My husband and I are looking to buy a car for my daughter to commute to college with next year. One type of car we're considering is the Chrysler / Dodge Neon. Probably 1999-2003 model years. Is this a good car? Is there any problems or anything we should look out for?
She is going to be living at home, so we can make sure the car gets service on time.
The neon has been a good vehicle, I bought my son one. If you are going to get her one, find out if the head gasket has been updated with the multi-layer steel one. That was the biggest problem with the 2.0and 2.4 engine (oil leaks) Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech
Wasn't that only true for the pre-1999 Neons?? I understand that starting with the 1999 model year, they upgraded the headgasket to a multilayered steel version.
Thus the worry shouldn't apply to the poster's 1999-2003 models of interest.
Doug
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model year affected were 1995 to 2000
Wrong, in 1998 1/2 model year Chrysler came out with the MLS (multiple layered steel, I think) headgasket. It was to fix the 2.0 and 2.4 L Chrysler Cloud cars, Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze and the Dodge/Plymouth Neons. So, 1999 Neons were safe from the headgasket problem, though I would recommend the original poster to try to get the 2nd generation Neon, 2000 +. Less problems with air leaks from the frameless windows of the 1st generation Neons.
SRG
Watch out for yellowed headlight lenses. I bet they are expensive to replace. A problem with many makes including some Volvos.
Qty Part No. Description
1 **5014127AC** Package, Head Gasket 1995 - 2000 2.0L SOHC (Includes Head Gasket & Instruction Sheet) 1 **5014131AC** Package, Head Gasket 1995 - 1999 2.0L DOHC (Includes Head Gasket & Instruction Sheet) 1 **5014173AC** Package, Head Gasket 2.4L Engine 1 **5014132AB** Package, Upper Gasket 1995 2.0L SOHC (Includes following seals/gaskets: cam sensor, cam front, head, valve cover, spark plug tube, EGR - cover/tube/flange, intake manifold, throttle body & instruction sheet) 1 **5014134AB** Package, Upper Gasket 1995 - 1999 2.0L DOHC (NOT FJ) (Includes following seals/gaskets: cam sensor, cam front, head, valve cover, spark plug tube, EGR - cover/flange, intake manifold, exhaust manifold & instruction sheet) **1 5014135AC Package, Upper Gasket 1995 - 1999 2.0L DOHC (FJ)** (includes following seals/gaskets: cam sensor, cam front, head, valve cover, spark plug tube, EGR, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, thermostat, water outlet & instruction sheet) 1 5014136AA Package, Upper Gasket 2.4L (Includes following seals/gaskets: cam front, head, valve cover, spark plug tube, EGR - cover/flange, intake manifold, exhaust manifold & instruction sheet) 1 04318035 Sealant, Aerosol Gasket
Get a second generation Neon, 2000 up.
We have had 5 between myself,Daughter and Son in law.
If it has been serviced and taken care of, for the money it will stand against anything out there.
Used ones are cheap so you should have no problem finding a 2000 up model.
Any more ?'s feel free to ask
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