Hey, I have an odd question. I am looking at trading my big gas guzzling van and we are looking at a PT cruiser. I know I can fit all my gear in it because I tried on my test drive - it seems to handle nicely etc. Any one out there have first hand experience?

Yes, we owned a cruiser and I would buy another one in a heartbeat.  I loved that car (we lost it in a flood).  We do a lot of Children's Ministry (puppets and a lot of other stuff).  We had no problem getting our our gear in it. 
We rented several before we bought one (as well as other vehicles). 
They drive great and are more comfortable than you would expect. Much more so than other small cars. Lots of leg room too.