Faults:
Engine misfires almost all the time, have changed spark plugs and wires recently, and is still misfiring.
The light for the gages has gone out.
Check engine light is on, reading out that I need a new thermostat.
Steering wheel shakes constantly until reaching higher speeds and then slightly stops shaking.
Last week I went onto the freeway and my car felt like a roller coaster when I hit 60 mph, I had to pull over and look under the vehicle, and found nothing wrong, axle and everything was fine, hasn't done that since.
Brakes squeak sometimes, but not all the time, I hear it is common with the Neons.
Battery light comes on sometimes, but rarely, and all lights dim and the belt squeaks, may be water hitting it issue?
Weird noise coming from the injectors, sounds like a loud cricket, someone may have similar problem?
General Comments:
Car has decent handling abilities and performance seems good enough, if it didn't misfire. I did do a couple mods: Installed a K&N intake which definitely increased the power, and also installed a cat-back exhaust. I believe the car is quick, but is probably only pushing 150 hp right now.
Clutch is still excellent, can chirp the tires 1st to 2nd, decent get up and go.
I plan on selling the Neon for 3k, but it for 4k.
I do change oil regularly, have used higher grades such as Valvoline's max life, but still cannot run that great.
I wouldn't recommend buying this vehicle unless you trust the dealer well, or know them somehow from other customers.
Invested about 1k in car so far in repairs.
BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN LOOKING AT THESE OR BUYING THEM.
9th Apr 2011, 22:44
My 2003 Neon has not given me any problems, it has 200,000 miles and counting. Guess it is time to change the timing belt.