Faults:

Bought the car for 500 dollars in 2009. There were some rust spots, but no holes, just surface rust. Sunroof doesn't work and headlights aren't too bright on it.

For safety it needed ball joints, muffler, wheel bearings, one tie rod end and rear brake lines.

My speedometer would only sometimes work, and my heat gauge would skyrocket. It was an easy fix, just had to re-solder the circuit board.

At 190 000, replaced spark plugs.

At 199 000, rear main seal started to leak. Brought it to a shop; estimated 900 dollars to fix. I just tried a bunch of oil additives, and the best one I find is Lucas. The additive stopped the leak.

Master brake cylinder went at 201 000 km; bought a used one at a local junk yard for 15 dollars.

At 215 000km, when I would step on the gas hard, it would pop into neutral. This was because of the connection of the throttle cable to the transmission (this activates your passing gear) was rusted together. I tried fixing it, but I ended up breaking the passing gear. It still drives fine, but it doesn't have a passing gear.

220 000, replaced coil and wires with used ones from a junk yard for 30 dollars.

General Comments:

It is my first car, and now has lasted me just over a year, and is still running great.

I decided to do a custom paint job. Found a used body kit for 100 dollars (bumpers and side skirts), a 50 dollar spoiler from a junk yard, a fart can from eBay for 30 dollars, and tinted the windows and all the lights. It's definitely not a race car, but it looks like one.

This car has been pretty reliable; only left me stranded once, because I could not get the spare tire out of the trunk, because the bolt had rusted.

Parts are easy to find at a small town junkyard.

Overall it's been a great first car for me, and it has proved itself, because so many people had told me it wouldn't last, and it would break all the time since it's a Neon.

Faults:

Head gasket blew 2001 - $500

Front engine seal blew, oil leaked 2003 - $600

Rear engine seal blew, oil leaked 2005 - $500

Heat/AC fan stopped working 2005 - $150

Valve cover seal leaked oil 2006 - $200

Antifreeze leak, replaced water pump and radiator 2008 - $600.

I always have the oil changed and regular maintenance done on schedule, but somehow this car has serious problems keeping its fluids. Repairs have definitely been cheaper than a $300 per month car payment though.

My trunk does not leak like most others have commented.

Faults:

Driver's side window comes off of the track.

Mysterious power steering fluid leak.

EGR Valve needs replaced.

General Comments:

We've only had this car for two weeks, and it seems to be doing fine so far. We only paid 800 dollars for it, so of course I was expecting there to be a few things wrong with it.

The EGR valve needs replaced and the power steering needs fixed, but that's basically all the major things that need done to it. I was very impressed with how well it ran at 120,500 miles.

My husband and I live on a very steep, winding road, and I was yet again impressed with how well it climbed the hill when most vehicles struggle to make it to the top. Not this car! It takes that hill like it's nothing.

Another great thing is the gas mileage! This is the first four-cylinder I've ever owned, and I love it so far!

The air conditioner works perfectly too. Very, very cold air. That was extremely important to me, and it just works like a dream.

All in all, I'd say this is a very good car so far (I HAVE only had it for two weeks). I would recommend it, especially to a student, or someone that wants to save money at the gas pump!