2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Braking performance2.9× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  18.9% All 2007 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 2.7% of all 2007 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  22.4% All 2007 cars

  10.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.1% of all 2007 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints10.2× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  11.2% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 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
  63% 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
  55% 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
  39% 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
  29% 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
  9% 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
  8% 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 2007 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 braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 10.2× as often on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?