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Dodge/Plymouth Neon

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Comments

  • gigsgigs Member Posts: 11
    ok I just started working for a car rental company and the shocks happen with ANY DAMN TYPE OF CAR. It largely depends on your shoes (I think) I wear dress shoes dress paints etc. Any time I get out of any make and model of car I get shocked about 75 percent of the time probably. We actually have a 98 neon and its the one car I actually don't really recall getting shocked on. weird but true
  • dc_ownerdc_owner Member Posts: 1
    In response to you question, The purchase price most likely had the $1500 rebate on it. So if you wanted the 0% financing instead they would have to add the rebate back on. Basically you have to choose between the rebate or the special financing.

    3% over invoice is a good deal but again unlike our American counterparts, we Canadians don't have access to Canadian invoice pricing, so we would have to believe the dealer when he/she says its 3% over invoice. I'm here in Calgary and Varsity Chrysler has a website up that will sell you a Chrysler Neon for 2% over invoice and you can still get either the rebate or the financing rate. The site is www.chrysler4less.com . They can quote you a price within the hour, and will sell to anyone across Canada.

    hopes this helps
  • gigsgigs Member Posts: 11
    I'm glad somebody finally responded to my plea for help. ;-) I really appreciate it dc and I'll definately check that out
  • tbsrtbsr Member Posts: 2
    I live in remote Alaska and am having a 2000 Neon flown into my town (3 miles of road, all gravel!) Could anyone recommend a place to order seat covers that fit the 2000 model? I also need a car cover to protect from dust. Can't afford any custom covers, just something basic to help protect vehicle.
  • gigsgigs Member Posts: 11
    Well I just finished shopping for my first car (finally). Most of the cars I tried were econ cars and I just felt like giving all my opinions. First I didn't bother trying a focus cause its new to the market and I'm not a real big on its styling. The zx3 was growing on me looks wise but a two door hatchback sucks for friends getting in and out.

    Didn't bother checking any volkswagens two much money not enough car.

    And kia and daewoo nuff said.

    The Elantra -Cons- Incredibly noisy. everybody seems to cut up the Neon in this category but the elantra was way worse. The seatbelt chime is annoying as hell and the top model in canada ve I think has barely anything accept power win and doors and cruise yikes. The materials in it also felt pretty cheap and the cruise control on a lever instead of on the steering wheel was cheap looking and a pain to use.
    -Pros- Engine has good power 140 hp and the exterior styling is very sharp. side note (If a tibiron had been cheaper it would be a sweet car.)

    Sentra- cons- small interior and trunk. On the xe I tested I could feel every bump. It may handle well but your butt is going to be in pain after a long trip. Stereo wasn't that great either. Exterior styling decent but bland compared to the competition.
    pros- well engineered fairly quiet engine, interior was nice and usefull handling uh guess that's it.

    Protege- cons- more expensive then a neon, interior even in the top model felt cheap and seemed bare and overall pretty ugly. Not as ruff as the sentra but the bumps could definitely be felt. I believe the cruise control like the elantra was badly placed. (protege owners is it on a lever? I can't remember for sure)
    Pros- Decent engine, it has a 4 speed auto, Nice exterior simple yet sleek and eye catching, something that will still look decent after a few years. Handles very well, good visibility, fairly comfy to ride.

    Finally what I chose Neon
    Cons- trunk a bit too high hard to see out the back of the car. Lower it a bit at least? please? thus blind spots. 3 speed auto sucked when trying to accelerate but the engine was not yet broken which really didn't help either. Only power windows in the front and roll down
    windows in the back? a bit of wind noise but that's why we listen to music when we drive right? a little bit of body roll but still handles great.
    Pros- stereo with 4 disc player inside the car. by far the best factory stereo out of all these cars great bass, 6 speakers and for me that's important. handles great. still pretty peppy despite the 3 speed. cool colours I want silver or salsa red. Features are plentiful and fairly inexpensive to add compared to competition. alloy 15inch rims look sweeeeet!!! The interior feels the most luxurious and roomy out of the bunch. Best suspension finally an econ car that didn't let me feel every bump. Most of all this car looks sweet. Best looking of the econ's in my opinion.

    Well I know this was long but hopefully it helps someone with there decision making.

