Buying a used Neon? What to look for...
#11
12-04-2011 | 04:11 AM
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From: Northern California
Save yourself the trouble and dont buy a Neon. All of the things that Darth Roush listed are very good items to be aware of but if (especially IF) you're buying from a dealer they have ways of "masking" certain problems like emissions control and some of the engine noises. They can disconnect the battery and clear the codes and they may not return for several weeks which by then the warranty period will be up and use heavier than recommended oil for quieting lifter tick and other nosies which would discourage purchases. Check the brakes and pay special attention to the rear drums if you have them. Ask when the battery and alternator were last changed as well. The alternator is NOT fun to work on.
#13
04-14-2012 | 09:58 PM
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From: Upstate NY
One slight edit in the main post...
"The oil should not look like a milkshake though; this is a sign of water contamination. This could be from a loose oil cap, or antifreeze leaking into the oil through a cracked passage in the block."
Add ....or a failed head gasket.
Also, inspect the radiator filler cap for signs of chocolate mousse, another indicator of oil seepage. Chocolate mousse with a reddish tinge is a sign of a failed transmission cooling coil in the radiator.
Joe
"The oil should not look like a milkshake though; this is a sign of water contamination. This could be from a loose oil cap, or antifreeze leaking into the oil through a cracked passage in the block."
Add ....or a failed head gasket.
Also, inspect the radiator filler cap for signs of chocolate mousse, another indicator of oil seepage. Chocolate mousse with a reddish tinge is a sign of a failed transmission cooling coil in the radiator.
Joe
#17
04-17-2012 | 03:28 AM
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From: Northern California
#18
10-22-2012 | 04:11 PM
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nice dude! Thats exacally what I checked for when I traded my 150cc scooter for a 2002se neon. I had to put $500 in it tho..( serpentine belts, oil and coolant, the engine strut mounts, a rear strut assembly, I had tires and rims, rear brake hardware and wheel cylinder, tail light, trunk work/bondo and paint, plugs and wires, air cleaner, pcv valve, radiator cap, new valve cover bolts/ junk yard find, injectors, junk yard find, some hose clamps and electrical tape, some extra tranny fluid, brake fluid, high temp gasket sealant, and then some...
#19
02-11-2013 | 02:38 PM
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From: Upstate New York
"Broken torque strut mounts. They keep the engine from torquing under load. Broken torque strut mounts, also referred to as upper and lower motor mounts, will cause shifts to be harder, vibration in the inside and will lead to premature failure of both the [center] motor mount and transmission mount."
Could this be why my car seems to shake more? i pop the hood and it seems like the engine bounces around more than it should be... friday ill have to take it to the shop and have them check it out for me lol :P
But very nice post! very helpful
Could this be why my car seems to shake more? i pop the hood and it seems like the engine bounces around more than it should be... friday ill have to take it to the shop and have them check it out for me lol :P
But very nice post! very helpful