What should I pay for a Neon?

--Geoff

buy the srt-4, you won't regret it!

punch

except it costs more money, uses more gas and it is only avalible with a manual transmission, which he didn't ask for.

It looks more like he is looking for basic transportation, not a racecar.

On the positive not if he's looking for a 4 door neon he's in luck.

You are probably looking at $13,570.00 according to the website if it is equipped only as you mentioned.

Or an MSRP of $15,570.00 before discounts.

well if the original poster was looking to save gas he wouldn't buy a car with a/c, or the neon he would be looking for an echo or prius.

and I missed the part about automatic only.

punch

also he could've did what you did and searched the internet for his answer.

A Neon is a good compromise: you can get air conditioning for those hot days, get reasonable mileage, and you don't have to drive an echo. And while the SRT-4 is a nice unit, it is more expensive than a base Neon, and a lot of people don't have a desire for that much extra power.

I personally like the Neon because it gets fairly good mileage, is available with some options, it has attractive styling and has a fairly low price tag. That's with a non-performing 132HP 3 speed auto with air.

Yes the original poster could have searched the internet, but it would amaze you the number of people that lack that skill.

I did search the internet, and I found several seemingly informative websites, but I thought I'd also ask here, since there are so many people here with the experience of buying a Neon. The more info the better.

Basic transportation is what was/is sought. Although an 03 PTCruiser with 8K for $14K sound darn tempting instead of a Neon.

Thanks for everyones input.

bc

now your talking I drive the 2003 turbo GT, love it!

punch

but they are bad on gas!

Well if you are talking turbo than maybe the idea of the SRT-4 is good.

I"M not talking turbo. Punch is, so it seems like he likes to go fast. I got my speed fix waaaay back in the 70s and 80s, and I'll stick with my Yamaha for power. Nearly 50mpg, and 0-60 in the blink of an eye (not that I ever try it).

But the cruiser is OK? I had heard visibility problems while driving. The sales rep said "Yea, but that's true with so many cars now." It was the only stupid thing he said, so he's still the best salesrep we met. Most of them were complete idiots.

Many thanks again,

bc

"namegoeshere" wrote

I'm biased towards the Focus, which now has good quality and still gets raves from journalists for handling, ergonomics, etc (a little more expensive than the Neon however). There's also the Elantra and Protege which both get good reviews. I really recommend looking at these three before buying.

After that there's a long list (I'm taking sedans only since the Neon isn't offered in a hatchback) : Corolla and Civic (good quality but some find overpriced and dull), Echo and Aerio (spacious but to some eyes weird looking), Kia Rio (cheap and thirsty but some like it), Jetta (pricey and due for updating). GM only has the dated Cavalier which is cheap but overdue for replacement. There's also new models coming soon to GM (Aveo) and Mazda (Mazda3, highly rated by journalists).

But it's your money.

I'd also look at the Sentra. It's a nice reliable little car - and has plenty of power, even in the base model.

As for a Neon - my mechanic knows someone who worked at Chrysler on the Neon's design team and told me how they were purposely *under* engineering things. ie: "That component's lasting 20K miles more than the warranty - re-engineer it."

The Neon is unfortunately plagued by this sort of engineering - it's purposely made to last the length of the warranty and not much beyond that. Ie - fleet/rental machine one step up from a Metro.

If I was doing it with my money, though, I'd get a used midsized sedan - something not built as a budget car. Maybe a used Camry or a few year old Volvo(1997/1998 - older designs).

I hear a mint condition Volvo S90(1998 version of the 960) goes for about the price of a new Neon. I know which would last longer.

The Focus has questionable interior styling. Some like it, some don't. The price does seem to be a bit on the steep side, a used Taurus is about the exact same price, for a bigger car. It is also consistently higher priced than equally equipped Neon or Cavalier by a couple grand. I drove a Focus a couple times, handles fine. I'd take the keys if someone threw them to me. The Cavalier is boring, but cheap. The platform may be old but for basic transportation it's fine. Rumour has it the Aveo is more expensive than the Cavalier.

Newer Hyundais have surprised me, they aren't as bad as Pony or Excel. I might even say they are "good." The Accent is a smaller car but also dirt cheap.

I like the Corolla, while a little over priced and dull, I find it has good ergonomics and a nice feel. I don't like the interior of the Civic, I find it too dull and stiff.

The Jetta is too overpriced. The initial price is high, and they are a terrible car to buy used (guess what type of cars I buy?), too high resale value(if you buy new this might be good). I see some with 170 000+km for just a few thousand less than new. Personally I don't care for the interior. One reviewer said there were "Three strange knobs, possibly used for HVAC" although the HVAC controls are very straight forward, but anyhow.

Another car not mentioned is Sentra. I think it's too boring.

In the end I'm sure any of these cars would be fine. This is just my opinion, you idea of good ergonomics might be different. I drive a Neon, I like it. Again I'd be willing to drive almost anything.

Just to let everyone know, we got a used 03 Intrepid with just about every option. 20K miles, for $13,200

Same price as a new Neon, and a lot more car.

Thanks to everyone for their input. It seems like a nice newsgroup.

Bob Chance

namegoeshere wrote:

Just out of curiosity, what trim level? SE, ES, or SXT?

--Geoff

Although an 03 PTCruiser

I own a 02 PT Limited, and love the car, no problems with the car, just the fact we love to drive it so much that we're pouring on the mileage!! Anyway, 14k sounds like a good price, which option level? base? touring? or Limited?

The around town gas mileage isn't so good in a PT, but I just got back from a 1400 mile trip and averaged 27 to 29 mpg on the interstate with ac off.

The view from the drivers seat, I feel, is pretty good. You sit higher than in most cars these days. The rearward view is about normal for today's cars, which is of course, not good. A test drive would be a good idea.

Good luck! SRG

My mistake. She got a Sebring LXI, without leather seats.

bc

Geoff wrote: