Which exterior accessories are recommended for the Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Question

Honestly Im just so sick of looking at my 2006 PT Cruiser right now like it used to be cool I guess but the trim is peeling and the headlights are all foggy and I feel like everyone is judging me when I pull up to work. I have this big family reunion coming up in July and I really dont want to show up in a car that looks like it belongs in a junkyard but I cant afford a new car right now so I have to make this work.

Budget is tight maybe $400 or $500 tops since I'm out here in Ohio and everything just rusts anyway but I need to do something fast. I tried a few things already:

cheap plastic hubcaps that flew off on the highway

some spray on headlight restorer that lasted a week

a magnetic antenna topper that got stolen

Everything I see online looks so cheap and I dont want to waste more money on junk that breaks or looks tacky. Im looking for stuff that actually stays on and makes a difference like maybe window deflectors or a specific type of chrome grille that isnt total trash quality. What are the actual decent exterior accessories that actually fit right and wont fall off or look like garbage? Just really need some advice before I lose my mind...

hqfjlpmlqs · Accepted Answer

You might want to consider replacing the full headlight assemblies instead of using kits. Be careful with cheap adhesives in the Ohio humidity too. I would suggest focusing on quality brands to avoid that tacky look:

Spec-D Tuning Black Housing Clear Lens Headlight Assemblies

Auto Ventshade AVS Ventvisor 4pc Window Deflectors Make sure you thoroughly clean the mounting areas or they wont stay on past the first car wash.

RetnabeDig · Answer

Just thinking... what color is the PT? That kinda changes which accessories look decent vs tacky. Since you want stuff that actually stays on, here are a couple solid options:

Try Omac Chrome Door Handle Covers for 2001-2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser to hide peeling plastic.

Swap fog lights for Spyder Auto Replacement Fog Lights for 2006-2010 PT Cruiser. Fresh fogs really help the front profile look less like a junkyard find.

dmidxvefwn · Answer

Spent some time looking for parts that actually hold up in Ohio weather. To fix the peeling trim and the wheel issue without looking tacky, these are the best technical options:

B-pillars always peel on these. Instead of paint, use Omac Stainless Steel Pillar Post Covers for Chrysler PT Cruiser. They use 3M adhesive and high-grade steel so they wont rust or fly off. It hides the damage permanently.

For the front, the APS Stainless Steel Billet Grille Overlay is much better than plastic. It bolts on with hardware so you wont lose it on the highway like you did with the magnetic parts.

Since hubcaps keep failing, try CCI IWCIMP64BLK 16 Inch Black Wheel Skins. These lock into the actual wheel spokes rather than just the rim edge. They look like factory alloy wheels and stay put.