1998 Chrysler Neon SE review from Australia and New Zealand
"I will not be buying another American car. Terrible experience!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Power steering system ruptured at 53,000km, causing a total loss of fluid. Made an enormous mess of the engine bay.
Fixed under warranty.
Head gasket blew at 60,000 approx. Out of warranty. Cost AU$1200.
Both front wheel bearings fell apart. Cost a massive $500 to replace.
Fuel pump stopped at just over 62,000km. Replaced it myself, but the part cost me $400!!
Transmission leaked badly. Fixed 4 times in 3 months. Constant shuddering in reverse.
Speedometer failed at 68,900km. Never got it fixed - 'no parts'. Had to guess my speed all the time!
Horn button got stuck.
90,000Km:
Radiator fan stopped, overheating the engine again! This time, $1500 to do the gasket and flush the radiator.
Finally, driver's seat belt came undone while driving.
Got worse and worse, until it wouldn't buckle at all!
General comments?
When I bought my Neon, it was 3 years old, with 2 months still left on the New Car Warranty. I chose a Neon, because my young family and I were amazed at the roomy interior. My wife loved the cute looks of it, and I had grown up with American cars, so I wanted a Chrysler of my own.
Needless to say, it was a big mistake!
The car was okay until the warranty ran out. Then it just started falling apart. Looking through my receipts, I have spent over AU$4900 just keeping the stupid thing on the road!
The interior was the best part! Plastics could be of a higher quality, but it's airy, well designed, and parking visibility is excellent! Luggage boot is massive for a little car and the air con is very cold.
The horrid vehicle now sits on my lawn, with weeds growing under it. I now have an ex-lease Camry Altise, and I plan to dismantle the Neon and sell the parts.
GOOD RIDDANCE!
Recommended Reviews:
  | Under-rated car, but expensive to maintain |
| We had too many problems with our 1998 Neon |
All 1998 Chrysler Neon reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2L OHC Four Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 31828 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 103000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Micra |
| Date of Entry | 26th November, 2007 |