I've been reading most all the PT Cruiser related posts in this newsgroup for a good while because I'm wanting to buy one close to Christmas as a present. I've also read about every newpaper/magazine article I can locate on them since I first "discovered" the Cruiser in one of the car magazines about 18 months ago. Ever since then folks have batted around whether or not the PT Cruiser is built on the Neon platform or not. There was one fellow (I assume...) in particular who just ranted and raved about how he got his information from a MOPAR magazine editor (or something like that) and the PT Cruiser was ABSOLUTELY built on the Neon platform and basically a Neon with a different body.
I have to say *WRONG*!!!
A few weeks ago I received a "magazine" from Chrysler called the "Road & Track Guide to the Chrysler PT Cruiser" and just last night was able to read it from cover to cover. Since this was sent out by Chrysler (I'm a Chrysler owner plus I had written a letter to them when I first learned about the Cruiser with my suggestions--so I've been on some sort of mailing list, received a PT Cruiser SwissCard, and was even called on the telephone by a fellow from Chrysler regarding my letter...) I would *ASSUME* that it's correct. Surely these guides aren't too rare because I even managed to get a second copy in the mail somehow. If everyone who has one would turn to page 44 of the guide and read the article "Beneath The Skin--Techniques and Technical Details" the second paragraph starts out like this:
"While the PT is *NOT* (((emphasis added by me))) built off the Neon platform and shares few parts with it, that subcompact sedan was a starting point for many of the Cruiser's systems."
So the Cruiser is, for the most part, a stand alone vehicle. I totally understand about it being built in the same factory as the Neon in Toluca, Mexico--but so is the Sebring convertible, and it's OBVIOUSLY not a Neon knock-off.
Of course there will be the die-hard boneheads out there who will INSIST that the PT Cruiser is nothing but a reskinned Neon until the day they die... I SALUTE YOU!!!! ;)
You're right. Nothing but maybe some nuts and bolts are interchangeable with a Neon. Even the 2.4L engine is not available in a Neon. No body panels, interiors pieces, nothing is Neon. And the rear suspension on the PT is totally unique and different from any other Chrysler car. I think the assembly plant it shared in Toluca was for the Sebring convertible, not the Neon. Now they have pulled the Sebring out and it's all PT so now maybe those that have waited for months (like me) to get their PT....there is light at the end of the tunnel.
> ...the PT is *NOT* (((emphasis added by me))) built off the Neon > platform and shares few parts with it, that subcompact sedan was a starting > point for many of the Cruiser's systems."
Everything you say is correct but this stubborn urban legend about the PT being a reskinned Neon partly comes from the fact that the first couple of show cars WERE simply rebodied Neons. Some people remember that but don't keep up with further facts.
The plan was likely to use the Neon platform at first, but as the car's potential became more certain, DC would have been willing to make further investments.
Look for spinoffs, however, to further amortize the platform cost.
The "proto type" show car was on a Neon. The PT shares 18 parts with the Neon. The 2.4 is the same engine but stroked more. European PT's have the same Neon 2.0.
The damn PT needs the supercharger sooner than later, and before the turbo that's going on it in a year.
-- I took the path less traveled by... ... and now I'm totally lost! 2000 - Ziggy Cartoon
sqaudio.com SUCKS!
Sean in Canada
Thinking of getting CC 2000 5.9 Full Time 4x4 Transfer Case Dakota, build it into a R/T Limited KILLER!!!!!!!! 1995 Dodge High Line Neon 4 Dr, 5 spd, DOHC race tuned, 198 HP, V8 Mustang gobble, V6 Camaro gobble, burp!!! - Not hungry for a Vette yet, but working on it!!! Lil' Red Express Truck and Warlock Truck, both aquired at an auction for re-sale to make more money for my other project truck. MECP Certified Car Audio Installer and Design.
"bullbehr" <noaddr...@ihatejunkmail.com> wrote in message
> I've been reading most all the PT Cruiser related posts in this newsgroup > for a good while because I'm wanting to buy one close to Christmas as a > present. I've also read about every newpaper/magazine article I can locate > on them since I first "discovered" the Cruiser in one of the car magazines > about 18 months ago. Ever since then folks have batted around whether or > not the PT Cruiser is built on the Neon platform or not. There was one > fellow (I assume...) in particular who just ranted and raved about how he > got his information from a MOPAR magazine editor (or something like that) > and the PT Cruiser was ABSOLUTELY built on the Neon platform and basically > a Neon with a different body.
> I have to say *WRONG*!!!
