1998 Dodge Neon review from North America
"Buyer beware!!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Computer problems: misfiring, required two trips to the dealership for correction.
Misalignment on the door caused the inside dome light to stay on, required a trip to the dealership for correction.
Battery failed at 24000 miles, and the dealership replaced it.
Oil leaks diagnosed at the engine switch and head gasket; this occurred shortly after the warranty had expired. Am now looking at a very expensive repair job at 32,000 miles. Independent mechanic tells me this is a very common problem with this model and that most people decide to get rid of the car rather than invest big bucks. Just finished paying a dealership $400 for other miscellaneous work on the throttle!
General comments?
Shoddy workmanship/design on the engine appears to be cause of major repair expenses; beware of Neon head gaskets!
If you purchase a Neon, be sure you get an extended warranty; I didn't because I drive very little and never anticipated a time bomb under the hood.
Recommended Reviews:
  | One fast, cheap car, (HONDA eater) |
| 1997 - Neon base sedan 2.0 SOHC A good value with some expected drawbacks |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 10000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 32000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 17th April, 2001 |