2000 Chrysler Neon LE review from North America

Head gasket blew at 80,000. This was fortunately covered by warranty.

Tail lights leaked water. By the time I noticed, the trunk (which I rarely use) bottom had filled with water, and was spilling into the floorboards along the back seat. I had to rip the back seat, trunk lining, everything... out of the back of the car and hung it all to dry out in a friends garage for about 2 weeks. Resealed the tail lights with black epoxy, problem fixed. Chrysler originally had some sort of foam seal around the lights. That might work in say - California - but where I live it is very damp and rains A LOT.

Something else that has been an ongoing problem is the driver's side door handle. I'm in and out of my vehicle a lot with the work I do, and the armrest keeps coming off the door. I've bolted it back on several times, each time using bigger bolts, but it keeps coming loose. Looks awful, but whatever works to keep the door trim in place!

Just had the front brakes (pads and rotors) replaced. That was around 161,000K. Cost about $400.

I love the Neon. Just wish it sat a little higher.

Engine is peppy for a 2.0L. I added a 20+HP performance module... making it even peppier :)

I almost have 'er paid off. Was thinking of trading it in, but seeing as how I haven't been exactly kind to it and it has only cost me about $1300 in major repairs over the last 4 and a half years, I believe I'm going to keep it. I'm curious to see just how far it can go.

I do regular maintenance on it religiously. It gets an oil change & filter every 5,000K and I do a complete tune-up on it once a year (plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, etc, etc) whether it needs it or not.

Keep the maintenance going, replace the timing belt @ 160,000 as the manufacturer recommends, and this will be an awesome car for you for years to come. Did I mention it's awesome on gas?

Just a warning though: STAY AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP!!! I don't know if it's just me, but I've brought the car in to several dealerships with no success. I searched out a ma & pa auto repair shop - the guy has 20 years experience with Chryslers - this is where the car goes for major repairs. Find yourself a mechanic that knows Chryslers - and if your car is like mine, you won't visit him very often. Make sure this mechanic has his own shop and has no affiliation whatsoever with Daimler-Chrysler Canada!!!