to AB, or not to AB. That is the question.

You knowledgeable Cruisers out there post some pretty good advise, so any help on this will be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to decide whether or not to opt for the ABS package. Is it worth the $790 add-on? What does the traction control really do?

[Woog]

Yes- if you have trouble stopping on ice or in slippery conditions.

No - If you grew up in the north and already know how to stop on ice.
In which case it would be annoying.

[turboholic]

The traction control is almost a gimmick if you don't live in the snow belt.

As for ABS, a non ABS car with an excellent driver can stop quicker on clean dry smooth pavement without ABS.

Since most of us are not excellent drivers who practice threshold braking on a regular basis, and most of our roads are far from clean smooth and dry, the ABS can well save you from injury and expense as it simulates threshold braking and gives you a chance to steer around an obstacle rather than plowing into it with all four tires smokin'!

If you invoke the ABS one time in an emergency, and it allows you to avoid a disaster, it's well worth it IMNSHO.

[PT_Sean]

The ABS "package" is actually made up of 3 things:
[unorder=circle]
[#]ABS itself- pulsating of the brake pressure at any given wheel to reduce skidding and hence, the lack of steering control in a lock-up. It has been proven that given the same vehicle, same professional driver, same conditions, that ABS actually lengthens your stopping distance versus non-ABS. True for icey and non-icy conditions. (it was in R&T years ago) ABS cannot be turned OFF with ease in the PT (R&T used a Benz or something that had a key switch).
[#]TRACtion Control- in slippery conditions, the amount of throttle/torque to the front wheels, as a pair, are reduced when they start to spin. This reduces wheel spin, allowing the tires to grip better. TRAC can be manually turned OFF with a dash switch, so you can impress the girls with a burn-out in the parking lot (recommend a sandy surface, PT not too powerful for long patches on black top).
[#]Rear Disc brakes- versus rear drums. There are many opinions here. Personally, since I do almost all my own work, replacing discs and pads is easier then replacing drums/shoes. As well, the discs are exposed so you notice unever and wear and such easier than with drums.
[/unorder]

Also consider the (eee-gad) RESALE value. Soon, almost ALL vehicles will be ABS as standard equip. Assume 5 years. If you try to sell PT in 5 years, chances are a buyer will be looking for ABS. Then again, PT without ABS might be a FIND by then...

I have ABS/TRAC/4-DISCs, I like.

MNSHO

[lisa]

I don't really like the ABS myself (do not have it on my PT), but if it makes a difference, you get a discount on your insurance when you have ABS. If you are high risk this might make a difference to you.

[coolZero]

Just some FYI
Here's something else to consider. If you customize your PT and want to have a larger rim in the rear and smaller in the front. You can not do that with the ABS.

Sean-
I agree with your informative reply except for one detail. You wrote:
"TRACtion Control- in slippery conditions, the amount of throttle/torque to the front wheels, as a pair, are reduced when they start to spin."
I believe that the Cruiser's traction control doesn't manage torque but simply applies the brakes to whichever wheel is spinning.
With respect to the original question, I believe that the actual price for ABS is $595 as I think there is a package discount which reduces the $790 price.
I have the ABS package and like it.
Professional reviews of Cruisers equipped with 4-wheel discs have been favorable.
I agree with other appends that ABS theoretically can extend braking distances, but I like the fact it enables me to steer around trouble since I don't lose steering control while I'm panic-stopping.

[PTmac]

I asked around about this to some mechanic friends, including 2 that work at dealerships. The answer I got from all of them is "they are good while under warranty", a half way decent driver does not need them and the cost for repair is very high. I guess it is a crap shoot as to whether you think it is worth it to you.

[rayspt]

Personally, I think the trouble with abs is that even though they'll stop dead straight,they sure seem to take their time. I have them on my Grand Voyager and don't really like them. Didn't get them on my PT. Figured with the 5speed I had plenty of traction/braking options.

[Aqua Mariner]

PT_Sean (22 Feb, 2001 04:16 p.m.):
...a burn-out in the parking lot (recommend a sandy surface, PT not too powerful for long patches on black top).

Have you done this? Is is safe for the car?