    Peace
  • 71charger71charger Member Posts: 116
    I just did the 3000 mile oil change on my 2000
    myself. I work shift work and it's too much
    bother to try and work in a trip to the dealer
    so I skipped the free oil change. On the filter
    I took off were the words "FACTORY INSTALLED".
    So if anyone is putting off that first oil change
    for too long and something does go wrong there's
    a smoking gun hanging on your engine to give DC
    room to weasel out of paying. I have a co-worker
    who is at 9000 miles on her Camry and hasn't yet
    changed the oil. I keep telling her, but she says
    she'll get to it someday.
  • DDpianomanDDpianoman Member Posts: 2
    Nice car, very comfortable, and I would reccommend it to anyone looking for an econ car in this price range...I have been doing a lot of driving with it and had it on several long trips already.I bought it in october 99 (there wasn't many out yet then and it really turned heads, especially with the Salsa Red I bought) The fit and finish on the car is really excellent and a body guy I met one day at lunchtime (after I waxed it) told me he thought it may be one of the best factory paint jobs he had ever seen!...So far the only thing I had go wrong on it has been a really noisey power steering pump (which they drained the fluid and replaced, letting some air out and fixed the problem)a fog light has burnt out, and my trunk lid latch has become loose, allowing a loud rattle over bumps and rough roads..I will take it in the fix those problems shortly. Just thought I'd post a review from a happy owner..
  • gigsgigs Member Posts: 11
    Just got a got my new silver neon. Looks sweet. What I wanted to know is how I should break it in? Mines the three speed auto (i know yuk. If you guys have any tips let me know.
  • shadetree1shadetree1 Member Posts: 1
    bought new '97 Neon in August 1997. Love it! One thing I have noticed over the years, some plastic trim at the door seems to have warped a bit from the Texas heat. Otherwise runs like a champ and fits my family of four.
    Like others, I shopped for a six weeks looking at comparable cars at all American manufacturers. Mine's a SOHC, 4dr highline. Nice car.
  • b4scottyb4scotty Member Posts: 2
    I've got a 2000 neon, and am considering having a sunroof installed... i know the dealership contracts it out. Does anyone have any suggestions, or dos/dont's, or any opinions on this issue? ...thanks
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    I recently purchased a 2000 Neon ES with ABS/Alloy,full sound and lighting package,A/c and the 5-spd transmission.

    I have never owned an US made car having lived abroad most of my life and because of the poor reliability/fit and finish reputation of them.My previous cars have been a euro-spec VW GTI and Toyota Celica (left hand drive)along with a Volvo 244 and BMW 5-series sedan.

    My comparison cars were the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla,VW Jetta (V6) and the Saturn.All four were woefully short in acceleration and cornering,were very expensive fully loaded,and had the personality of a well-made microwave (read boring).

    What attracted me to the NEON was the value for the money and the absolutely intoxicating performance of this car.The interior of the car was well finished and I particularily liked the readability of the instruments and the functionality of the Stereo and ventilation controls.The interior is surprisingly roomy for a small car and the seats are comfortable and supportive,(albeit a bit more seat is needed under the legs IMHO).

    The performance of the car is on a par with anything I have owned.Maybe it's because I insisted on getting a 5-spd (which,BTW, was VERY difficult to locate),or just plain luck, but this economy US made car flies, and sticks to the road like glue.

    Although the engine noise has been berated by the magazines as obtrusive,I love it's tone and sense of urgency, and feel that it compliments the get-a-ticket acceleration of the car. The gearbox is one of the best I have used,although I would have preferred a lower fifth (I'm crazy ,in that regard).Smooth and deliberate gear shifts.

    The creature comforts are really nice (power side mirrors,remote doors and windows, and the A/C is very powerful.I don't care a hoot about no rear power windows,it's me that mainly drives the car.

    My only complaints are; I had to increase the tension on the two rear trunk lid springs (by moving them to the second anchor hole) in order for the lid to pop up more forcefully.It worked OK but not to my personal satisfaction. The small fabric covered door panels had wrinkles in the material the apparently was caused by them not being glue/pressed onto the foam. This was easily fixed by simply pressing the material by hand against the foam.

    My biggest complaint is sure to be the speeding tickets I will recieve driving this vehicle. Once the engine is broken in I will flog it.It is an exhilarating small car to drive,and very much underestimated as a performance car.To me,it IS a performance car when bought with the 5-spd,ABS, and Alloy options.For some strange reason almost nobody orders/has the 5-spd model,which is the only way to go with this car.The 3-spd automatic kills the power of this car.

    I also notice a lack of reliability reports for a car that has been out for at least 9+ months. Most reliability reports seem to be for the older body style cars and don't really help much, as the 2000 is completely different. I would also like get a performance exhaust, but none seem to be available for the 2000.

    In conclusion, my first US made car has me immensely satisfied for the $15,000 I paid for it (inlusive of ext.warranty,LoJack anti-theft,taxes,tags).I cannot say that it will be reliable because I have not had it long enough (hence my desire for reliability info,specific to the 2000)to guage it.I will hope for the best.

