Are neons any good?

[Sman]

So you guys all own neon so I want your opinions. There is this red 1996 neon for sale with 170,000 KM for $2400 (o.b.o) Canadian. I haven't seen the car yet but let's say everything was in good condition. Would it be worth it??? OH btw how long do neons last anyways in KM ways.

[KatWoman]

Neons, as with any car, are as good to you as you are to them. Chrysler is famous for electrical problems though. I have replaced most of my sensors (some 2 or 3 times) and it has been a bit of an inconvenience, but since I have learned how my car works its not as big a deal since I don;t have to put it in the shop.

Any Neon made before Oct/Nov 1998 has a chance of having a bad headgasket. It's an expensive job unless you know how to do it yourself.

Your best bet is to go look at the car in person and take a test drive. Also ask to see the past maintainence records of the car. If the owner can furnish these for you chances are good the car was taken care of. Neons are for the most part a cheap throw-away car, but if this is a first car for you or you just need something to get around in it's a good starter. I love mine to death, but realistically it's nowhere near the quality of a German car or even some Japanese cars.

Then again you are also taking a chance on ANY used car. I am happy with my Neon and plan on keeping it until it gets to the point where its not worth it to keep fixing it. Overall I don't regret my decision in getting one, I've had problems here and there but I have learned more in the process of taking care of it.

[Scatch!]

I want to add that out of the SEVEN Neons we've had in my family, they've been even less trouble than KatWoman has had on her one.

Nothing against you, Kat...

[KatWoman]

No offense taken I know that most of my problems are because my car was driven hard for the first 5 years of ownership...as I did deliveries for my office. 100 miles a week just going to/coming home from work, 75-200 miles each day on top of that for errands, and then I used to drive alot when me and friends would go out. I averaged about 3000 miles a month....now it takes me 4 months to go that far On top of that the current motor is a Mexican built one, versus my original which came from Belvidere. I've had more little things go on with the new one...but I look at this way...I can fix alot of things, then later on when people have questions I can offer some help

[joedirt76]

I got my neon at 173K, its a '95, and I got it for $1500, so definately look it over real well...mine needed a headgasket, o2sensor..cam sensor...and some tlc...but if you can do some of the work yourself...go for it...cause now that Im caught up on maintenance, its running fine..and I think im at 192K... So check it out really well...if you dont know much about cars..bring someone who does...
good luck

[prophet]

I own a 1966 Neon (70,000mi) and other than warranty work while new have had few problems.I have not been gentle with this car and it's served me well.I would recoment a Neon to anyone who has the basic talents to change oil, and not to over rev. The paint job (white) HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE DAY ONE BUT THE FACTORY HAS PAID TO HAVE IT REDONE TWICE. Good luck.