Hi everyone I have a problem that I hope you can help me with.
My neon automatically downshifts when I drive and is sluggish.
It ticks (especially in the am) and i'm just concerned.
I took it to a shop and they told me that my engine was going on me, can you guys give me your opinions?

Well, it's pretty hard to diagnose it on the internet. I'd need to have more info like is it burning oil, how many miles on it, does it tick only when it's cold? Just because an engine makes noise when it's cold doesn't mean much. Have you kept up on all the maintenance?

For the tranny, check your fluid level, maybe do a fluid and filter change. It's supposed to be done every 30,000 miles.

The ticking are your lifters more than likely and is quite common on the neon, especially when its cold out. If it goes away after it warms up, you are fine.

As far as your engine going on you, did they tell you what exactly is going out on you? Did they indicate bearings, rods, or anything like that?

I'm posting for a friend, I'm assuming that the ticking noise doesn't stop when she has been driving for a while. The tranny randomly downshifts when she is driving and the ride is sluggish. Maintenance has been good.
More info on the way hopefully.