Looking to buy a 2003 Dodge Neon and the seller is telling me that it needs motor mounts due to the shaking. We started it up and I ran it through all the gears and it shakes to the point that the steering wheel rattles.

That's the my first issue, the second being the oil light was on and my Step-Dad tells me that it usually means that there is no oil so he thought there would be an oil leak, so I'm wondering if the oil light is on because it's down a quart or so.

Thanks.

 

Pulling the dip stick and checking the level would answer your question.

 

I'm sorry I was unclear, there is oil in it, it is low, to me it seems natural that the light would be on, however my step-dad was concerned it might be an oil leak.
Any idea on the shaking?

 

Shaking is motor mounts. Check underneath if you suspect a leak.

 

Thanks man!

 

You could also add oil to bring it to the proper level and see if the light goes out. Otherwise, it could be a sensor and/or oil pump issue.

 

Common for the motor mounts and oil pressure sensor to go bad.

 

Look here too: Buying a used Neon? What to look for...