1998 Chrysler Neon LX review from Taiwan
"Designers should be shot, once they have got out of kindergarten"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Sunroof would not close and the car went back to the dealer three times, still does not close correctly.
Left and right engine mounts (rubber bushing) failed and was replaced.
Exhaust to manifold gasket replaced due to excessive movement, probably started by broken engine mounts.
Rear spoiler loose causing rain to get in to boot (trunk).
Battery failed after 1 year.
Engine always requires two starts in the morning, even after the fuel pump was replaced by the dealer. This appears to be a software problem, but I am not sure.
The brakes are very poor and I have had my foot hard to the stop, but the thing will not stop and the ABS does not kick in. This problem happens if I am already braking and I need to brake harder for any reason. This is dangerous to say the least.
As the car slows and changes down to first gear the engine suddenly races and causes the car to surge forward.
Exhaust started to drum on the underside of the car in the rain. This was cured by the dealer who chain blocked the exhaust pipe and bent it down??
Head light lenses are crazed with small cracks.
Rubber strip on front windshield has shrunk and looks silly, it is four inches short on one side and five inches short on the other.
Air conditioner heat exchanger failed at 30000klm.
Seriously bad tyre (tire) wear on the front even though tracking and pressures are good.
Air conditioner pump belt squeals and has done so from 10000klm.
Steering wheel now has excessive play and knocks when turned.
Air cleaner intake box rattles against the air filter box.
Oil leak from the timing sensor on the cylinder head.
Coolant leak from thermostat housing when cold.
Side windows have strange scratch marks caused by the rubber window supports getting covered in dust, no solution to this is forthcoming.
No window lock.
Door lock is not effective as children can easily open the door.
Strange dark streaks are now showing under the paint in certain areas.??
General comments?
This car has a serious problem with the brakes that the dealer is not able to fix.
The car is relatively fast if you have about three miles to let it wind up.
There is a serious flat spot between 1000rpm and 6000rpm.
Handling is fine for the type of driving I do.
Lights are very poor.
Recommended reviews
| Bloodsucking bottomless money pit |
|
| Under-rated car, but expensive to maintain |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 DOHC Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 630000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Golf |
| Date of Entry | 22nd March, 2003 |