2003 Dodge Neon SXT review from North America

Was told no repairs had ever been done before I bought it. Replaced the timing belt and water pump at 90k ($400/shop) and spark plugs/wires ($50/home) at 100k as part of regular maintenance.

Bad driver side outer tie rod ($20/home), camshaft position sensor ($30/home), passenger front wheel bearing ($40/home), and cracked evaporation canister hose (cut off bad part for free/home) at 115-125k. Everything else is original and functioning.

Very roomy interior, my 6'2" 280lb friend fits comfortably. Front buckets are a little thin on padding and get uncomfortable after about 6 hours. Rear seats have enough leg room for smaller adults or kids, plenty of head room for anybody.

A/C is ice cold still. Defrost has some trouble keeping up with a car load of people if it's very cold out. Interior parts come apart very easily for installing mobile electronics.

The engine is peppy and fun to drive, especially combined with the 5 speed trans. I get 36 mpg at 70-80 mph and 27-30 in the city.

Very low maintenance costs, it has been extremely reliable overall. I use Castrol oil and Mopar filter every 5k (about $20/home). Avoid cheap filters, they leave the head dry and will cause ticking. Insurance costs are reasonable as a 4 door.

I added LED tails, tinted windows, removed all exterior badges and side moulding and it looks very sporty.