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gala9511
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Mar 27, 2004, 6:11 PM
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Just picked up my "Basic" Black '05 Vertie the other day. DMC and at least the dealer I got this one at are holding true to their word. Paid $19,500. which included the delivery charge for my "Basic Black" model. I told the salesman I wanted it in the morning and I picked it up that night. Lots better than my 1 year wait for my 2001 Inferno red touring edition. Oh yes and it sure is FUN to drive even if it is only 50 degrees and in Michigan. First milage report is 25+ mpg and that is forgetting to shift into fifth gear half of the time.
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Black '05 "Vertie", "Basic Edition"
Inferno Red '01 "Touring Edition"
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Posts: 4 | From: Flint, Mi
| Registered: Mar 27, 2004, 5:44 PM
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RAYN
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Mar 30, 2004, 8:18 AM
Post #2 of 21
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Re: [gala9511] Basic "05"
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 Congratulations on your new convertible. Would be interested in your comments regarding first the interior as to color and material quality, and second on the engine power as most critics I have read bad mouth this set up as being underpowered. Sure can not argue with the price, since it is nearly 10K cheaper than the top of the line GT. Have a great day! Havent been able to find any specifications or equipment content on the Base model as it is ignored both on the web site and the new brouchure. And oh yes what kind of wheel covers are on your car? Thanks
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Posts: 199 | From: Arlington Virginia USA
| Registered: Feb 24, 2002, 12:00 AM
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gala9511
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Mar 30, 2004, 9:06 AM
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Re: [RAYN] Basic "05"
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My new car has Plastic silver hubcaps, cloth interior charcoal color. AM/FM stereo casette radio. The power is the same as in my '01. The power is nothing to write home about but hey 150 horsepower in something that looks good, who cares about smoking the tires. Besides when I "get on the throttle" it does move!!!!! I just want to look good with the top down. And the retro look suit me just fine. Oh yes and my grandson loves the car.
In fact when I told salesman I wanted his basic model he asked me if I wanted to come in and test drive it. I just " no I dont need to I already bought one from you and know how it runs and drives." I also told him that I would be in to pick it up that afternoon. 6 hours later I was driving my vertie with the top down. (windows up and heater going full blast) It was still winter here in Michigan.
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Black '05 "Vertie", "Basic Edition"
Inferno Red '01 "Touring Edition"
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Posts: 4 | From: Flint, Mi
| Registered: Mar 27, 2004, 5:44 PM
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njsteve
Cruiser Buff
Posted: Mar 30, 2004, 10:39 AM
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Re: [gala9511] Basic "05"
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congrads / do you have any pictures to post? not many people have seen a base model i am sure there are others who would like to see it
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Posts: 69 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jun 3, 2000, 12:00 AM
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RAYN
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Mar 30, 2004, 11:31 AM
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Re: [gala9511] Basic "05"
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Hey thanks for the information. Im thinking of the Touring edition which is the middle model but was concerned about the dark interior and whether I would feel comfortable in it as I usually prefer a lighter interior. However, on thinking about it with the body colored interior bezels (red in my case) and light grey sheepskins on the front seats and a light grey dash cover it mightnen be so bad. Since I already own the five speed 2.4 litre model from 2001 was sure that there was enuf power. Cant see the justification for the extra bucks for a turbo not to mention the gas expense. Thanks again Have a great day!
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Posts: 199 | From: Arlington Virginia USA
| Registered: Feb 24, 2002, 12:00 AM
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gala9511
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Mar 30, 2004, 11:33 AM
Post #6 of 21
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Re: [njsteve] Basic "05"
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I will get my digital camera out and get some pictures and then try and figure out how to get them on the site.
Now do I want 15" or 16" rims?????????
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Black '05 "Vertie", "Basic Edition"
Inferno Red '01 "Touring Edition"
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Posts: 4 | From: Flint, Mi
| Registered: Mar 27, 2004, 5:44 PM
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gala9511
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Mar 30, 2004, 5:33 PM
Post #7 of 21
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Re: [RAYN] Basic "05"
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I am happy with the dark color. I may be sorry about the black and the need for frequent washing. But hey, that is the fun of it. Peoples heads are starting to snap when I drive buy. As far as the extra money for a dressed up car. This basic is just fine by me. Still plenty of power. Also, I am still thinking about keeping with the original 15 inch tires and just get some nice new rims. any thoughts out there.
