Faults:

- Muffler needed to be replaced.

- Part of the exhaust pipe needed replacement.

- Water pump failed.

- Timing belt failed due to water pump failure (coolant leaked on timing belt).

- Radiator failure.

- Thermostat failure.

- Ball joint replaced.

- Tie rod end replaced.

- 1 of my gas tank straps went loose.

- Throttle position sensor failure.

- 1 of my 4 cylinders failed and my engine stopped working.

General Comments:

I bought this car when I went to college. At first, I expected to have a car that would last for like 5-8 years. Second day I bought the car, I entered my class room and when I said I bought a Neon, everybody laughs at me. My colleagues told me that Neons are very cheaply made and would fall apart soon enough. Got really scared at first.

Well, I was wrong about this car lasting for years and years, since the engine stopped working 2 years and a half later because of a cylinder failure, but for the time it lasted, it wasn't as bad as I imagined it. I needed to replace a lot of parts, but since I only paid 1600 CAD for it, and a cheap insurance fee, guess I can't complain.

I would recommend this car for someone that doesn't need high reliability, since this car is cheaply made. On the bright side, it's not as if the car always broke down (3/4 of the failures mentioned above occurred at about the same time) and when it was up and running, it gave me transportation to get to college and to work afterward. Since I learned that this car didn't have big chances to last as long as a Toyota, I saved money for 2 years and a half, and when my car died for good, I bought a Nissan Sentra 2004, which is more reliable.

Faults:

The head gasket was replaced before I got the car, at 76000 miles. It was replaced with the latest version of the gasket. I haven't had any problems with is since I got the car.

The car leaks in dust and dirt. I drive on gravel roads a lot and it seeps in either around the trunk or the rear door.

Windows don't always seal right after rolling them up at highway speeds. Makes annoying wind noise.

General Comments:

First I would like to say that since I have owned this car, it has never been babied, and its been abused at times. being in 2 accidents, the car is still going strong.

The interior has held up well. I have a small rip in the seat at the seam. The clip that holds the visor on is broke. But at 132000 miles, this is not something to complain about.

The exterior is holding up well too. No peeling paint here. I've had the bumpers pop out of their clips,but, only after hitting something.

The suspension is OK, and is what I would expect out of a high mile car.

Engine is starting to make a clicking sound that started at 120k.

Brakes were replaced before I got the car and are holding up fine, but, the do make noise before they get warm. I live in the country and use my brakes far less than city folk would.

All things considered this has been a great car. It puts up with my use and abuse. It has never ever ever left me stranded.