I currently have my 02 cummins truck but may sell it. If I do I will purchase a SRT 4 neon.

What is the good and bad on these cars? mpg?

thanks

 

They're fast and fun. They're fairly easy to mod. If you're under 25, a male, and single, insurance can be expensive. I averaged around 20 mpg, but ya gotta put premium gas in it.

Dusty

 

Ditto on what Dusty said. You can really make some serious power with these bad boys but they are front wheel drive so traction can play and issue. there are ways to fix it though. other than that. they are pretty economical vehicles. i have a kid and never had to think about trading it in. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys. I will be seriously looking into this in the near future.

-Chris

 

If they are meticulously maintained they will last you a long time and treat you well. Strict service intervals pay directly into the longevity of the car.
Oil - Mobil 1 Full syn - every 3k
Transmission - ATF + 4 w/Friction Modifier every 12k
Brakes/PS - I flush and fill yearly
Coolant - I fush and fill every 18 months

Once you get the car theres a few things that you want to do first. One being putting a catch can on the emissions line from the crankcase to the throttle body. This prevents blow by from getting stuck in the intercooler. Since you'll be buying the car used you should take the intercooler pipes and intercooler off to clean them out before installing this piece. Another first should be a short throw shifter of your choice because the stock one is higher than a mack's.

Gas mileage, I'm pulling on average 32-35mpg per tank.

As for common problems they are as follows:
- 03 4th spark plug wire routed too close to the turbo and it burns up
- 03 Flywheel bolts backing out, haven't heard of this happening in three years but it did occur
- 03/early 04 weaker axles than the 04s built in 04
- 03-04-05 (mostly 05) third gear synchronizerand stop ring issues

Really thats it for common problems. Heres the colors and options by year

2003
Solar Yellow, Flame Red, Silver, Black
Viper Seats only
Smaller injectors
Headlights had a black trim ring
Stock tires - Michelins

2004
Solar Yellow (200 cars), Flame Red, Silver, Black, Electric Blue
Viper Seats or Side Airbag Seats
Sunroof Optional
Larger injectors
Kicker Livin' Loud system option
Headlights had a chrome trim ring instead of black
Stock Tires KDW2s BFG

2005
Orange Blast, Silver (early 05 only), Flame Red, Black, White (mid to late 05 only)
Same options as the 04s

2005 ACR
Orange Blast, Flame Red, White, Black
Tokico 5way adjustable struts
16x7 BBS wheels with 215 series tires (smaller but wider than stock 17x6)
ACR badging on the doors and seats
Harness slot inserts in the two front seats

2005 Commemorative
White with painted electric blue stripes - 200 made
Badge plate
Seats with blue stitching and blue SRT-4 embroidery

Any other more specific questions feel free to ask, we'd love to answer them.