Later
Eric
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Black '05 "Vertie", "Basic Edition"
Inferno Red '01 "Touring Edition"
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Posts: 4 | From: Flint, Mi
| Registered: Mar 27, 2004, 5:44 PM
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njsteve
Cruiser Buff
Posted: Mar 31, 2004, 5:09 AM
Post #8 of 21
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Re: [gala9511] Basic "05"
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I would go with 17's same as on the GT. the tires that are supplied on all models are low end. if you don't want to go for the expence of tire and wheels upgrade your tires. they will make a big difference with the ride.
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Posts: 69 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jun 3, 2000, 12:00 AM
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geminn
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Jun 4, 2004, 11:53 AM
Post #9 of 21
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Re: [njsteve] Basic "05"
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Bought a midnight blue base model ($19,500) last wednesday (along with an 04 pacifica for my wife). Absolutely lovin it! no complaints on the power (but I havent driven a turbo and probably dont want to!). Black interior is actually very nice quality I think and it doesnt get hot like leather. Turns lots of heads. The blue color is reeally nice and sparkles. New member, I'll post some pics after i get the bug splats off it this weekend (drove it from Memphis to St. Louis and back this weekend). Got about 25 MPG with the top down the whole way. Its a lease so I cant customise it too much but I am looking for some better rims/tires. The couple things I do miss are the CD player and speed control. Also no floor mats or boot for the top :( all in all HIGHLY recommended and you cant beat the price (though I've seen a few demos advertised for $16,000).
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Posts: 1 | From: memphis, TN
| Registered: May 27, 2004, 3:38 PM
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TIm Brett
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Jun 14, 2004, 3:37 PM
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Re: [geminn] Basic "05"
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We bought the Touring Edition. We tested all three models and felt that the base was a little underpowered and unless you are a die hard have to have leather person, the GT was a bit too pricey to be justified for us. The touring edition is a nice midstep for anyone who is worried about the power of the base but don't want the extra expense of the GT. We had a Chevy Malibu (V6 180 HP) before and this car, because it is so much lighter, and with the turbo, has much better pickup and it handles like a dream. It is brand new so I can't speak for long term but so far it is the best car purchase I have made.
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Posts: 5 | From: Southern Cal
| Registered: Jun 14, 2004, 1:06 PM
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tox2dox
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Nov 23, 2004, 12:54 PM
Post #11 of 21
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Re: [gala9511] Basic "05"
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Hi.......
I have a cool vanilla basic PT Convert that I ordered sight unseen. Was informed by sales that the basic model came with all the standard features that were detailed in the brochure. I don't think Chrysler made any of the basic converts that included the following: Boot, chrome exhaust tip, floor mats, fog lamps, instrument panel accents, security alarm system, theft deterrent system, and speed control. I am pleased with my convert, but may have purchased touring or turbo with the "extras". I I cannot find one PT convert made with these features, I may ask Ralph Nadar to get involved.
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Posts: 3 | From: N/A
| Registered: Nov 22, 2004, 5:44 PM
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LiquidPT
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Nov 23, 2004, 1:37 PM
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Re: [tox2dox] Basic "05"
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Those certainly don't sound like base model features to me. Even in years past, I'd expect those to be standard on a touring or limited, not the base.
Matt
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Posts: 367 | From: Los Angeles, CA
| Registered: Apr 18, 2004, 12:12 AM
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COcruizin
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Nov 23, 2004, 6:37 PM
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Re: [LiquidPT] Basic "05"
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I bought an 05 Convert. in April 04 and got the TE Turbo Lite. I received all the items that you listed. From what I was shown a base model does not have any of those items stock, you needed to order them as options.
have a super cruizin day 
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 KC Cruizin
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Posts: 693 | From: Divide, Colorado , usa
| Registered: Jan 9, 2001, 12:00 AM
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PurpleTub
Cruiser Buff
Posted: Nov 23, 2004, 9:47 PM
Post #14 of 21
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Re: [tox2dox] Basic "05"
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"Buyer beware" is the phrase that comes to mind reading this thread. We ordered both our Cruisers, 01 Aquamarine TE 5spd and 05 Purple(can't bring myself to call it deep plum) TE turbo lite Convertible. That way we were sure of what we were going to get. We ordered specifically because we wanted 4 wheel disks, ABS and color. We would have bought a base model convertible with options, but no ABS killed that thought.