    A competent,well finished (overall),exhilarating,
    econo car that is a bargain to buy.

    Thanks
  • importfighterimportfighter Member Posts: 35
    I agree 110 percent on your assesment of the new neons, I got a 2000 es myself and I just love it. I have similar gripes also but they are trivial, overall one well built ride, a major leap ahead compared to the first generation neons.A question arises everytime I read about the new ford Focus: WHAT IS ALL THE HYPE ABOUT WITH THIS UGLY CAR!!!!!I'm not impressed with ford's new small flagship car, and I'm really sick of all the praise it get's while the neon is getting all the flack! I recently read about the neon r/t 2000 tested against the other companies sport versions(civic,focus,vw)and the neon r/t just got trashed,they just belittled the heck out of the car. I could'nt believe it, and for the final kick in the gut they praised the focus that had only 130hp in it's sport version zx3! I mean looks alone would fail the car if I had any say and only 130hp,common guys the base neon is 132hp, give it some credit. I believe the magazine was "automobile magazine". The whole test from the outset had no merit to it. Anyway I've had my say on the focus, it was building in me for awhile now.Does anyone else agree with me on this ford focus issue? GREAT JOB DODGE!!!
  • hijinxhijinx Member Posts: 7
    Focus people are very defensive about their cars... kind of like Neon owners. But I like to think we have qualities to defend. ;D

    In seriousness, the Focus is probably getting attention because a) it's the first truly competitive econobox Ford has built in ages and b) it's the closest thing to a world car in the market today.

    That's about it. I haven't driven one, but I have been in one, and the interior is Quite Bad. Typical Ford - lots of plastic, generic labeling, and no feel. The 00 Neon's interior is vastly superior.

    I read that R/T test in Automobile and was just blown away by the criticism... will have to see how it all pans out.

    Paul
  • jb48jb48 Member Posts: 2
    I live in the Washington DC Area & I am thinking about purchasing a 2000 Dodge Neon sometime in the near future, and I was wondering about the rebate. I see Dodge commercials on TV which states a $1000 rebate on all Dodge cars, while in the newspaper states there is a $1500 rebate, but both the Dodge Website & Edmunds list the rebate for $1250. Any comments or help greatly appreciated.
  • jb48jb48 Member Posts: 2
    How are your neons holding up? Just wondering if you had to do it all over again, would your purchase another Neon? Why or Why not?
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    If I had listened to the reviews,and trusted them, I would have been influenced negatively in purchasing my Neon ES. The reviews seem almost conspiratorial in bias. They point out in almost all of them the vast improvements in decor,the great handling,powerful engine,and value yet discount all because of "engine boom" and a rear spoiler. One review was critical of the shifter knob being baseball size and to big for "their" liking.Also they complained that the seat fabric was too grippy for one of their editors large butt.

    I personally love the size of the shifter knob (and the easy shifting gearbax)and the seat's "grippy" fabric does not stop my butt from moving.

    Nit picking to the extreme.These same folks,if the engine was muffled and the seats more slippery,would complain "gone in the xxxx NEON is the wonderful song of the engine and the grippy seats of the 2000. model" I kid you not, this is probably what they would say.

    As for the Focus, it seems that just because FORD has a somewhat passable compact,despite years of horrendously bad compacts, it is now the "shining light" for the rest of the world. What rubbish.

    My main contention is that for what I paid ($15,000), I got a fully loaded 5-spd car that can run with, and surpass many cars that cost thousands more.The fact that it has a nice interior,fresh styling,and creature comforts also,is the icing on the cake.

    I just don't know what to make of the reviews.They seem to dwell on the unimportant, while ignoring the larger issue of overall goodness.

    BTW, has anyone with a 2000 NEON for several months care to relate any real world problems/praise?
  • justpurplejustpurple Member Posts: 12
    I've had my 2000 Neon for 14 months and 31K miles. If I had to do it over again, would I buy a 2000 Neon??? Definitely NOT.

    I've had more problems with this car than any other car I've owned. My Ford Escort had 130K miles on it when I traded it for the Neon. Never had any major problems with it. Just normal maintenance.

    My biggest complaint? The engine idles very low (almost to the point of stalling out) at stops. The service department can't seem to find what's causing it. Now they're telling me it's "normal". I don't think so. I've driven three other Neons (all rentals) and not had the same problem. I've had many other problems with this car. If you'd like a list, just ask.

