Need advice on 1996 Neon

[trent25]

I am thinking about buying a 1996 Neon, it is 2 door, SOHC, Automatic. The only thing I'm worried about is the problem with headgaskets??? Anyone have any input? The body is in good shape and it runs good, plus it's only $500!!!! Thanks

[denisond3]

If its still running, the original head gasket may have been replaced - may have even been done under warranty. Here is a 'how to' on learning whether yours has the new improved type (MSL) head gasket:
www.myneonspeed.com/howto/howto_1stgen_mls.htm
It takes more than 1 minute to do though. If yours has that large air inlet plenum that covers up the intake manifold, you would need to remove it first. Then use a good flashlight. You would be able to see if the little 'tab' is there, but it will take some hunting. The thing may be covered in black dirt too. The tab is no bigger than the end of a pencil eraser.
If its there, the new MLS head gaskets are pretty stable - unless the car has been overheated and the head warped. If its not there the car is still worth $500 - but I would plan on pulling the engine in the spring, to replace the original head gasket, and while its out, replace the crankshaft and camshaft seals, the timing belt and its tensioner pulley, and the water pump & alternator and the small hoses for the heater that are buried behind the intake manifold. (These are all much easier with the engine on a bench. Then you might be good for another 100,000 miles - when the timing belt/tensioner pulley should be replaced again.
These cars arent hard to work on, once you accept the fact that you have to remove A and B to reach C in a lot of cases. And the parts are reasonable in price.