Constant problem with cylinder misfires.
Sunroof went off track at 28,000 miles.
Air conditioning system developed a leak at 32,000 miles.
The head gasket blew at 57,000 miles.
Had to replace head at 57,000 miles due to pitting.
Transmission cooling lines started to leak at 57,000 miles.
Fuel pump went out at 57,000 miles.
A great car if you plan on getting rid of it before it hits 50,000 miles.
I used to be very happy with the car until it started to nickle and dime me to death. The car is almost paid off. Had I been able to invest the money I spent in getting the car to run reliably on the remainder of the loan, I would've had it paid off by now.
If it's not one thing with this car, it's another. Buyer beware.
Very interesting. My 1999 Plymouth Neon High Line had approximately 21,000 miles when I purchased it from Enterprise in September of 2000. While it was not a used rental car, Enterprise had purchased it from a dealer. I thought it was wonderful; beautiful cloth upholstery, pretty red paint, ran well, etc.
However, after driving it for a few months, I realized that the side posts on either side of the windshield were a distinct "hazard" because they are so thick that they obstructed my view. At about 3 months the paint began to chip and the brakes began to squeal. No one could find anything wrong with them, however I had the rear brakes replaced. The brakes still squeal, but only when they are cold; my neighbors love me at 6:00 a.m. The front pads or next - there goes $600.
At 45,000 the repair shop noticed an oil leak from the engine. They wiped it off and waited. By next visit to the shop it was obvious there was something wrong. At 48,000 I had to replace the valve cover gasket, transmission cooler lines, and cam sensor seal; a tidy sum.
Wonder if the car will last until I get it paid off? Will I buy another Chrysler product? Emphatically NO! NO! NO! It's a pretty package with a very big disappointment inside.
Actually, I wish to ask a question of Neon owners. Oor 1999 Plymouth Expresso seems to develope a "wobble" coming from the right front wheel when under deceleration. What's up? I'm no expert, but this feels expensive!
Original writer of this review back for an update.
Shortly after writing the initial review and getting it back from the dealer's... again, the car died on me. This time it was the cam shaft position sensor. Cost me about $300 to have it replaced.
Since then, all has been eerily quiet. The car itself seems to be running okay (knock on wood), but the air conditioner doesn't work very well and the cruise control doesn't work at all anymore. I refuse to sink any more money into this car, so it's 2/55 air conditioning for me and maintaining my speed manually.
The car is finally paid off. I'd love for it to "live" for another 2 years, but I've got my doubts. No more Daimler-Chrysler products for me.
You're telling me you paid $300. to have a camshaft position sensor replaced?
Excuse me, but this part costs far less than $100. and takes about 5 minutes to replace. I have three at home I could've sent you for a buck.
I can't express this enough. An automobile is a piece of machinery with lots and lots of moving parts and lots of parts which create friction between each other. Things happen.
With the internet, we have so many resources available to us. We've got to learn how to use them. One visit to www.neons.org with questions about this car could easily have saved you $200 at least.
"With the internet, we have so many resources available to us. We've got to learn how to use them."
Exactly. If people could spend less time whining about how much their car sucks and actually took the time to look up a message board about their car, they could save tons of money by knowing exactly what the problem is and how to deal with it.
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