PT Cruiser with manual transmission

[Cmdridq]

Hi,
I was wondering about the 5 speed on the PTC. Does this give the car much better pickup? Is it a good trans? I can't find any feedback about it anywhere, they seem to be pretty scarce. Anyone here have one? How do you like it?

Jake

[G-man422]

The 5 speed is nice. It gives it better pickup, so it doesnt feel as slow as the auto. Its also a strong and smooth shift. Not to mention manual cars are just fun to drive!

[smc1243]

I like it - it moves out anbd is smooth. I'd prefer the engine to rev a little lower in 5th gear but it is fun to drive a stick

[Twindriver]

Originally Posted by Cmdridq

Hi,
I was wondering about the 5 speed on the PTC. Does this give the car much better pickup? Is it a good trans? I can't find any feedback about it anywhere, they seem to be pretty scarce. Anyone here have one? How do you like it?

Jake

I have 02 Limited, black, purple flames, loaded, and with the 5 speed. I have 16k miles of driving on it.

1.) Does this give the car much better pickup? Yes it does. I've driven several autos with the 150hp 4-cyl, and they seem o.k., a little sluggish. The 5-speed helps tremedously. I can easily spin the front tires. Frankly, I can spin them too easily, even shifting from 1st to 2nd. So technique is important to getting the best acceleration.

2.) Is it a good trans? Well...compared to what? The good is that it's reliable, durable, and shas a porty feeling shift action with a shorter throw than my '98 BMW Z3 2.8 (and the PT stick is much longer too). The cue ball shifter knob looks awesome. Now for bad, the synchromeshers are clumsy --often in a fast shift the synchros will block progress into the next gear; it happens on the downshift also. Now the ugly --sometimes it will slip out of reverse, from a stop, when engaging the clutch. I hate that. I often hold the shifter in the reverse position until the car begins backing up --then it will stay. This happens infrquently. I suspect that Chrysler, using a parts-bin mentality, recycled the minivan manual trans for the PT.

Do I like it and am I glad I bought it instead of the automatic --most definitely FOR THE 150HP ENGINE! If I had a GT, I would go with the auto, because for me, the PT Crusier would be more comfortable without having to sit in a position that is conducive to operating a manual trans. The PT's seats almost feel like they tilt forward and there's no side support (except for the arm rests).

I am happy with Chrysler products, and I've owned them since 1984. My first Mopar was a 1972 Plymouth Fury III, followed by a new Dodge Caravan in '84 -- which I had and ran well into 2002 when I bought my PT. I am car stupid, currently owning (lowest year first) a 1926 Model T Ford, a 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible, a 1998 BMW Z3 2.8, a 2001 BMW 740iL, and of course, the PT (which is my winter car BTW).

Would I buy another PT? --Yep yep.

[Chris V]

I have an '02 PT Touring with the 5 speed, zero problems in 68k miles.

The 5 speed one is over 3 seconds quicker to 60 mph than the automatic. Serious. It's with a second 0-60 of the autostick equipped GT Cruiser!

I've also never had a problem with the trans popping out, nor have I ever been uncomfortable, even in an autocross situation or driving from Baltimore to Orlando...

[win_daddy]

I have an '02 Touring edition 5-spd w/101k miles and no problems so far! Just did the timing belt and other belts. I like the 5-spd; I believe it's much quicker than a similar auto-box.