My new 2003 Neon

[Run]

I just picked up a dodge neon as my second vehicle. I just needed a car with a back seat. This one is in pretty good shape considering the age and mileage. 204000 KM on the clock. Its a fully loaded econobox. Auto trans, AC, cruise, sunroof, power mirrors, locks and windows. Oddly the back windows are manual. Even has keyless entry. I got it pretty cheap compared to other cars like it. It needs a bit of work but I can still drive it.

So far I put into it...
New oil and filter
New transmission fluid and filter. (Pan was never off but fluid was changed at some point)
PCV valve

The things left to do...
I suspect a CV joint will need to be replaced soon. It shakes a bit when cornering right
Parking brake doesn't hold.
Coolant to be flushed.
Valve cover gasket may need to be replaced. Its a small leak.

Anyone else have one of these cars? How reliable has yours been?

 

[Dave Hess]

Sounds like you have a nice used car and will run great after tune up and minor repairs.

 

[SumpChump]

Spark plugs and a MAF cleaning from my experience should have it purring.

 

[The_Jeff]

I had a couple of these. With sticks they're fun. I rented an automatic. Not the same.

Their exhaust sounds good for a 4 cyl. I'm not picky.

If it took G-05 antifreeze, get more of the same stuff, it's great. NAPA in US sells Zerex. G 05 is like Mercedes level stuff.

For your e-brake, check around in the drums first, but you might have to counteract the stupid factory self-adjusting lever. Here's a movie!

 

[Run]

Thanks eljefino, the link might come in handy. As far as fluids go it shares everything with my caravan. G-05, ATF+4 and 5w30 oils. Only different oil and air filters.

Here are a couple pics...

 

[The_Jeff]

Neon front seats are pretty good for a crackerbox car. I kinda miss 'em.

 

[barkingspider]

That's a good find on the neon. I felt the same way you did when I got my beater 02 Prizm. Cheap to own / maintain

 

[Bud_One]

Looks good. Congrats

 

[earlyre]

Yeah, the power windows were only available up front. They all have rear cranks....one of those Dodge eccentricities.

 

[earlyre]

Also the washer nozzles are kinda flimsy, and we're $30ish(us) from the dealer...5-ish years ago.

I miss the way they drive, sold mine a little over 2 years ago, when it got to be to low for my fat butt to get in and out of.

Only issue it had in the 9 years/85k mi it was in the family( my brother bought it new in early 06, I bought it from him in 10, with 54k mi), was a failed cam position sensor.

And around here, the scrap yards are lousy with em, so parts are plentiful.

 

[double vanos]

That is a nice car! Good find. Fine work old man!!!

 

[Jarlaxle]

If you have a mysterious oil drip from the engine, check the sending unit.

 

[Silverado12]

Def adjust the rear brake shoes before you do any adjusting on the parking brake cable. You usually won't ever have to adjust it throughout the life of the car (or at least I've never had to).

 

[SwampSurvivor]

They really weren't great cars from the factory. I know some will disagree, but they are very well known for head gasket problems and transmission failure (granted, what with the 41TE wasn't). But now that they are all > 10 years old, they make good beaters.

Friend of mine has one he got for $300 listed on CL. 106000 miles when he got it. We just had to change the head gasket and change out the timing belt/waterpump/tensioner and it is a runner.

Looks like you may need an engine mount - that right side is sitting lower than the drivers side.

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: Run

I suspect a CV joint will need to be replaced soon. It shakes a bit when cornering right
Check the engine mounts. He was right about that engine sagging to the right which could be your turning shimmy too

 

[earlyre]

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Originally Posted By: Run

I suspect a CV joint will need to be replaced soon. It shakes a bit when cornering right
Check the engine mounts. He was right about that engine sagging to the right which could be your turning shimmy too


the problem with that, is that lots f folks who have replaced the mounts have then picked up a vibration that doesn't really go away. The OE mounts are Fluid Filled, ALL of the aftermarket units are Solid.

 

[Run]

My problem is a broken engine mount bolt. Its the cause of the engine sagging. Tomorrow I will take it to a shop I trust to get some ideas. I may be able to fix it cheap myself but the problem is the junk yards are all far away now.

 

[Farmer]

I like using Pick A Part but that's very far for you to get to. I only use them when I'm out picking up tractor parts.

Empire Auto Parts has really bad pricing due to the many staff there and no dedicated price sheet but they got a fair amount of good cars.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

hard to find any Neons with good mounts in a junkyard. Went with my friend in the Fall to see if there were any engine mounts that were good - all of the Neons in the junkyard either had a blown head gasket or transmission and they all had engine mounts that were well past dead.