while in motion, and even smoke coming from under the hood. This has been reported at just over 100,000 by a small number of drivers.
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser hasn’t been recalled a single time, which is impressive for a vehicle this old when you consider the low number of complaints.
How Long Will the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Last?
PT Cruiser drivers typically report the car lasting around 200,000 miles before the more expensive repairs start to mount up. This doesn’t put it in the same league as a typical Toyota or Honda, or even one of the better Fords, but it’s not a bad life expectancy for the price.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $517, which is about average for a vehicle in this class. New oil pumps are by far the most expensive common repair, pricing between $1,079 and $1,198.
It is a reliable car. My main issue is with my hubcaps, which are warped. Because of this, my tires leak air, especially in the winter, and the valve is messed up so it takes forever to put air in them.
Yes it is reliable. Have had one issue with the check engine light on, but seems to be an evap code so am working on resolving it
No problems far. Taken trips to Georgia, ,New York, and Miami many times. Very reliable. Sunroof to see the stars at night or get fresh air during the day. Love the car..
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 PT Cruiser is really basic. You get a CD player in the base model and you can upgrade the speakers in the higher trim levels, but that’s about it.
Safety features are skimpy. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are only available in the higher trims, but occupant-sensing airbags are standard.
Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser a Good Value?
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a fair value. A Sport Wagon model will typically list for around $4,187 while a Convertible usually sells at around $4,553. If you know how to negotiate, Blue Book values start as low as $2,686, so these cars can be had for dirt cheap.
It’s a question of what you’re getting for your money, though. The PT Cruiser is a thoroughly mediocre vehicle that may leave you wishing you’d spent just a little more money for something just a little more high-end.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is available in two body styles, being the wagon and convertible, and three trim levels, from the base LX to the high-end Limited.
In the entry-level LX you’re getting:
- Remote keyless entry
- Cloth seating
- CD player with 4 speaker
The mid-range Touring adds:
- Manual air conditioning
- Power convertible top (in convertible model)
- Premium cloth seating
With a top-of-the-line Limited you’re adding:
- Heated front seats
- Leather seating
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
What Engines Come In the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
- The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser comes packed with a 2.4L inline-four engine delivering 150 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, configured in front wheel drive, and it averages 19/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is far from luxurious, but the suspension rides smoothly enough and unique shape of the car offers ample headroom. The seats only stretch about 41 inches across at the hip, so it’s definitely a compact, but it’s not exactly cramped.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser starts you off with 7 cubic feet of space in the convertible, which can be expanded to 21 cubic feet with the seats down. The wagon stretches from 13 to about 63 cubic feet, putting it in the same league as some SUVs. This is about as close as a compact car gets to being a minivan.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Chrysler PT Cruiser ran for a single generation, from 2001 to 2010. The 2008 was the 8th model year for the car.
2006: The GT model got a performance boost in 2006, bringing it up to 230 horsepower.
2007: Chrysler ditched a redesign concept at the last second in 2007, making the PT Cruiser a rare car that never saw so much as a single facelift.
2008: The Base and Limited models were bumped to 180 horsepower thanks to a turbocharged i4 in 2008.
2009: Convertible models were dropped from the lineup.
2010: There were no major changes for the final model year.
How Does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Compare to the Competition?
The 2008 PT Cruiser was part of a whole wave of throwback wagon-style cars in the late 00’s. The other one you might remember would be the Chevrolet HHR, which is prone to breakdown at a mere 150,000 miles, but costs a thousand bucks more than the PT Cruiser.
If you really want a charming little wagon-style hatchback, the 2008 Mazda3 lasts a good 50,000 miles longer than the PT Cruiser for the same price. It may not have the same quirky, retro charm, but it’s just an objectively better car in pretty much every way.
In all fairness, the PT Cruiser is far from being a lemon. It’s a dependable little wagon with a cute design and no major mechanical failings. But if you’ve got five grand to spend on a used car, there are far, far better options out there.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
I like the 2008 Chrysler Pt-Cruiser, however, there are several things that I wish were in the car. There is no cruise control, nor are there power controls for the side mirrors.
I believe it is a good vehicle. Have had minor repair to it since owning it for one year. Very smooth driving car, average gas mileage, could be slightly better though on the fuel consumption
Yes, rides good, plenty of space to carry a wheelchair, and oxygen tanks. Back seats can be put down under the floor, has a CD player to play movies, seats 7 people nicely.