Avoid the slow atx's!!!!! A 2000-2002 neon with under 80k would be good and cheap, but hard to find with low miles( by low i mean like 50k). I would avoid the ones that have listed problems because most likely there's more than that; their wasn't really much wrong with the 2gn gens.

 

There isn't really any specific 2nd gen to avoid. If you are interested in modding it to go fast, you may want to look at 00-02 or a 1st gen neon. There are upgraded pcms available for 00-02, but not for 03 and up. So if all you want to do is drive to and from work, etc to save gas then get a 00-05 neon. If you want a bit more pep, then look at R/T's as they are a little bit quicker. They also take premium due to higher compression and a more aggressive tune.....

 

Neons get good mpg as long as your out of the gas. Mine gets 20 but im in the gas.

 

Neons have a 12.5 gallon tank and they are quite fuel efficient.

If your looking for a simple car to run back and forth to and from work... it shouldn't really matter what you want. ATX or MTX. A MTX will be slightly better on gas mileage and will be more worth while to drive, but an ATX will do the job just fine if you aren't looking into anything serious. The reason everyone on here shouts about MTX over ATX is simple. The ATX design on the neons are built with sheer economy in mind. It is slower in acceleration and shifts at inappropriate times (in terms of racing). It comes down to personal preference.

Neons are fairly cheap and you can definately pick one up in your price range.

 

I like the MPG of my Neon. It would be better if I didnt have speakers in my trunk. A Neon is a good "little" car for the price your willing to pay. Have you looked at any yet Eric?

 

If you are looking for what you are talking about a few intake and exaust mods on a 03+ manual is probably the most reliable and most fuel efficent choice. Plus its newer and has a good interior that fits the car. I get about 32 mpg on the highway so that would deffinatly be an improvement over the 18 you said you were getting. Plus you would be at 150ish hp and its nothing fancy but even in my car an intake and exhaust just make it more fun to drive and noone ever said opening it up on the highway every once an awhile hurt anyone.

 

im gonna be selling mine soon, i get mid 20's in the city and low 30's on the highway

 

I get around 35mpg on the highway (75mph) with mine. I actually found that I get right around 40mpg when I drive on MI highways up north where they are only 55mph. City I usually get anywhere between 28-32 depending on conditions and how much I push on the gas. I would look for a se or sxt because they will take regular gas. With the R/T you will have to feed it premium gas or else it will run like junk. The R/T will be a few tenths quicker in the 1/4 mile then a mtx se or sxt. You shouldn't have a problem at all finding a decent neon in your price range. Just make sure if you are looking at a neon with mid-high mileage you look it over really well and make sure they are up on maintenance. I would look at manuals because they are more fun, and tend to be a bit better for gas mileage. They also are more peppy as well....and get a black neon, they are the fastest!