    Needless, to say, I will be trading my Neon in soon before the 36K mile warranty expires.
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    Sorry to hear of your problems. Unlike others I will not berate you on your decision. I would be interested to know if your Neon was Automatic or Manual?

    Have'nt had that problem with idling on my manual 2000 neon.Also I would be interested from a selfish standpoint, of any other problems you had and at what mileage they occured.

    Thanks
  • hersbirdhersbird Member Posts: 323
    My brother has been out looking for a commuter car that will get over 40 MPG on the highway. There are only a couple of cars made by each company that fit this. We are going by EPA ratings alone not personal experiences. The 2000 neon does not fit this criteria but my 98 is EPA rated 41MPG highway. This is the same as the Toyota echo and my 150 HP neon will blow away the echo in everything from handling, to acceleration, to passenger room (and especially looks). What's the big deal about the echo and why did the 2000 neon loose so much efficiency? BTW I have actually averaged 45 MPG on a complete tank of feul of all highway driving (OK it was my wife driving, my lead foot can't get better then 38 MPG!)
  • afeyafey Member Posts: 20
    I bought this car in May 99. I bought because it has a lot of interior room for such a small car.
    I still like this car after 18k. I think with the extended warranty I paid too much. Even after all the rebates. Especially 9.9% APR. What was I thinking. I will never buy another vehicle so quickly.
    My main problem with the car has been with the starter. It seems to get hot and quit sometimes.
    It happen when I had 6k and I was on may way to my wedding. What luck. Dearler replaced starter switch but I think I need a whole new starter.
    My main complaint with the car is with the maintaince. I no this is a small complaint but acording to the manual at 30k I need new plugs and the coolant flushed. I suppose I got spoiled with chevy trucks with platinum sparkplugs and dexcool coolant. I know this is a small complaint
    but it is the new 2000 model.
    I also do have the static problem and a very loud
    power steering & cheap tires.
    All in all, its a good car. I am glad its my wife drives it and likes.

    As for me, I'll just keep driving chevy trucks.
  • justpurplejustpurple Member Posts: 12
    First off, mine is a automatic. My last two cars that I owned for a total of 13 years were manuals.

    Problems so far:

    1. Piston ring broke at 3500 miles.

    2. Around 6500 miles, service department informed me that the intake valves were carboned up. They also "flashed" the computer to try to resolve the idling problem that started after cylinder head was replaced at 3500 miles.

    3. At 9500 miles the power steering went out. The pump had to be replaced.

    4. At 11000 the alternator bolt broke. Both the bolt and the alternator had to be replaced.

    5. Within a couple hundred miles after that the CD player broke and had to be replaced.

    The front motor mounts have been replaced twice in attempt to fix the idling problem.

    Tomorrow I'm taking it back to have the console lid replaced. It's all bubbled. The window pillars in the middle of the car(outside) are discolored(turning brown). I'll ask about that tomorrow.

    The windshield was also warped. I opted to not replace it as the warp was not in my line of sight and the service department felt I might have more problems (leakage) if they replaced it. However, about two months ago, I took a rock off the windshield and it cracked. It was replaced then.

    My gas mileage has never been what I expected it to be. The best was 27 mpg. It averages about 25 in mostly highway driving.
  • jmn2786jmn2786 Member Posts: 15
    Wow, that sux.

    My loaded 2000 ES 5 speed with 7500 miles has been trouble free thus far. I have seen none of the problems you are experiencing.
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    Hi,

    My opinion on your 2000 is that you should contact Chrysler and tell them that you will be initiating a "lemon" action against them. Look at this sample complaint letter;

    http://www.lemonaidcars.com/complaint_letter.htm

    I do not think that the situation will get better before it gets worse. The problems you are having seem to point to just about everything on the darn car!

    Have you kept documentation on the service problems that you were having? I would also contact your state's Attorney General and consult a lawyer.

    You definitely have a lemon and I can only hope that it is an isolated incident. That's no consolation for you I know. but I feel for you.

    By all means try to get a full refund or a new car.

    Hope it all works out
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    HI,

    Just realized that you car has 31K and would be outside the "lemon law" period. My apologies for the oversight. I would however get a legal opinion (if you can afford the cost),as your case
    seems to point to an overall problem.

    Randy
  • edswordsedswords Member Posts: 47
    I bought and drove a 1995 Neon and put 95,000 trouble free miles on it. I traded it on a 2000 Neon with 10,000 trouble free miles on it.

    Both of my cars had/have 5 speeds.

    When I traded my 95 the salesman asked me if I had any problems. I said no. He told me, before he went to look at the car, that it must be a 5 speed.