> A few weeks ago I received a "magazine" from Chrysler called the "Road & > Track Guide to the Chrysler PT Cruiser" and just last night was able to > read it from cover to cover. Since this was sent out by Chrysler (I'm a > Chrysler owner plus I had written a letter to them when I first learned > about the Cruiser with my suggestions--so I've been on some sort of mailing > list, received a PT Cruiser SwissCard, and was even called on the telephone > by a fellow from Chrysler regarding my letter...) I would *ASSUME* that > it's correct. Surely these guides aren't too rare because I even managed > to get a second copy in the mail somehow. If everyone who has one would > turn to page 44 of the guide and read the article "Beneath The > Skin--Techniques and Technical Details" the second paragraph starts out > like this:
> "While the PT is *NOT* (((emphasis added by me))) built off the Neon > platform and shares few parts with it, that subcompact sedan was a starting > point for many of the Cruiser's systems."
> So the Cruiser is, for the most part, a stand alone vehicle. I totally > understand about it being built in the same factory as the Neon in Toluca, > Mexico--but so is the Sebring convertible, and it's OBVIOUSLY not a Neon > knock-off.
> Of course there will be the die-hard boneheads out there who will INSIST > that the PT Cruiser is nothing but a reskinned Neon until the day they > die... I SALUTE YOU!!!! ;)
In article <n0lc5.276$o71.23...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>,
Richard Flow <Flo...@worldnet.att.net> wrote: >You're right. Nothing but maybe some nuts and bolts are interchangeable >with a Neon. Even the 2.4L engine is not available in a Neon. No body >panels, interiors pieces, nothing is Neon.
And the rear suspension on the
>PT is totally unique and different from any other Chrysler car.
the rear suspension was developed by one of the better known Neon racers too ;)
I think the
>assembly plant it shared in Toluca was for the Sebring convertible, not the >Neon. Now they have pulled the Sebring out and it's all PT so now maybe >those that have waited for months (like me) to get their PT....there is >light at the end of the tunnel.
Nope, it was the Neon plant in Toluca, atleast the one that the previous generation of Neon was produced at.
a tidbit of info, one of the few reasons the PT wasnt built in Belvidere (the location they originally wanted to build it) is that the paint tubs, where they do all the painting of the vehicles, were not deep enough to accomodate the height of the PT.
actually, the neon hasn't been built at toluca since the latest generation was introduced. and, toluca is where the sebring convertible had been built but has either ended or will shortly as production of the new convertible shifts to sterling heights michigan.
wi...@neons.org wrote: > In article <n0lc5.276$o71.23...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>, > Richard Flow <Flo...@worldnet.att.net> wrote: > >You're right. Nothing but maybe some nuts and bolts are interchangeable > >with a Neon. Even the 2.4L engine is not available in a Neon. No body > >panels, interiors pieces, nothing is Neon.
> And the rear suspension on the > >PT is totally unique and different from any other Chrysler car.
> the rear suspension was developed by one of the better known Neon > racers too ;)
> I think the > >assembly plant it shared in Toluca was for the Sebring convertible, not the > >Neon. Now they have pulled the Sebring out and it's all PT so now maybe > >those that have waited for months (like me) to get their PT....there is > >light at the end of the tunnel.
> Nope, it was the Neon plant in Toluca, atleast the one that the previous > generation of Neon was produced at.
> a tidbit of info, one of the few reasons the PT wasnt built in > Belvidere (the location they originally wanted to build it) is that the > paint tubs, where they do all the painting of the vehicles, were not > deep enough to accomodate the height of the PT.
: You're right. Nothing but maybe some nuts and bolts are interchangeable : with a Neon. Even the 2.4L engine is not available in a Neon. No body : panels, interiors pieces, nothing is Neon. And the rear suspension on the : PT is totally unique and different from any other Chrysler car. I think the : assembly plant it shared in Toluca was for the Sebring convertible, not the : Neon.
Neons were made there too, most notably the Neon R/T, I believe.
: Now they have pulled the Sebring out and it's all PT so now maybe : those that have waited for months (like me) to get their PT....there is : light at the end of the tunnel. : :
C/D also makes this point in their test. Said "they were led to believe it was based on the Neon but except for a few minor parts it's not."
However, note that PTs exported do use the Neon's 2.0 L engine.
I just drove one the other day and it may not be a neon platform but it sure drove like one. It also had bad wind noise. I was not impressed. My wife is looking to replace her 96 voyager. But after driving a PT she crossed that one off her list.
> The "proto type" show car was on a Neon. > The PT shares 18 parts with the Neon. > The 2.4 is the same engine but stroked more. > European PT's have the same Neon 2.0.
> The damn PT needs the supercharger sooner than later, and before the turbo > that's going on it in a year.
