2002 PT Cruiser
I purchased this vehicle new and for the following reasons: I loved the retro design and the fact that the seats were so easy to get in and out of - more like really comfortable chairs than the traditional 'bucket'. I liked the all 'round visibility. I especially appreciated the large rear door - wider and taller than most SUVs at the time and I did NOT want an SUV - which allowed me to easily load an entire drum kit into the back. It has always handled very well and the interior materials even today don't reflect 133,000 plus miles. That being said, once the warranty ran out it seems as though everything started failing. I've had to replace virtually every critical element of the drive train - and a radiator - plus motor mounts, etc. I've spent more to maintain the vehicle in the past 6 years than the car is worth, and, in fully maintaining the vehicle from the day I bought it as if I would keep it forever, that is extremely disappointing. Stuff shouldn't fail that hasn't been abused and 133,000+ miles is no big deal these days. Also, from today's perspective, the overall fuel economy is poor (in town between 13-18 mpg and on the highway an okay 23-26 mpg). So, aside from the fact I still like about the car what I liked when I purchased it, I'd have to rate it overall as expensive to maintain.