thinking of getting a neon
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
thinking of getting a neon
I am thinking of getting a Neon. It will be probably a 2002 - 2004, with less than 40,000 miles. Mainly what I am looking for is something with mechanical reliability, that will run well with little problems. Is a Neon what I am looking for?
Other cars I am considering are Hyundais (accent & elantra) and Pontiac Grand Ams.
Other cars I am considering are Hyundais (accent & elantra) and Pontiac Grand Ams.
Record Breaker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
From:
RE: thinking of getting a neon
There were enough changes to the Neon with the 2003 model year to make a difference. If you are going to get a 2nd gen, stick with the 2000-2002. The bulk of the drivetrain is the same as the '95-99 Neons. That makes engine and tranny parts (except for the auto) much more available, which means cheaper...
None of the cars you've mentioned have a terrible track record for reliability and/or average annual maintenance costs. The Neons are a backyard mechanics dream. Lots of space to work, and you can pretty much do anything without having to remove the engine from the car, short of replacing the entire engine... Forums like this (there are others out there as well...) have a massive knowledge base. I don't care for the 2nd gen Neon at all personally. But it's sturdy enough, with regular care, just like the 1st gens (after the head gasket fix...).
Really just a matter of personal style, budget, and gas mileage concerns... Don't rush into anything...
Best of luck!
None of the cars you've mentioned have a terrible track record for reliability and/or average annual maintenance costs. The Neons are a backyard mechanics dream. Lots of space to work, and you can pretty much do anything without having to remove the engine from the car, short of replacing the entire engine... Forums like this (there are others out there as well...) have a massive knowledge base. I don't care for the 2nd gen Neon at all personally. But it's sturdy enough, with regular care, just like the 1st gens (after the head gasket fix...).
Really just a matter of personal style, budget, and gas mileage concerns... Don't rush into anything...
Best of luck!
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From:
RE: thinking of getting a neon
personally, I would say stick with the Neon. I have a certain love for the neon that I just can't explain. Maybe because it was my first car. I'm lucky enough to have the luxury to drive many other vehicles, but nothing quite compares to the neon. It has a 4 cylinder engine that puts out enough zip to keep up with cars with 6 cylinders. It's great on gas, and it's fun to drive. Yes, gas prices have come WAY down in the past while, but that's not going to make me love my car any less.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From:
RE: thinking of getting a neon
I just switched from a 2002 PT Cruiser to a 2003 Dodge SX 2.0 (what the Neon is called up here in Canada) with manual transmission, and I never had so much fun driving a car!
Try to get one with 15 inch wheels, for better road handling. Good tires make a lot of difference, the stock Goodyear LS that come with the new cars are not very good... If you like manual sticks you will get more driving excitement and usually better mileage. As said previously the Neon is easy to work with and parts are plenty and cheap. The 2.0L engine is a solid beast with lots of pep.
Best thing to do: TEST DRIVE ONE!
Happy trails.
Try to get one with 15 inch wheels, for better road handling. Good tires make a lot of difference, the stock Goodyear LS that come with the new cars are not very good... If you like manual sticks you will get more driving excitement and usually better mileage. As said previously the Neon is easy to work with and parts are plenty and cheap. The 2.0L engine is a solid beast with lots of pep.
Best thing to do: TEST DRIVE ONE!
Happy trails.