    Apparently the Neon automatic is week but for some reason it also creates problems for other non related parts of the car.

    I have driven the new Focus. When equipped with the 5 speed it is so similar to the Neon it is scary, but still ugly and equally unpleasant inside.

    Anybody about to purchase a 3 speed automatic Neon is probably making a big mistake. I would first recommend the 5 speed and If you have to have an automatic, as much as it hurts me to say this, I would recommend the Focus.

    About rough idle. I also have a Ford ZX2 which has the exact same 'rough idle' problem people have been complaining about.

    My sources tell me these new high output 4 cylinder engines have aggressive cam profiles which naturally cause rough idle (like the old muscle cars). Unless the car stalls, there is nothing wrong.

    Anybody having a Dodge dealer tear apart their Neon with less than 50,000 miles on it to fix a rough idle problem is only asking for trouble. I dont have a lot of confidence in dealerships and beleive for everyproblem they fix, they cause 2 more.

    I love my 2000 Neon. My only complaint is that Chrysler traded off performance for 'refinement'. I think when they redesigned the Neon the base model should have the 150 hp engine. Now all the other car manufacturers have caught up and the Neon has lost some of its edge.

    It's still the original sporty 4 door sub-compact sedan and the best (with a 5 speed).
  • hijinxhijinx Member Posts: 7
    See the new Economy Car comparison? Neon took last place. Edmund's has their opinions, and I have mine. Here's what I agree on:

    - 3-speed auto: silly, outdated. Needs a 4-speed very badly (bring it over from the PT!)
    - Seats. I think the 00's seats are a step above my 95's, and my 95's are excellent.
    - More content needed, yes, but what price point were they working at? Surely cruise and other items are available, no? Correct me if I'm wrong.

    The big big oversight: since when did the previous gen have power REAR windows? IIRC, it *never* did, ever. I know there were add-on kits available, but I never saw a Neon with rear power windows from the factory. If they exist, I'd be impressed. If they don't, this is an incredible, INCREDIBLE oversight on the part of the editors. I don't disagree with the stupidity of not having power rear windows; I disagree with the presentation of 'facts'.

    And, a Neon worse than a Cavalier? Not a chance.

    Paul
  • edswordsedswords Member Posts: 47
    For some reason, those who review automobiles simply do not like the Neon. Period. Based upon the reviews, you would think the car was only slightly better than a 1980 Chevy Citation.

    I have also noticed a disturbing trend in automotive reviews and by automotive reviewers to discount factual numbers and substitute feelings instead.
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    I agree with you completely.Based on the reviews I've seen the overall message that they are trying to give you is that the Neon is junk.

    Despite the fact that in the 10 econo-car review of one magazine the numbers are misleading. Look carefully.

    In the acceleration numbers, it was equal if not faster than the Protege(look at ALL numbers!) which won the competition. Whats even more telling ,is the complaint about engine noise. Despite the reviews of many magazines that chastise the Neon for engine noise look at the numbers again.

    In a flat out acceleration run the Neon was all of one DB (decibel) louder that the winner. What's more incredible is that in the everyday
    noise level (forgive me, I don't remember the parameters) it was the SAME as most of the cars, as well as the Protege.

    It was characterised as being "big car" luxurious and that out of all the cars in the review the Neon drove like a "big car" This reference was not a criticism, but rather a compliment to its level of ride quality.

    And yet these journalists dwelled upon the following as though it was important;

    A) they did'nt like the baseball size shifter knob

    B) the fabric on the seats were too "grippy" for the fat butt (their words, not mine) of one of their editors.

    Oh, and of course the "loud" engine.

    Of course, they rated it as only second to the Protege in terms of "fun to drive",and that it felt great in a mountain drive over twisty roads, and had fresh styling.

    What the hell? All that, and it's rated 5th???

    I dunno. I have a 2000 NEON ES with 5-spd,alloys,premium sound,ABS and Traction.I've driven the cars rated ahead of the Neon.They do not compare when you compare their price to the value/performance/creature comforts.The key point for me was those three parameters.


    Mine is the first US made car I've owned,(and hell,I'm middle aged!) and I'm impressed as hell with the fit and finish,and the absolutely great acceleration and handling.Yeah, maybe reliability and resale will bite me in the [non-permissible content removed],but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

    I just don't get it.

    I just cannot look at the numbers displayed in the review,plus the positive remarks for handling,speed,fit /finish and come out with a 5th place finish.

    Yeah, and I DID go to college, so someone needs to enlighten me.

