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The one big drawback, worse than no ac, is no cruise control. (My last speeding ticket comes off in November---and I don't want to risk another.) How expensive is it to add on a cruise control at this stage in the game? I wouldn't mind a pop up sun roof to take the place of no ac, but cruise comes first...
Thanks for your input.
The SX/Neon is designed to run on "cheap" 87 octane fuel (or even lower). Change gas stations for a few tanks to see if that clears it up. Once you get some mileage under your belt you might get some knocking in cold weather, but it should be solid with then car is new and engine tight.
You said: "Congratulations on your shrewd purchase, micweb. I know a fair amount about the Neons, and they have improved sound insulation for 2004, as you can appreciate. The car has excellent build quality for its class, and is tuned for a sporting character (steering, suspension, brakes). They have a winning racing heritage on the SCCA circuit, too. They're neat, bottom line. More fun to drive than many cars on the road. Needs a few refinements, like a more-modern interior, but they also are dirt-cheap to own. Enjoy!"
So it does have better sound insulation than the 2002 I had? Excellent!
You'll be pleased to know I tracked down some R/T springs and had them installed. Car no longer leans in curves and transitions. I am debating whether to install KYB GR2 shocks as well - KYB tells me the valving is significantly firmer than the stock (SE and SXT) Neons and about 5% firmer than the R/T valving. Any thoughts or suggestions? I tried Eibach Pro-Kits on another car, and didnt like the lowering or harsh ride, but "factory sport" (R/T) sounds appealing.
Unfortunately the closest "plus zero" replacement is 195/55, since the stock tire is already a 60 series. And 55 series tires in that width only seem to come in V rated or high performance tires. Of these, only the BF Goodrich Traction T/A is reasonably affordable. The T/A in this size with a V rating is an "up engineered" version of the more common H rated T/A.
I had a lot of trouble with these tires. Admittedly they handled and look great, but they were relatively noisy, despite being reviewed as being reasonably quiet (maybe they are in the H rated versions?), plus they had an undiagnosable tire pull (checked alignment three times, swapped and rotated tires etc.). The best I can explain it, is that they felt that they were tires designed for a "right hand drive" market like Japan or England. (All tires are designed with some "pull" to counteract the crown of the roads; in Japan and England people drive on the "wrong" side of the road, so they need tires engineered to pull to the right to countereffect the crown of their roads.)
Anyway, I finally got tired of the noise and the pull to the right, and replace the tires with 195/60/15 Bridgestone 950's. What a transformation! The car no longer drifts right, ride is much smoother and more comfortable, steering and cornering are still razor sharp. I have a slight speedometer error (about plus 1 mph at 70mph).
These tires really transform the car. Yeah, it's true, the right tires can really add the finishing touch to a car. Now I am excited about the Neon again and am thinking of adding KYB GR-2 shocks, which are a little firmer.
(Mods/upgrades to date: R/T springs, a little firmer than the standard suspension; K&N airfilter; Mobil 1 5-30 oil; Purolator oil filter. I don't think the air filter is very helpful, imho those gauze air filters really only help if you drive full throttle more often than I do, otherwise if you want more air just open the throttle more.)
(Comments and observations: the air filter and box on this car are huge compared to my former Scion xA! Stock handling is GREAT! Even with an automatic - 4 speed- performance is great, the 4 speed is well tuned, well geared, and responsive!)
Consumer Reports has excellent ratings on them for 2003 and 2004. Keep in mind that their reports are based on reader polls, and so those two years are with very light miles.
American cars post-1999 have been pretty good up to 60,000 miles, then have small problems. Japanese cars - at least Toyota, Honda - seem to hold up longer, but it's hard to tell since few original owners go beyond 100,000 miles.
IMHO most cars have an initial shake out period, where you have to fix a couple of minor things under warranty, then a second shakeout period around 40-80,000 miles. After that you are probably good for another 40-80,000 miles.
In short, if you like Neon and get a good price, it's a great car. But keep in mind that if you pay full sticker, even applying the rebates etc., it isn't such a good deal, because depreciation is steep.
I have found, recently, that discounts on Toyotas and Hondas (but not Scions) are as steep as on American cars, excluding the rebate. I have gotten 10% of the MSRP in two cases on Honda. That was more than what I got off on the Neon, not counting the rebate. So do your math carefully!
Also, if you are looking for a used Neon, you can get a great buy on a 2003 or even 2004. But, after this year, the Neon is scheduled for replacement. This fall look for a lot of new cars - Honda is revamping the entire Civic line, Neon should be out with a new car, Scion xA is being revamped (or maybe in early to mid 2006), so this market category is pretty competitive.
In reply to the nice CAnadian's response, out here in Calif, we dont' have THAT many different gas choices or stations! And anyone else only getting 20 miles per gallon highway? I"m wondering if it might be a cylinder like someone else had a problem with? Thanks and will keep u posted
Please help!
are the brakes drum or disk? mine are drum and they dont squeak.. . becides who needs a manual anyways
I immediately called the dealer who said to bring it in and they'd do what they can. Ran the computer and found nothing wrong. They said there was a notice just reached them about faulty spark plugs and wires in 2004 Neons and that anyone with problems could have the sparks and wires replaced at no cost. So we made an appointment, and were told the car was fine to drive, it just would buck periodically.
So last night, my husband and I were returning from running errands and every light in the car went out. Instrument panel, radio/cd, headlights, dash board. This lasted about five seconds and then every thing came back on but the car started bucking again. We ended up scrapping plans and came right home as it was too late for the dealer to be open at 7pm.
So this morning they are saying there is no sign of electrical issues and that they've never heard of such a problem occuring in 2004's. I can't believe that I am the only one. I can't be driving at night if my headlights and electricals are going to fail. Has anyone experienced this issue?
Anyone have any ideas.
Im looking into buying a 1998 neon DOHC with 73000 miles on it.What i would like to know is, are there any problems with the DOHC Motor and will this car hold up for me if i maintain it.
I hear so much about the neon ,both good and bad i dont know what to think,some input on this would be greatly appreciated
Thankyou
Im looking into buying a 1998 neon DOHC with 73000 miles on it.What i would like to know is, are there any problems with the DOHC Motor and will this car hold up for me if i maintain it.
Neon is a 4 door and is purple in color.Also this neon has front power windows,and not rear power windows,how can this be? Neon has the factory fog lights, factory spoiler,and tach, I hear so much about the neon ,both good and bad i dont know what to think,some input on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou
My brakes squeal some as well but I still have plenty of pad left. The service tech told me not to worry about it that it is just some dirt that gets caught between the pad and the rotor and will usually work itself out. Thanks for posting your problem, I'm glad to hear someone else is having the same issues that i am. Good luck on your fix.
Any help would be appreciated.
just thought i'd let you know about your question
hope this helps Darin
David