Hi, I have a 2003 Dodge neon that I bought used. Ever since I bought it, Its mileage has been around 13-15 MPG. I have read around and it looks like the Neon should get much more than that. The engine is very clean and its miles are very low for an 03, however it is quite obvious that the car has been in a major crash. It looks like the internal frame of the car has been bent and bent back into possition, and the hood of the car has been repainted. Both the internal frame repairs and the paint job look like they were done by a pretty crappy mechanic as the replaced headlight is very loose and there are paint drips on the side of the car near the hood.

So far I have tried replacing the Oxygen Sensor (by the recomendation of my mechanic) and that has failed. I have also inflated the tires to the recomended PSI and just a few hours ago I replaced the Spark Plugs with Champion plugs from the dealership. If the change of plugs does not work, do I have any other options? I really like the look and feel of my neon and would hate to re-sell it but as a college student, I cant afford a car that gets 14 MPG with my commute to class every morning. If anybody has any ideas I would be extremely appricitive. thanks!

 

make sure you gapped the plugs to the proper amount and didn't just throw them in that helps and also check your air filter make sure its not all messed up and possibly replace it with a higher flow one they aren't very expensive and fit right in other things to look at are is get fuel injector cleaner and do you have a heavy foot and drive in town a lot the more you press the peddle and stop and go the more you will see the mpg go to the shatter.

The gap is supposed to be between .035 and .038 inches as far as I know

hope this helps