We were one of the last orders for the 05 that went through. The Monday after we ordered, DC cut off any more orders. They were going to build out what they thought the customers wanted. And guess what? We got both cars for sticker price even though there was a 3K premium at most dealers when we ordered. We didn't even mind the 2 month wait for the convertible. I won't talk about the wait for the 01.
We'll never buy car off the lot. If we're shelling out a large bundle of cash for something that doesn't have interior plumbing, we want exactly what WE want. Not what the manufacturer wants us to buy.
btw, even though I hate automatics the extra power from the turbo goes a very, very long way to soothing my distress when I drive it.
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Posts: 86 | From: Champaign, IL
| Registered: Sep 9, 2004, 7:56 AM
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PT RAGTOP
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Nov 24, 2004, 2:47 AM
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Re: [PurpleTub] Basic "05"
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?????? 2005 cut off??? A friend of mine just ordered an '05 PT Cruiser Ragtop GT Black, auto YESTERDAY! Why was there a cut off? Will his order go through (we are in Canada, might be different?) It is not even '05 yet and they have a cut off? Please someone explain.
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Posts: 153 | From: Oakville
| Registered: May 29, 2004, 3:29 AM
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PurpleTub
Cruiser Buff
Posted: Nov 24, 2004, 6:19 AM
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Re: [PT RAGTOP] Basic "05"
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We ordered our droptop in late March. The order cutoff ran until late June from what our salesman at the dealership told me. Chrysler wanted to build out as many cookie cutter droptops as possible. Once they got over the hump, orders were again accepted.
There were 3 TE turbo lite purple droptops at dealerships in Illinois when we ordered. They all were sans 4 whl disks and ABS. However, they were equiped with every other option you could want. We chose to order exactly the options we wanted.
When our droptop arrived, we drove it for three days without ever putting the top up.
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Posts: 86 | From: Champaign, IL
| Registered: Sep 9, 2004, 7:56 AM
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PT RAGTOP
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Nov 24, 2004, 1:19 PM
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Re: [PurpleTub] Basic "05"
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I am glad you are enjoying yours! Mine is also PURPLE!!! It is a GT with Auto. I LOVE it! We got ours the first week in April. It was the second PT RagTop in Canada, and the only Purple. We wanted purple but were told there was a hold on them. I opted for Black then. I got a call from my contact @ DC and they told me they could get me a purple if I still wanted it! Two days later it arrived from Calgary, Alberta!
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Posts: 153 | From: Oakville
| Registered: May 29, 2004, 3:29 AM
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tox2dox
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Nov 24, 2004, 5:37 PM
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Re: [PurpleTub] Basic "05"
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Buyer Beware is good advice. We would have bought touring or GT if we could have found Cool Vanilla color. Could have ordered one, but would have taken too long. We wanted a tow vehicle for our RV, and the basic with stick shift is perfect. I am just peeved that chrysler is still showing a brochure with "strandard" features that are not included. Until proven differently, I believe that Chrysler never made a basic 05 convert with the features as listed in the brochure.
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Posts: 3 | From: N/A
| Registered: Nov 22, 2004, 5:44 PM
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cinci-av
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Nov 25, 2004, 9:39 AM
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Re: [tox2dox] Basic "05"
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I do agree that the marketing information on the base is very decieving!! They remove everything they could to bring it under $20K.
The way I understood it when I bought mine, is that the "base" comes only as the "D" package. There are no other factory options, other then color. Factory options not avaiable include things like 4 wheel disc's, ABS, auto, etc. All you can get are dealer installed options. However, things like fog lights and speed control are pre-wired and not too hard to install yourself. I got all the options I wanted for much less then factory and less then the cost of the touring model!!!
The following things are not on my base:
Floormats ($45 on ebay)
Foglights ($75 on ebay)
Speed Control ($200 on ebay)
Alarm (Can be programmed in and switches added. Wiring already there. Just need to find someone to do it for you)
Alloy Wheels (Aftermarket much cheaper. Got 235/17's for $700 at wheelsnext. Stock Badyears are junk anyway!)
Boot Cover ($199 on line)
AM/FM/CD/Tape ($150 on ebay)
Chrome Exhaust tip (Really needed? $20 on ebay if you want it.)
