2000 neon

[blu88notch]

I'm looking at buying a 2000 auto with 80k.
What kind of maintanence schedule is required on this car? Things like timing belt, water pump, tranny servicing, rad flush, etc.
What are they prone to? What is the head gasket situation like on the second gen?
What kind of realistic HWY mileage can I expect since my commute is all HWY.
Thanks

[denisond3]

As far as I know the head gaskets on the 2nd gen cars (after 1999) were all okay. I would think the timing belt has a life of 100k miles, and my personal viewpiont is that I would replace the water pump (and the idler pulley) when I did the timing belt. Beyond that I think its just the usual oil change intervals, and tranny filter and fluid change intervals. Mine is a 97, so I cant be certain. I like to change electric fuel pumps after 15 years or 150,000 miles, but lots of people just ignore the pumps, until they give a problem. I dont think Dodge/Plymouth has any recommended replacement interval for fuel pumps and filters on Neons.

[qaunsrt]

Originally Posted by blu88notch

I'm looking at buying a 2000 auto with 80k.
What kind of maintanence schedule is required on this car? Things like timing belt, water pump, tranny servicing, rad flush, etc.
What are they prone to? What is the head gasket situation like on the second gen?
What kind of realistic HWY mileage can I expect since my commute is all HWY.
Thanks

i have a 03, and i had a 95 also, i know the first gens had head gasket and timing belt issues, but im not sure about second gens, any how ur supposed to replace any timing bely at or aroung 80k so if i was u i'd do it right off the bat, it will pay off in the long run cuz when the neon belts go it pretty much smokes the whole motor, i did my 95 for about 200-250 for the parts, i recommend doint the belt,belt tensioner, water pump and possibly the freeze out plugs since all them parts are right there when u change the belt, then u wont have any problems or anything to worry about for another 100K..good luck