**Note: I know nothing about cars. That's why I'm here. Hope you can help.

Please read all of this long-winded plea for help from a third party.

I've had my 2000 Dodge Neon for about 8 years now. Has 80+ thousand miles on it. On average I drive somewhere between nine and 10 thousand miles per year, but have been driving further away in recent years on trips. Anyway, I take care of it by getting its
recommended tune-ups, oil changes, etc. It just passed its inspection for new stickers in PA.

As of late it's been shaking (the front end) when I sit at a redlight or stop sign. Took it to the dealer and they said it may be bad gas or
clogged fuel lines, then after about five hours when they had no idea, they said it might be the motor mounts. And this all occured right after they put a new Kframe in (about 2 weeks prior), which was needed. It was rusted out.

Eventually, they said the motor mounts were fine. May be worn out but fine and that I didn't need new ones. They said all Neons shake like that at some point in the cars life. When I got the car inspected they said not to waste my money on new motor mounts. That I'll be fine driving it even out of state if need be.

So, my question is this. My mother-in-law's mechanic (whose out of state) who she has been doing business for many years and trusts him says that we 'should' fix the motor mounts and if it were him he wouldn't drive it out of state, and that the mounts are the problem (how'd he'd know from another state is beyond me, he made the suggestion based on our explanation just as this. Plus, he asked if the car jolts when you put the car into drive or reverse from its parked position, which it does, he says that's a sign that it's the mounts.) but I'm sure he wouldn't lie, especially since he ain't the one who would make the bucks off of the job of fixing the mounts. So he says that and my guys at the Dodge dealership say not to worry about it. Dodge Neons do that and don't waste my money.

So who do I trust? Who is right? Should I save my money or fix the mounts? I think there are three that are in question.

Thanks to all of you who reply and can honestly help me.

Dodgeons n Dragons

 

If your motor mounts need to be replaced, definitely replace them. When they start to go bad, they get exponentially worse until something else fails. In other words, bad motor mounts will lead to premature failure of everything else effected by the shaking or jolting, including CV shafts, transmission, mounting studs and bolts, not to mention the internal components of the motor itself. If your motor starts wobbling around at idle or every time you hit the gas, it's like taking a big impact gun to the crankshaft every time it ratchets itself. Listen to your relatives and get it taken care of...