> -- > I took the path less traveled by... > ... and now I'm totally lost! > 2000 - Ziggy Cartoon
> sqaudio.com SUCKS!
> Sean in Canada
> Thinking of getting CC 2000 5.9 Full Time 4x4 Transfer Case Dakota, build it > into a R/T Limited KILLER!!!!!!!! > 1995 Dodge High Line Neon 4 Dr, 5 spd, DOHC race tuned, 198 HP, V8 Mustang > gobble, V6 Camaro gobble, burp!!! - Not hungry for a Vette yet, but working > on it!!! > Lil' Red Express Truck and Warlock Truck, both aquired at an auction for > re-sale to make more money for my other project truck. > MECP Certified Car Audio Installer and Design.
> "bullbehr" <noaddr...@ihatejunkmail.com> wrote in message > news:noaddress-ya02408000R1607000658550001@news.1starnet.com... > > I've been reading most all the PT Cruiser related posts in this newsgroup > > for a good while because I'm wanting to buy one close to Christmas as a > > present. I've also read about every newpaper/magazine article I can > locate > > on them since I first "discovered" the Cruiser in one of the car magazines > > about 18 months ago. Ever since then folks have batted around whether or > > not the PT Cruiser is built on the Neon platform or not. There was one > > fellow (I assume...) in particular who just ranted and raved about how he > > got his information from a MOPAR magazine editor (or something like that) > > and the PT Cruiser was ABSOLUTELY built on the Neon platform and basically > > a Neon with a different body.
> > I have to say *WRONG*!!!
> > A few weeks ago I received a "magazine" from Chrysler called the "Road & > > Track Guide to the Chrysler PT Cruiser" and just last night was able to > > read it from cover to cover. Since this was sent out by Chrysler (I'm a > > Chrysler owner plus I had written a letter to them when I first learned > > about the Cruiser with my suggestions--so I've been on some sort of > mailing > > list, received a PT Cruiser SwissCard, and was even called on the > telephone > > by a fellow from Chrysler regarding my letter...) I would *ASSUME* that > > it's correct. Surely these guides aren't too rare because I even managed > > to get a second copy in the mail somehow. If everyone who has one would > > turn to page 44 of the guide and read the article "Beneath The > > Skin--Techniques and Technical Details" the second paragraph starts out > > like this:
> > "While the PT is *NOT* (((emphasis added by me))) built off the Neon > > platform and shares few parts with it, that subcompact sedan was a > starting > > point for many of the Cruiser's systems."
> > So the Cruiser is, for the most part, a stand alone vehicle. I totally > > understand about it being built in the same factory as the Neon in Toluca, > > Mexico--but so is the Sebring convertible, and it's OBVIOUSLY not a Neon > > knock-off.
> > Of course there will be the die-hard boneheads out there who will INSIST > > that the PT Cruiser is nothing but a reskinned Neon until the day they > > die... I SALUTE YOU!!!! ;)
The Neons haven't been made there in quite awhile. The Sebring Convertible was made there but the factory is shut down the last 2 weeks of this month to retool and it'll be all PT Cruiser. The Sebring is moving to Ohio I believe.
> Richard Flow (Flo...@worldnet.att.net) wrote: > : You're right. Nothing but maybe some nuts and bolts are interchangeable > : with a Neon. Even the 2.4L engine is not available in a Neon. No body > : panels, interiors pieces, nothing is Neon. And the rear suspension on the > : PT is totally unique and different from any other Chrysler car. I think the > : assembly plant it shared in Toluca was for the Sebring convertible, not the > : Neon.
> Neons were made there too, most notably the Neon R/T, I believe.
> : Now they have pulled the Sebring out and it's all PT so now maybe > : those that have waited for months (like me) to get their PT....there is > : light at the end of the tunnel. > : > :
> C/D also makes this point in their test. Said "they were led to believe > it was based on the Neon but except for a few minor parts it's not."
> However, note that PTs exported do use the Neon's 2.0 L engine.
If it had the roof rack, that is what caused the wind noise. I rented one and it too had a lot of wind noise until I slid both cross bars to the back then it disappeared.
> I just drove one the other day and it may not be a neon platform but it sure > drove like one. It also had bad wind noise. I was not impressed. My wife is > looking to replace her 96 voyager. But after driving a PT she crossed that > one off her list.
> Sean in Canada <a...@sdsgf.com> wrote in message > news:L_wc5.91160$W35.2125631@news20.bellglobal.com... > > The "proto type" show car was on a Neon. > > The PT shares 18 parts with the Neon. > > The 2.4 is the same engine but stroked more. > > European PT's have the same Neon 2.0.