    Regards
  • justpurplejustpurple Member Posts: 12
    Took the car back to the service department on Friday. They still keep telling me the low/rough idle is "normal". As for the discoloration on the outside window frames/pillars, they tell me to wax them. Somehow I don't see where that's going to help. I'll try it.

    ...One last thing I forgot to mention.

    I did take my "lemon" through arbitration with DC at 11,000 miles. I lost. Even though no one from DC or the dealership bothered to show up for the hearing. According to the arbitrator, all my problems had been fixed. I have since changed dealerships/service departments as I didn't feel I could trust the one I bought the car from anymore. I do agree that tearing the engine apart at this point would probably cause more problems.

    Within the next few weeks, I'll start the process of selecting a replacement vehicle. Any suggestions???
  • hersbirdhersbird Member Posts: 323
    I'd whole-heartedly, in all seriousness select a neon with the 5-speed.

    If you'd prefer not to think for yourself go pay a ton more for a low power, stripped, tiny civic and then pretend you don't have the same problems.

    I'd say you just got a bad early run 2000 neon and would have much better luck with another.
  • edswordsedswords Member Posts: 47
    I just completed reading the small car comparison and it is full of flaws.

    First, they should drive cars with similar equipment. Some cars had automatics and others had 5 speeds. Some were selected with ugraded engine options (like the Cavalier) while others had base engines.

    The editors indicated that the Neon could have moved up in the rankings if it had a 4 speed automatic transmision. How far up? Next to last? Where would a 5 speed Neon be?

    It would be silly for Dodge to accomodate Edmunds and the rest of the car magazines by putting an automatic transmission in the car if they still won't like it rank the car next to last.

    I suspect that they gave the new Neon their lowest ranking to punish DaimlerChrysler for not equipping the car with an automatic transmission with the hopes that the manufacturer take heed and offer a 4 speed automatic in the near future.

    I agree that the 3 speed automatic should keep the Neon out of the top ranking. But last? That is rediculous.

    If Dodge's 2000 Neon is not substantially better than the Cavalier and Civic (both are about 5 year old designs) than Dodge should just get out of the car business.
  • importfighterimportfighter Member Posts: 35
    To all: if youre out theyre looking for a new car just disregard the car reviews you see in magazines and elsewhere. They are full of BUNK. As stated by others before, these reviews totally disregard factual numbers and base all on their personal fancy. There is some type of conspiracy against the new NEON's because I cant find but one review that shows any respect for the car. The one that does is www.car-truck.com in the chrysler section. They gave the NEON's a realistic rating and praised it well, which it deserves.
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    After reading the reviews on the NEON 2K and actually owning one.I've gotta agree with you.

    What's really annoying is that I personally drove most of the cars competing with NEON before making a final decision, and they lacked character.

    I like the JETTA, but the performace/price was too low for too much money.

    The propaganda must be working, because where I live (Silver Spring.MD) I hardly see any 2K NEON's. Even rarer is a 5spd with the ABS/alloys, which is what I have.An uncommon, common car?

    I had great fun with a 5 series BMW the other day from a standstill to 60MPH.The guy was red in the face at the next stoplight.Guess he could'nt shift or was a knucklehead.

    Last great econo car I loved was a 1983 VW Golf GTI. Euro-spec and very fast. I think however that my new 2K Neon ES is equal is acceleration, and handling, and superior (vastly!), in creature comforts.

    A lot of older NEON drivers have registered dissatisfaction with the new NEON,and that's their right. I find the new one to a much more refined,one with almost the same level (stock) as the older models.

    Unfortuately,I have very little long term data (12,000 miles and up) on the reliabily of this
    car.I have seen a few posts on the power steering, and Justpurple's problems, but not a great deal about the 2K problems as a whole.Remember that the 2k has been out since mid-1999, so if it is in fact as terrible as people say,why so few posts?

    I regret the problems of the 95-99 models have so stained the reputation of Chrysler (although it's
    deserved ..,if true). In the case of the 2K NEON ,I have to say , that it appears that Chrysler has made an attempt to right some of their wrongs.They also have moved the car into the mainstream where a certain level of luxury and refinement is expected. Yeah, I loved my old VW Golf GTI, but the 2K NEON has the performance, and handling to match it. But, as I'm now middle aged, I kinda like little things like power steering,Power windows, an A/C that works,convenience lighting, and a kick-[non-permissible content removed] stereo.


    Does it follow the initial "spirit" of the Neon? No, from what I hear from 95-99 owners, but progress demands change.I don't feel that DC abandoned the key things that made the NEON great,they've just honed the rough edges.

    Time will tell.

