2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  21.9% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.4% of all 2005 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.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  24.5% All 2005 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  16.7% All 2005 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-lock braking system7.3× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  9.5% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 1.3% of all 2005 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.

• Track rod ends2.3× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  13.3% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  64% 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
  54% 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
  50% 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
  32% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel

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 2.1× as often on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?