> > The damn PT needs the supercharger sooner than later, and before the turbo > > that's going on it in a year.
> > -- > > I took the path less traveled by... > > ... and now I'm totally lost! > > 2000 - Ziggy Cartoon
> > sqaudio.com SUCKS!
> > Sean in Canada
> > Thinking of getting CC 2000 5.9 Full Time 4x4 Transfer Case Dakota, build > it > > into a R/T Limited KILLER!!!!!!!! > > 1995 Dodge High Line Neon 4 Dr, 5 spd, DOHC race tuned, 198 HP, V8 Mustang > > gobble, V6 Camaro gobble, burp!!! - Not hungry for a Vette yet, but > working > > on it!!! > > Lil' Red Express Truck and Warlock Truck, both aquired at an auction for > > re-sale to make more money for my other project truck. > > MECP Certified Car Audio Installer and Design.
> > "bullbehr" <noaddr...@ihatejunkmail.com> wrote in message > > news:noaddress-ya02408000R1607000658550001@news.1starnet.com... > > > I've been reading most all the PT Cruiser related posts in this > newsgroup > > > for a good while because I'm wanting to buy one close to Christmas as a > > > present. I've also read about every newpaper/magazine article I can > > locate > > > on them since I first "discovered" the Cruiser in one of the car > magazines > > > about 18 months ago. Ever since then folks have batted around whether > or > > > not the PT Cruiser is built on the Neon platform or not. There was one > > > fellow (I assume...) in particular who just ranted and raved about how > he > > > got his information from a MOPAR magazine editor (or something like > that) > > > and the PT Cruiser was ABSOLUTELY built on the Neon platform and > basically > > > a Neon with a different body.
> > > I have to say *WRONG*!!!
> > > A few weeks ago I received a "magazine" from Chrysler called the "Road & > > > Track Guide to the Chrysler PT Cruiser" and just last night was able to > > > read it from cover to cover. Since this was sent out by Chrysler (I'm a > > > Chrysler owner plus I had written a letter to them when I first learned > > > about the Cruiser with my suggestions--so I've been on some sort of > > mailing > > > list, received a PT Cruiser SwissCard, and was even called on the > > telephone > > > by a fellow from Chrysler regarding my letter...) I would *ASSUME* that > > > it's correct. Surely these guides aren't too rare because I even > managed > > > to get a second copy in the mail somehow. If everyone who has one would > > > turn to page 44 of the guide and read the article "Beneath The > > > Skin--Techniques and Technical Details" the second paragraph starts out > > > like this:
> > > "While the PT is *NOT* (((emphasis added by me))) built off the Neon > > > platform and shares few parts with it, that subcompact sedan was a > > starting > > > point for many of the Cruiser's systems."
> > > So the Cruiser is, for the most part, a stand alone vehicle. I totally > > > understand about it being built in the same factory as the Neon in > Toluca, > > > Mexico--but so is the Sebring convertible, and it's OBVIOUSLY not a Neon > > > knock-off.
> > > Of course there will be the die-hard boneheads out there who will INSIST > > > that the PT Cruiser is nothing but a reskinned Neon until the day they > > > die... I SALUTE YOU!!!! ;)
: The Neons haven't been made there in quite awhile. The Sebring Convertible : was made there but the factory is shut down the last 2 weeks of this month : to retool and it'll be all PT Cruiser. The Sebring is moving to Ohio I : believe.
Neons were made there before the new model began last year. The factory is running full speed making PTs now (and got up to full speed in record time). The Sebring convertible will be made at the same Sterling Heights Michigan plant as the Sebring sedan and Stratus sedan.
: : Rick : : "Lloyd R. Parker" <lpar...@emory.edu> wrote in message : news:8kv5h2$pl1$1@jet.cc.emory.edu... : > Richard Flow (Flo...@worldnet.att.net) wrote: : > : You're right. Nothing but maybe some nuts and bolts are interchangeable : > : with a Neon. Even the 2.4L engine is not available in a Neon. No body : > : panels, interiors pieces, nothing is Neon. And the rear suspension on : the : > : PT is totally unique and different from any other Chrysler car. I think : the : > : assembly plant it shared in Toluca was for the Sebring convertible, not : the : > : Neon. : > : > : > Neons were made there too, most notably the Neon R/T, I believe. : > : > : Now they have pulled the Sebring out and it's all PT so now maybe : > : those that have waited for months (like me) to get their PT....there is : > : light at the end of the tunnel. : > : : > : : > : > C/D also makes this point in their test. Said "they were led to believe : > it was based on the Neon but except for a few minor parts it's not." : > : > However, note that PTs exported do use the Neon's 2.0 L engine. : :