    It's just annoying to see all the bad reviews,especially when you own the car and have driven the so-called "better" cars.
  • afeyafey Member Posts: 20
    Has anyone changed the air filter yet. Can't find it in stores yet!!
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    Nope, not yet. Probably will be hard to find one.
    Have you tried your dealer? Surely they must have them.
  • larelare Member Posts: 1
    Does any 2000 Neon owner know what the real spread is between
    DEALER INVOICE and MSRP for a 2000 Neon?
    Edmunds invoice price does not include the national advertising charges and possibly one other dealer charge that I can't recall right now.
    I will purchase a 2000 Neon this week, with an
    MSRP of $16,000. I want to offer the salesman
    $15,000 initially. Am I out of the ballpark here??? Any responses are definitely appreciated.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    When I was shopping for a car back in July, I didn't look at American cars because of the trouble I was having with the Cavalier I already had. I ended up with a Mazda Protege DX with automatic. After purchasing, I went and drove a 2000 Neon. When sitting and waiting for the dealer to bring out a tag for the test drive, the car stalled. On the drive (freeway at about 70 or so), the engine was very loud and wind noise was awful. I didn't like it at all.

    My friend has a 2000 base Neon with stick shift and I rode in it the other night for about 2 hours combined for our trip. The seats are pretty comfortable, but the dashboard and other interior materials looked cheap (petty, but important to me if I have to look at them all the time). Also, the cup holders aren't functional (important when you drive as much as I do). The transmission also shifts hard (stick shift, so it's my friend's fault, but still..) and the engine is loud as hell. His car is noisier at idle than my car is when cruising at about 30 or so. He also paid about $1000 less for his car than I did mine. I have a CD/cassette and auto. to show for it though.

    As I said, I like the Neon but they aren't all that. Other cars with more refinement, similar equipment and at lower prices can he had on the market. Also, the head gasket blowing thing from the past scared me away from the Neon. I hope they are okay in the 2000s, but we shall see.
  • lsaukalsauka Member Posts: 8
    I have a 2000 Dodge Neon ES and have had nothing but problems! It only has 6700 miles.

    1st- brakes had to be fixed

    2nd- tire had to be replaced

    3rd- belt tensioner had to be replaced

    4th- CD changer had to be replaced & they lost my CD's that were stuck in the changer!

    5th- motor mounts had to be replaced- I had severe vibration

    6th- passenger doors were leaking- they replaced the seals and if that doesn’t fix the problem then the doors will have to be replaced!

    7th- the idle drops to approx 500 rpm and it starts vibrating- dealer states they can not find anything wrong with it (it is an automatic)

    Never will buy another Chrysler product- poor service from the dealer and from headquarters in Michigan.
    Lemon law in Ohio is 3 of the same thing repaired or 8 different things- you better believe I am counting. I have only had this car since 9/99!!
  • edswordsedswords Member Posts: 47
    But I dont believe all the problems you are reporting are the fault of the car.

    I believe some people have trouble with a rough idle, or loud brakes. I have read that the new 2000 Celica CD player will also occassionlly not work, but I simply don't believe that one car can have all the flaws you report after only 6500 miles.

    I would write this weather or not you had a Ford, GM, Chrysler, Mazda, Toyota.

    I used to service cars and I know for a fact that some people beat the @!#$ out of their cars out of ignorance or trying to see how much abuse it will take before it fails.

    Of course I have no way to know if that is your situation. If I was you I would have to assume that for every car like yours there are probably 25 relatively trouble free cars which their owners enjoy.
  • mobaymobay Member Posts: 45
    HI,

    I never believe as true anything I read until I research it.

    I also believe that when it comes to Religion,Politics,and Sex, that each man/woman has his own experiences and opinions that need to be tolerated and respected.

    That said, I CAN believe that it's possible to have all those things go wrong with a car.If you got a car manufactured during a period of stress at an assembly line,you can bet that quality control might be terrible.

    It's for that reason that I strongly believe in the merits of robotic construction. They're mindless and don't bring emotions into their work.

    On the other hand, I find it difficult not to agree with Edswords that for the most part, a large percentage of car owners (whatever make) really don't have much to complain about.

    I also read some of the NEON boards, and laugh to myself when I read some of posts. Some of these guys modify the hell out of their cars, and are then amazed when they are not reliable."Changed the intake and PCM of my NEON, and now it's not runnning right"! Duh.., ya think?

    Whatever. Sorry to hear of your problems Isauka,document all the repairs (make sure you have each and every repair invoice) and then contact your State's small claims court.

