Buying a Neon...

[HBKracker]

I am thinking of buying a 2001 Neon (ES?) from a private seller. He said he'd take $2000 for it. It has 4 new tires, 6-cd changer, excellent a/c(lol), has all the wires ran for a "system" and is in overall pretty nice shape. Theres roughly 138,000m on it and has a few scratches on the rear bumper and a slightly broken left taillight. Besides that it runs nice and just seems to need new spark plugs.

What do you guys think? Would it be a good deal to buy it? I need a car thats going to last me a few years, so what are your opinions?

[denisond3]

I would find out if the timing belt and water pump have been changed. I think the timing belts are expected to last 100,000 miles, and since getting to the timing belt also gets you to the water pump - its worthwhile to change both of them together. The belts tensioner pulley should also be replaced at this time.
If this hasnt been done, I would advise looking for another where the owner can show you the receipts for the new timing belt installation. Or in my case, I would do the work myself because its a hobby with me. Its a fair amount of work though.

[Novum]

Timing belts on this particular model are expected to last 160,000 miles. It is in the back of the manual, and it is the extended life belt. The tensioner pulley should always be changed along with the timing belt.

Yes, the AC is great on that model. I think as far as whether it is a good deal or not, depends on you. If you only want to spend $2,000 on a car, I would go ahead with the purchase.