1996 Dodge Neon Highline review from North America

Head replaced at 68000 (manufacturer covered).

New top end parts with head replacement (paid for by the owner to extend the life of the top end, cost 329.00).

Air conditioning line at 72000 (cost 63.27).

Speed sensor at 84000 (38.58).

Paint chipping at 50000 (not fixed, estimated repair 750.00), but it does not make the car run, just look better.

Just to let you know up front about this car, it has never been red-lined, neutral dropped, raced, crashed or abused in another way. It is something I rely on to get me back and forth to work to provide for my family, not to let the teenager go out and mess around on the weekends with. That is for the 1982 Subaru that cost me 150.00.

Now for the review...

A great reliable vehicle.

For under 12000 you get what you pay for. I wish I could find a dealer to let me have a new Lexus IS200 SE for 12000, wouldn't you?

No resale value, but if you buy a 12000 vehicle do not expect 10000 in trade 3 years later.

I have ready many reviews on this vehicle and a lot of problems are from abuse and lack of maintence. Not all, but most.

I am a mechanic and have seen these cars in and out of the shop, and the major problem has been the defective head situation. Chrysler will make it right.

Most people believe that you buy a vehicle and it should maintain itself. What most do not realize is that a vehicle should be checked out throughly every 12000 miles. Not just change the oil. A lot of things will be found before the issue becomes a major problem.

Performance: For a 4 cyl it does not do bad. Handles very well. Goes well in bad road conditions.

Appearance:

Exterior: fair due to paint chipping, other than that - good.

Interior: Great, small rip in a door panel and a seatbelt cover cracked.

Would I buy another?

New: You BET

Used: Yes, only if I knew the existing owner.