Faults:

My air conditioner went at 76,000 miles.

I have had it repaired at the dealer twice and it still does not work correctly.

Wind constantly flows through the window when driving, even when they are closed really tight.

Something else seems to go wrong with the car every-time I take it to the dealership for regular maintenance.

General Comments:

I am not rich so I have had to buy cars that were in my price range.

I always pay cash for cars because I do not believe in car payments.

I owned a hyundai elantra previously that never left me stranded. Note: I never took the car to the dealer just Merchants tires for service.

I only paid $3,900 in cash for my neon. Next time I will get something else. The repair cost of the air conditioner is getting out of this world. I have since slapped a for sale sign in my back passenger window.

Faults:

At approximately 20k miles, vehicle had rough start and check engine light came on. Diagnosed as multiple spark plug misfire; spark plugs were replaced.

At 30k miles, coolant fan relay needed replacement. This is a common problem in the older Neons, and manifests itself as the fan continuing to run after the car has been turned off. Disconnecting the battery will reset the fan, but the relay will need to be replaced in order for the fan to operate again ($100)

65k miles: Replaced upstream O2 sensor ($100)

81k miles: Replaced exhaust manifold ($185) Replaced front engine mount ($55)

83k miles: Replaced coolant fan relay ($100)

97k miles: Fan relay replacement ($100)

Other current problems:

- Suspension is apparently deteriorating; ride has become significantly more rough

- Gas mileage has decreased to 20 mpg

- Exhaust leak

- Minor oil leak

- Minor transmission leak

All other expenses have been simple, routine maintenance. (And I'll admit that I'm probably not as vigilant about routine maintenance as I should be!)

General Comments:

Although I've always viewed my car as somewhat unreliable, looking back on its maintenance history shows me that it really hasn't been as bad as I thought. After 7 years and 97k miles, the car is still going... a fact that I find shocking and impressive!

Initially, I enjoyed the Neon's sporty/firm ride, but it has progressively worsened.

It is very comfortable for me to drive (a 5'3" female), but very cramped for my 6'2" boyfriend.

I feel that I have bigger blind spots in the Neon than I do in other vehicles.

Because Neon's have such a low resale value, you could pick up a used '98 Neon with relatively low miles for a cheap price. If so, it may be worth your while.

Faults:

I need struts.

EGR system needs checking.

Sunroof works not well, but works.

General Comments:

The car is fast enough. 0-60 in about 7 seconds, with an Iceman and Exhaust.

It's a little slower now due to EGR problem, but still eats cavaliers, and Honda Si civics.

With my problem fixed would be much quicker, like when I bought it, timed at 0-60 in 6.97, quarter mile in 15.24.

Good car, except EGR, which should have lasted longer. You other people with the problems with brakes and stuff, that is normal stuff that needs to be done.

If you buy a car, some stuff needs to be done every once and a while. If you think brakes should not need to be replaced in the life of a car, think again.

I would not buy a car this old again, but my next car will be a neon for sure, Srt-4 to be exact, as they are even faster than the one I got, and I have beaten preludes, up to around 120 mph, where they seem to have better pick-up. (my car shuts off at 132 mph).

Great car, pick up the R/T, amazing pick-up, way faster than Z-24, and Si's off the line, close mid-range, but off the line, a length or two at least, (stock).