2003 Neon SXT 2.0L Auto
192,000 miles

I've had this car for several years and put alot of highway miles on it. Overall, it's been a good, reliable car. Did the Timing Belt at 99k. Struts, Trans Solenoid.

For the past few weeks, upon starting it up, there is a lower end knocking for about 30 seconds, then it goes away. No smoke. Some oil consumption and minor dripping.

I'm considering replacing the engine (cheaper option than buying a new or used car).
MoPar engine w/head is $1700 (employee cost). Found a local guy (lic.mech.) who will change the motor for approx. $500.

QUESTIONS:
While I'm doing this, I'm considering replacing the trans since the mechanic will be dropping the entire front cradle assy. Any suggestions/sources for a rebuilt/replacement trans?
(MoPar is $1700).

What else? Front suspension is noisy, probably should do CV joints, cradle mount bushings, control arm/ball joints, tie rods. Any other suggestions?

Appreciate the feedback.


Thanks!

John

 

While some may suggest, junk the car, Neons are throw-away-cars, buy another used car, buy a new car...

I've considered all the options. Buying new is out... $17k minimum/depreciation/payments.
Buying a used car... what are you going to find for $2-$3k that will not have high miles? Plus, another used car is like starting all over again. How long will this one last?

For $2k or so, I will essentially have a 'new' car again for another 200k miles.
Very doubtful I'd find a decent used car for $2-$3k that would last that much longer.

If I replace the engine & trans, the other stuff that might wear out is inexpensive or do-it-yourself work. The MoPar engine comes complete w/new cam, internals, timing belt, water pump, oil pump, head assy, etc.

Thoughts?


Thanks!

 

If you do replace the trans, I would suggest a manual. It'll be better on gas, better performance, and less to worry about.

 

I went thru the same thoughts, it's nice to not have payments no matter how many repairs I get to do. Make sure that long block come with some sort of warranty if you can get one

 

The Neon Engine from MoPar comes with a 3yr/100k mile warranty.

 

here's my 2 cents, not sure of the differences in parts costs, but:
I've thought about, when the time comes, swapping the NA 2.4 from the PT in(of course along with it's trans, etc), mainly b/c if the timing belt were to go, from my understanding, the 2.4 is a non-interferece engine, unlike the 2.0.(not as big of a deal when the belt goes) and of course everything "should" (again from my understanding) bolt right up, as that's the same motor as the srt-4 neon, minus the turbo bits...

and please anyone feel free to correct me if i'm out in left field....

 

The project begins....

- Rmfg. long block engine assembly from MoPar
(valve cover to oil pan, w/timing belt, water pump, gasket kit)
3yr/100k mile warranty

- Rebuild original trans. ($500 labor & parts)
3yr/100k mile warranty

- New MoPar Engine & Trans mounts/isolators (4 total)

- Lower Ctrl Arm assemblies (w/ball joints, bushings)
- Inner & Outer Tie Rods
- Sway Bar Mount Bushings & Link end assemblies
- New Upper/Lower Radiator Hoses
- New Heater Hoses
- New Alternator/AC/PwrStrg Belt
- Plugs, wires
- Thermostat
- Air Filter
- Fuel Filter
- Oil Filter
- Oil Pressure Sensor Switch
- O2 Sensor(s)
- Radiator/Trans Cooler/Lines (if necessary)

Anything else?

 

Your car will run like new after you rebuilt it.
The same reason we did not sell our Neon to buy another used car in the $5,000 range. It will just be another crappy car.
You drive old cars, you just have to learn to fix them.

 

very true, too bad these automatic models were Turbo'd like some of the older dodge 4 banger automatic turbo'd models.