2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.4× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser

  25.9% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser

  26.4% All 2006 cars

  12.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser

  15.9% All 2006 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  58% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  51% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  49% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?