I need someone to helpme out, someone who is really car smart, im a girl that knows nothing about cars. But anyways, I own a 99 Dodge neon. I've had it for about a year and a half. My dad bought me it in 06, bought it used with I believe 110,000 miles on it for I believe 2,000? Let me tell you the problems I've had with it..

1. Transmission- I had it rebulit. It had something to do with the main seal.
2. Starter- It was completely shot, I had a rebulit starter put it and 3 days later it wouldnt start again, took it back to the shop and they fixed it again for free.
3. Belts- I had both replaced, everytime I'd turn the heat on or hit water the belt would slip. And also when I hit water my car wouldnt turn.
4. Fuel Pump- My car was turning off when I was driving it. Let me remind you a fuel pump for a 99' was VERY expensive.
5. Spark Plugs- But in every car im sure you'd have a problem with them, very cheap to fix

...I think thats it but nothing comes to mind right now.

Now my car...
1. When I turn it on it shakes really bad, maybe its due to the cold weater?
2. When I turn the car on the belt squeeks from some reason, but its done it ever since I got the car.
3. And also, when I turn the car on it sounds like something is hitting the engine, its sounds like someone is hittingit with a hammerbut lightly.I dunno what it could be. But once I've been driving the car place to place and its warmed up and what not, it doesn't make that noise anymore.
4. Also, my alternator needs to be replaced, but its very expensive for the part in Michigan.
and last but not least..
5. I have I believe 157,500 miles on my car and its also a 4 cylinder. How many miles do you think it will last me before I have to get a new car??

I know this sounds stupid, but I know nothing. And please respond and thank you for all your help!!!!!

 

Now my car...
1. When I turn it on it shakes really bad, maybe its due to the cold weater? motor mounts and a tune up.
2. When I turn the car on the belt squeeks from some reason, but its done it ever since I got the car. belts too loose
3. And also, when I turn the car on it sounds like something is hitting the engine, its sounds like someone is hittingit with a hammerbut lightly.I dunno what it could be. But once I've been driving the car place to place and its warmed up and what not, it doesn't make that noise anymore. thats normal
4. Also, my alternator needs to be replaced, but its very expensive for the part in Michigan.
and last but not least.. ohh well car parts cost money.
5. I have I believe 157,500 miles on my car and its also a 4 cylinder. How many miles do you think it will last me before I have to get a new car?? that depends, but it could last anywhere from 1 mile to 100,000 more miles or more.

 

im just wondering, do you think the engine shaking problem and the slipping belt problem could both be related to a problem with the crankshaft pully wobbling??

 

you talking about your car or hers?

 

I believe the belt is loose. FYI: If you hit a puddle and the belt gets wet, it's naturally going to slip.

See how much Auto Zone or Discount Auto will sell the alternator for. The dealership is more than likely going to cost way more.

How long the car lasts depends how well it was taken care of. Make sure the fluids stay flushed when necessary. Change oil often.

I don't know of this knocking sound that you are talking about. Sorry; I'd have to hear it.

Is your car stock?

 

I thinkthe problem is your Mechanic's day Job is a Geek Squad Administrator. Which is bad anyway you look at it. Tell your mechanic he's the most stupidest mother fkr who ever lived and tell him to tighten up his fundamentals.

As for the Fuel pump you could have gone with an aftermarket Walbro pump which is better than stock for only $50-100 off ebay.


Ebay is your friend for the nickel and dime items in the local parts stores.

 

It sounds like what you have is a mechanics wet dream. He could poke around in your engine for hours and not really come up with anything specific to fix the problem. You could have a worn belt tensioner, which can cause slipping/noise on a new belt. You could have a bad bearing on an auxiliary device (power steering pump, alternator etc) causing belt drag which will load the motor at idle and cause belt noise. Engine ticking from the valvetrain is pretty much standard in a Chrysler product, every 4 cylinder motor they have ever produced ticks (dating back to the 70's.) It will get louder when it's cold out and disappear when it's warmed up. Don't worry about it unless it doesn't go away when the engine is warmed up. Unless the alternator has been tested out of the car, it may be a belt issue. Get that resolved first.

Unless you have a serious cash crunch, I'dreplace itwhile it's running (it's certianly worth more that way.) Orfind a mechanic that will work for free. Otherwise, don't put any more money into it and run it into the ground.Change the oil, but that's it. You mayget another 30K-50K miles on it, who knows. When it dies, sell it to ajuknyard for $300. Unlessit was well maintained earlier in it's life, it will nickel and dime you death now. Invest your money in a new car.