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Dodge/Plymouth Neon

1772 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2012 at 10:33 AM

You are in the Dodge/Plymouth Neon Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Neon, Plymouth Neon, Sedan

Messages Page 88 of 178

#869 of 1772 Hello....New guy with ????? by johnny282

Jan 07, 2002 (8:37 am)

Hello. I recently saw a 2002 Neon R/T on a dealer lot and am hoping to test drive it today. I can't believe how much I liked the car. As the owner of a 96 Plymouth Neon Sport Coupe I really didn't think I'd ever consider another Neon, but that R/T looks really cool and it seems like alot of performance for the money (just like my 96 was). Have the Neons really improved over the years? Are there any known problems with the new ones? Have they addressed/corrected past issues such as electrical, trim, and head gasket problems? Does it still feel like an anchor has been thrown overboard when the A/C is turned on? I read about the turbo coming in 2003, and not sure if I'm interested. I had an 86 Shelby Charger back in 1990 and have very ugly memories of numerous turbo problems. Considering that Dodge hasn't produced alot of turbo vehicles, I'm not sure if I'm ready to try one. Also, if anyone is considering a used 96 sport coupe I can say that other than minor electrical problems I've had 88,000 miles of trouble free, really fun driving. I still get 33 mpg and the car doesn't use oil. It has developed some valve/lifter noise that subsides eventually, perhaps a lifter that's slow to fill. $18000 will buy some pretty good cars these days, I'd just like to know from some of the owners here if the '02 R/T is worth the money.
John

#870 of 1772 SRT-4 by tomcat630

Jan 07, 2002 (1:12 pm)

The SRT-4 is a huge improvement and I think it should just be called that, with no dippy "Neon" name attatched to it!

#871 of 1772 Damaged bumpers? by scotian

Jan 15, 2002 (5:30 pm)

http://www.urethanesupply.com/v1n1.htm

#872 of 1772 blown head gasket by gisom

Jan 20, 2002 (7:58 pm)

I bought neon in june of 94 new. It has 160,000 on it and finally the head gasket went. First problem with car. I was considering getting a new one because it has been such a charm to drive, but now I know about the horror stories on the head gaskets I will leave the neon alone. It was nice while it lasted.
Greg

#873 of 1772 Head Gasket by jsylvester

Jan 20, 2002 (10:32 pm)

Just to clarify, you are saying your Neon has a blown head gasket, and that is the only major problem in 160,000 miles and over 8 years of driving a $10,000 car?
 
I don't see how you can think that is a horrible reliability record. The bad thing about the Internet is people can claim anything, I take it all with a grain of salt.
 
I cannot think of a single person I personally know that has that many miles on their car. My friend has a 93 Lexus with 144,000 miles he's owned since new, and it has a bad oil usage problem. He has spend out the wazoo to perform all the scheduled maintenance as well.
 
If that was my only problem with a car in 160,000 miles, I'd buy another one without a second thought.

#874 of 1772 Head Gasket by 71charger

Jan 21, 2002 (6:41 am)

You're the luckiest person alive. I think the 94 head gasket probably should have blown much sooner. Chrysler re-engineered the head gasket for the Neon in the late 90s and it is far superior and as good as any in the industry. As far as basing a purchase decision of a new Neon on "only" getting 160k out of a 94 head gasket that's like not buying a 300M because the straight eight in your grandfather's Town and Country burned oil. Night and day, apples and oranges.

#875 of 1772 head gasket by gisom

Jan 21, 2002 (4:22 pm)

Guys,
 
I just feel that in this day and time with the modern technology of the car industry, I just think 160k is not enough. The car itself has just a little rust around the emblem on the hood, otherwise it looks great. The paint job still shines nicely when waxed. It is never at a good time when your car quits on you. I been checking around to see if I can get a rebuilt engine for it because I don't want to put a $1000 bucks into fixing the engine with that many miles on it. I would feel better or more secure with an engine with many less miles on it. Don't you agree? As it is or was, I always bragged on the car because it held up so well. Is it because it was built in Mexico?

#876 of 1772 miles on car by gisom

Jan 22, 2002 (1:42 pm)

I forgot to mention that my olds 84 delta 88 had 220,000 on it before things started falling apart such as power window switches falling in arm of door, door latch would not open on driver side. I had it for 14 yrs. My 77 buick century had 175,000 on it before the rust took over in 7 yrs so I am use to getting good miles on my cars.

#877 of 1772 Looking for red R/T in Maryland by 71charger

Feb 03, 2002 (2:37 pm)

I would like to buy a Flame Red R/T. Anyone seen one on a dealer lot in MD? No. VA (Alexandria, Arlington, Sterling, Leesburg OK). S Central PA also doable (Hanover, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, Carlisle). West Virginia panhandle is also just down the road (Charlestown, Martinsburg). Anyone seen one? It's hard enough to find an R/T much less be choosy about the color. I might consider black. Definitely not silver or white. I am in Frederick so Eastern Shore/So. MD is a bit of reach but would consider the drive for the right car. Prefer five speed with cloth but would consider auto and/or leather.

#878 of 1772 Just wanted to say. by toyotas1

Feb 12, 2002 (10:35 pm)

Have had silver 2000 neon es for 2 years (and 3 accidents!), and it is a KICK ASS RIDE! Stick shift, factory 15's. Get many compliments on it's curb appeal. People think it is much more expensive! Gets 29-30mpg hiwy, 22-23 city. I drive like a "good" NY cabbie, so gas suffers. SRT-4 looks sweet, but I will be drivin RSX Type-s this summer cus I need more resale and a more prestigious plate. Can't drive dodges forever! America done good, though! I'll never through a stone at Chrysler anyway!

Messages Page 88 of 178

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