    Just hope I am one those with a car built on a day when the workers were happy.., Uhmmn.., lets see.., mine was built on a Monday during September..,YIKES!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Who are you to call someone else a liar? These forums on Edmund's are for owners of vehicles to share their experiences with each other, not to use for a way to criticize each other. While I don't believe anything until experiencing it, I have had trouble with a used car like that within 9265 miles, so it does happen.

    Boy, after reading all these troublesome comments about the Neons, I am SOOOO glad I bought something else.
  • edswordsedswords Member Posts: 47
    Let me just say this. I dont believe that the cars people write about in these forums are as good as the proclaim they are or as bad as they would have us believe they are.

    I am skeptical by nature.

    Are my Neons perfect? Hell no. Are they good cars? Hell yes.
  • justpurplejustpurple Member Posts: 12
    I understand completely your frustration and disappointment. My 2000 Neon has had many of the same problems as yours. See posts 68, 72, and 81. The most frustrating one for me is the rough/low idle at stops. Like you, they can't find anything wrong with it. I've tried two different service departments with no luck. They tell me it's "normal". Yea right!

    My latest problem? Four days ago the trunk latch broke. My trunk is now tied down with a rope until I can find time to get it back to the service department. It's really frustrating to have to take the thing back to the dealer every week or so.
  • hersbirdhersbird Member Posts: 323
    I think $1000 off MSRP would still be too high. That would give them full price for $2500 worth of options and all of the hold back. Also there is a $1000 rebate right now (Edmunds says $1250 but I think they are wrong). Keep in mind whatever you offer even if it is over MSRP they will probably counter with a higher number, it's just they will always try and get the max possible. I would offer $13500 on the above deal (counting on the $1000 rebate) and then not go above $14000. I would feel pretty good about letting them have a fair profit and me getting a sweet Neon for only $14000.

    PS watch out for getting screwed on the other end with a trade or extended warrenties or $250 wax jobs or...
  • hersbirdhersbird Member Posts: 323
    Talking up those "fine" other cars that cost the same as a neon to beat my 98 Sport. I got the mileage of the Echo, near the room of an accord, the performance of the Civic SI, every creature comfort I need (power windows, locks, tilt cruise, moonroof, and CD), my two tone camel interior looks far from cheap (unless compared to a LHS or something, not mazada). All this for $11500 ordered new from the factory. I have had a couple of problems (reprogrammed the computer, and fixed a taillight leak into the trunk) I also had the front pads replaced because it was free and they squeaked with 20000 miles on them, my mom's VW does the same thing at 10000 miles and when she found out dodge did it for free she tried VW, they said no way, it's normal. The neon has gotten more expensive but it still can't be beat for bang for the buck.
  • crazycootercrazycooter Member Posts: 1
    I just got a 2000 NEON with a sticker price of just over $16,000 and paid about $15,100 (about $200 over invoice). So I don't think you are asking to low, but two months earlier my family bought another car from the same dealership and salesperson so they gave me a larger discount than they normally would give to most people. So your luck of actually get the neon for $15,000 is not that good unless you know someone that can get you a good deal
  • hersbirdhersbird Member Posts: 323
    what about the $1000 rebate? Or did you get special financing? If sticker was $16000 and there is a $1000 rebate then I'd say you paid about $200 over MSRP and a good $1500 over dealer cost ($2000 if you count holdbacks). There are 2000 neon's advertised in the Seattle area for under $10000 and there is not $5000 worth of options available.
  • lsaukalsauka Member Posts: 8
    As many people commented, I have everything documented and I also have an attorney. Believe or not everything I listed HAS gone wrong with this car and everything is documented on paper by the dealer as a WARRANTY ISSUE!!! If you do some research you would find that a lot of people are having the same problems with the Neon.

    As for beating on my car, I highly doubt it. Even though the Neon is an entry-level car and not very expensive compared to some, I spent my hard earned money on it. I am NOT going to beat on it and I take extremely good care of it. Even going as far as having oil changes sooner then needed. I have never beat on any of my cars. I had a Pontiac Grand Am prior to this and it had almost 100,000 miles on it. I took care of it and did the maintenance and that is why it lasted as long as it did.



    Oh yeah, by the way, that Grand Am. It NEVER had any problems other than normal wear and tear issues from the day I purchased it. Now my nephew is driving it and still no problems. It now has well over 100,000 miles.
  • silenceraz2silenceraz2 Member Posts: 1
    sux to be you ;)
  • calgaryclunkercalgaryclunker Member Posts: 1
    has anyone out there experienced a distinct clunk in the front end of their neon? I have a '97, that has been repaired (struts, springs, sway bar)
    it clunks particularly on a turn going up or down hill.

    thx calgaryclunker
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