What IP accents? If your are talking about body colored panels, the cool vanilla's does not come that way, no matter what model.
Good luck trying to get them to do anything about it. They have plenty of disclaimers to cover their behinds about stuff like this. From their website:
"All information contained at this Internet site is intended for the USA market only. The accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed, particularly since this information is subject to change. All product illustrations and specifications are based upon current information at the time of programming. DaimlerChrysler reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice or obligation, to the information contained on this Internet site, prices, incentive programs, specifications, equipment, colors, materials, and to change or discontinue models."
Even the website shows three options now, that were not there when I bought mine in June:
- Delete Convertible Boot Top Cover
- Easy Entry System Seat
- Body kit
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Posts: 10 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jun 25, 2004, 8:57 AM
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sjs
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Nov 25, 2004, 7:48 PM
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Re: [cinci-av] Basic "05"
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When I first saw word that a PT Cruiser convertible model was in the works, almost two years ago now, I thought that's the car I must have. And when the model specs became available, I checked Daimler-Chrysler, Edmunds and Kelley sites (as well as any others that came up on a Google search) to compare standard and optional equipment of each model.
It wasn't too hard for me to see that the basic came as it came, with no choices, while the touring and GT models offered more creature comforts and options. But, it also wasn't too hard for me to see that there was a significant price difference, ranging from $4000 to $10,000, from the basic to touring to GT. Because this would be a second car, a "fun car", for me, the under $20,000 priced model seemed to meet all my needs. Finding one in my area, however, was not so easy, so I decided to try ordering my basic model in just the right color...black. That was in April, and I got my black basic convert in June, and I couldn't be more pleased.
Yes, it didn't come with floor mats, but I got them through my dealer. And, yes, it didn't come with cruise, but that was an easy after-market installation. The other stuff, like fog lights, CD and boot cover could be added, too, if I so choose. (And I knew all of this going into the purchase.) But I don't. And I'm a few thousand dollars ahead in the process.
While I do agree that Chrysler did seem to prominently promote the under $20,000 model, while not quite so prominently disclosing its limited availability and options, I don't feel it was too difficult for any potential buyer to find out exactly what was and was not included in that price.
Bottom line is, don't always take what you think you've read or heard as gospel. That old saying about if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, is right on the money and maybe you missed some fine print somewhere.
I love my basic PT Cruiser convertible and don't feel I was cheated or deceived as to what I would get. In fact, I think it was a real bargain.
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Posts: 3 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jul 1, 2004, 4:06 PM
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soldierguy
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Dec 30, 2004, 6:56 PM
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Re: [PurpleTub] Basic "05"
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Quote:
We were one of the last orders for the 05 that went through. The Monday after we ordered, DC cut off any more orders. They were going to build out what they thought the customers wanted.
We'll never buy car off the lot. If we're shelling out a large bundle of cash for something that doesn't have interior plumbing, we want exactly what WE want. Not what the manufacturer wants us to buy.
Hmmm...such an early cut-off on ordering doesn't sound right. I ordered my GT Convertible on Tuesday 28 December 04 for an 8 July 05 pick-up (I'm not in the states and won't be back until then). No issues at all when placing the order, and no mention of a cut-off date. I was sitting right there as the salesman punched it all into the computer, and the order was approved. I don't know if it makes a difference that I ordered mine through AAFES overseas military car sales, but I can't imagine that it would...late last spring (April or May) I was looking around at the lot on post and the salesman told me that the cut-off dates for ordering were approaching fast (in fact the Ford date had already passed) so I know the AAFES guys are up to speed on order cut-off dates.
But I hear ya on ordering...makes it much simpler to get exactly what you want. Up until now I've always bought off the lot, and the vehicle always had something I didn't want or didn't have something that I did want. My new PT will be equipped exactly the way I want it...colors, options, everything.
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soldierguy
Current Vehicles:
2000 Dodge Dakota 4X4 Club Cab 4.7L V8
2002 Kia Visto 800cc 50 hp city car
On Order for July 05 delivery: 2005 Cruiser GT Convertible, silver w/black top, chrome wheels, beige interior, 5 speed
http://members.cardomain.com/soldierguy
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Posts: 10 | From: Seoul, Korea
| Registered: Dec 29, 2004, 12:39 PM
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