i'm lookin for a commute car.
so...which one should i choose? the 1st gen or the 2nd?
to me...i prefer the 00' ,01', and 02' neon. coz they r cheaper and with good lookin body and headlight.


folks! help me to choose one!

can anybody tell me the main differences of the 2 gen? no body lookin difference, but i need the mechanical difference advices! thx a lot! love u folks!

Thanks again,
Vic

 

the 1st gen cars get better mpg than 2nd gen but its still pretty good no matter what.i have an 01 and i get 25mpg(and thats mostly street) check www.fueleconomy.gov for more info.

 

1st Gens are cheaper and like the last poster says, they get better gas mileage.

 

wah! thx for ur information! it's so valuable!!!

and one more question! is the engine last shorter than the 2nd gen? or they r the same?

 

coz i need the car that can run for a long time!
can the 1st gen NEON last 200k in average?

 

Ok, the "main" problems with the first gen's are as follows: poor head gasket design which will result in gasket failure sooner rather than later, the issue was fixed in some of the 1999 model year Neons, the paint on 1997 and older Neons have a tendency to peel in sheets due to poor primer used by DCx till 1997/1998. The water pump, and all belts (including timing belt) and all seals usually need replacing by 100k if not much earlier, also, I've heard certain electrical systems fail without warning, such as your blinkers and rear taillights. Now granted, all these problems (except the head gasket) are mostly associated with the 1997 and earlier models. Granted some of things will have to be replaced on any car when reaching high mileage, but there is a documented history that early year Nens have some wierd mechancal issues....So either get a 1999 or go right into the 2nd gen, because while the 1st gen is dirt cheap, you WILL pay for it later, spend an extra grand and buy an 00 or 01 with lower miles, and thats more reliable.

 

thx for ur advice!
yeah....i should buy a 00 or 01 instead of the 1st gen....
my gf also ask me to get one with power windows.

ok....2nd gen! here i come!!!!

thx for all ur inforamtion!!!!!!!!!

 

I would say buy a car that you can tell has been taken care of (whether it be from a mechanic you trust or someone with all the receipts). In the end, Neons that don't last are more often than not the ones that are abused. My first Neon had 100k when it was rear ended and totalled, but it was in perfect running order. That car was my commuter and my race car (I raced the crap out of it) and it always got me where I was going. I would even drive down to NJ from MA, race all day, and then drive back. My current race car has 115k on it and it was my commuter until I bought my truck. With the HG done, it has never failed to start even now as I sometimes let it sit for 3 or 4 weeks in between starts. My sister just bought a 1998 Neon with power options (it had every option a Neon could have except leather, cruise and tilt wheel) and it runs like a champ with 87k miles on it.

A first gen can have power windows and locks. No Neons have power windows in the back doors though.

If you are getting a second generation, I would not get a '00 but opt for a '01 or '02. Partly for looks and partly because it is the first year they built the 2nd generations.

 

hmmm....ur point is strong.
but i already find a 00' plymouth NEON with all power options and moonroof.
i have to check that out first....the askin price is 5 grands.

and according to 03neonRT, too many weakness of the 1st gen.....so......
anyway! thx for ur information. if i cant get the 00' NEON, then i will think about spend less money to get a 1st gen for commute...

again! THX FOR ALL UR INFO.!!!

 

You should be able to find a 2001 for $5k, it might not have every single option that was available on the Neon, but i agree with Gutted when he says to avoid an 00', simply because it was the first year of the 2nd gen, ad its always best to try and grab the second year at least...