I might be buying a 1998 Dodge Neon..Need your advice.

The engine blew on it at 185,000kms due to the owner not taking care of a blown head gasket soon enough.

There is a tested 161,000km engine installed back in it. The engine shows test marking on it from whoever tested oil and compression before they pulled it from the other car at the wreckers.

Carfax shows a clean and 1-2 owner history.

Car is clean and is certified, runs like a top and everything is working fine.

Used Engine, timing belt, tuneup, front end fixed and in perfect condition.

They want CDN$2650 for it certified and out the door. That is US$2350 which in my mind is a pretty good deal.

What do you guys think, I have done my research and everything seems to be easy to work on.

The only thing I noticed was a knocking noise coming from the rear struts but the car was sitting in really cold condition for 1.5 months and from what I have heard, the mounts might just need to be replaced. The rear struts are completely fine, dry and look to be new seeing I can see the part sticker on it.

Your comments are welcome.

A 98 for $2300....Not a bad deal. I'd try an offer them about $1600-$1700 and negotiate it down. SOunds like you did the research on the car and you are probably right about the mounts needing to be replaced. Mention that when you are negotiating the price. But still $2300 is a good deal. Is it auto, mtx, SOHC, or DOHC?

ATX, SOHC

also new EGR and all new Goodyear tires.

It has a lean on the front driver's side a bit like most vehicles that only see one person in it. But it isn't really noticable unless you really look for it.

I am picky.

The US$2300 is already neg. down. They wanted 2600 for it.

I noticed the lifter clapping and a litter lower end noise when it was starting up. But, it was -10f here and the car was sitting for a month and a half so the oil system will have to build pressure again.

It didn't even turn over twice. Touch of the key and it fired right up. The mechanic was amazed as to how easy it started after that time in the elements.

Is the $2300 a drive-out price or is it $2300+TTL? $2300 drive-out is a good deal.

Is the $2300 a drive-out price or is it $2300+TTL? $2300 drive-out is a good deal.

US$2300 + 7% tax I believe we pay at the DMV here in Canada. US$165 approx.

We already have plates and stickers for it from the old car she wrote off last month.

It is certified and ready for the road. Nothing needed.

You won't believe what happened.

Got the car, the check engine light was on. Went back to where I bought it and it was something to do with a hiccup with the engine coolant temperature sensor. They cleared it and it hasn't been back.

Car is strong and works well other than a rattle in the passenger portion of the dash at idle and in drive. Put in park and the noise goes away.

BUT THIS IS THE FUNNY PART.

Go and fill it up with fuel pull out and was in the outside lane and someone pulled out and sideswiped and ruined the two passenger doors. I had the car for oh maybe an hour.

Now it is off to the body shop for body work. It won't cost us a dime seeing we weren't in the wrong at all, he hit us as we were driving by.

The noise is weird when you get hit.

Can't believe it. My gf is really upset.

Hey you should tell them about the noises you heard after you get it back and say that they didnt make that noise before the accident. Make that other person pay for it. Chances are that other person was on a damn cell phone. GOD I hate that. Hands Free saves lives. USE THEM

Nah, he just pulled out without checking properly.

He said he couldn't stop but it was an incline is was climbing and you can't slip that far up.

He was half way in the lane before he hit me.

I am going to be pushing for a complete paintjob. I am not going to have two pristine doors newly painted on a 8 year old faded paintjob.

His dime will be paying for it. If they even hint that in any way I was at fault they will have the dark side of me to deal with.

Trust me....not pretty.

Blazer,
In the area I live in, in a case like yours, the opposing insurance company also has to pay for a perceived lower value of the car after it is repaired. They will not volunteer to pay it so you have to demand it (sometimes you have to send a demand letter to them). They should send you a check for 10-20% of the value of the car since any background check on your car would reveal that it has been wrecked. Make sure you document any injuries and take pictures of them. Wear blue b/c the bruise or scrape will stand out much better and look worse. If you have ANY problems , headaches, backaches...anything ... see a doctor so it is in your medical record. If the doctor says you should see a specialist GO, if they say you need physical therapy (no matter how much of a waste of time you think it is) GO. Keep a journal of all of your pains, mileage to all appointments, any time you miss from work. When you are done with the case, the INS company has a schedule of injuries=dollars and they will pay a settlement to you based on your time, expenses, injuries and medical bills.

Although there was no injuries in the crash whatsoever, the lower retail value will be looked into.

We just got the accident fully reported and it is completely the other guy's fault.

Car will be fixed at no cost to us including the rear strut mount. It has gotten worse since the hit and it will be replaced for sure.

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad to hear that everyone is OK.

Thanks, nothing hurt but our spirit.