looking at purchasing an 03 Neon

75PowerWagon340 · Post by **75PowerWagon340** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:19 pm

well, first of all.. I am a proud mopar guy. Owner of a badass '75 Power Wagon with a 340 motor built up to around 500 hp.

But, i do need a commuter. One of my co-workers has a '03 Neon with around 85k miles on it... it is an automatic...

What are some known problems with these cars that i should lookout for? and also, what kind of gas mileage can i expect with this car? (I commute about 30 miles per day)... and also, how long of a life can one expect out of these cars?

Hope to get myself this car and become a fairly active member on here... so please help!

Thanks,
Joel

Post by **racer12306** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:29 pm

Welcome to the board.

There aren't any real problems with 03 Neons. The auto's are a bit on the slow side, but if you are using it just for a daily driver then I wouldn't worry about that. Most have found that changing spark plugs every 15000 instead of 30000 is a good thing. Personally I use NGK and haven't had a problem with them.

The biggest thing you want to do is change the transmission fluid on a regular basis, I think the manual says every 48000 miles.

I would expect 25 - 30 mpg for that kind of a drive. (I'm assuming some city driving)

Overall these are pretty good cars. One little thing that I think is more of a problem on manual transmission cars is that the PCV valve is in a bad spot and it wouldn't be uncommon to find a little pool of oil in the intake manifold. You can do one of two things. Put a 1gn valve cover on the engine or put a catch can inline with the PCV valve. Minor thing, but something to look for.

To check for this, you simply remove the bellows tube between the throttle body and the intake manifold and stick a rag in there.

OB · Post by OB » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:30 pm

Welcome to 2gn.org bro. There really arent any major problems with the newer neons (00-05), but just like any car out there you'll have a few quirks to work out. If you can get a 5-speed I highly recommend it over the automatic. Much more fun to drive and quite a bit quicker as well.

As far as mileage goes, you're looking at mid 20's in the city and low 30's on the freeway if you drive normally. Put your foot in it and you'll have a rough time seeing anything near 30. I average 22-25 with all city driving and a lead foot. Manual trans eqipped cars generally get slightly better fuel mileage due to the decreased parasitic drain on the driveline.

Good luck

Post by **racer12306** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:33 pm

Life expentancy can be upwards of 200,000+ miles.

Change the timing belt and water pump at 100,000 and you will be golden. Normal maintenance is all a neon needs.

75PowerWagon340 · Post by **75PowerWagon340** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:35 pm

OB wrote:Welcome to 2GN.org bro. There really arent any major problems with the newer neons (00-05), but just like any car out there you'll have a few quirks to work out. If you can get a 5-speed I highly recommend it over the automatic. Much more fun to drive and quite a bit quicker as well.

As far as mileage goes, you're looking at mid 20's in the city and low 30's on the freeway if you drive normally. Put your foot in it and you'll have a rough time seeing anything near 30. I average 22-25 with all city driving and a lead foot. Manual trans eqipped cars generally get slightly better fuel mileage due to the decreased parasitic drain on the driveline.

Good luck

I definately agree on the NGKs.. its all i run

and i would like a 5 speed, but the one car in particular im looking at is an automatic. as far as my drive, its pretty much a straight shot, not really any "city" driving (or at least what most of you would consider city driving lol)

but if i could get in the upper 20s that is definately what i need... I know the car to be fairly well maintained... just looking for any major problems...

Post by **racer12306** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:36 pm

Then you should be good. That 03 Neon should fit your bill perfectly.

75PowerWagon340 · Post by **75PowerWagon340** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:39 pm

sounds good... no advice an anything to look out for more than any other car? I'm in the process of selling the junker prelude i have... and then hopefully purchasing this neon... but we will see... not jumping into purchasing another car and having it turn out like junk.

Post by **racer12306** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:45 pm

There honestly shouldn't be anything major to look for if it was properly maintained. The 00+ Neons were pretty solid cars.

Adionik · Post by **Adionik** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:47 pm

Like others have mentioned, just make sure to change that transmission fluid. If it doesn't get too cold if your area, $20 bucks and an hour to install a tranny cooler would be really nice.

Other than that, maintenance wise it's just about keeping those spark plugs and tranny fluid fresh.

Good luck! I hope you're not paying too much for it though, resale value on Neons is pretty horrible.

Post by **racer12306** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:50 pm

Tranny cooler is definitly not needed in a stock situation.

TN.Frank · Post by **TN.Frank** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:54 pm

I just picked up an '05 and I really love it, well all but the NGC computer system that it used. No one is making much aftermarket for this system as of yet. Personally, I think you'd be better off with a '00-'02 so you can get computer mods just in case you get in the mood to add a few performance goodies to your ride. I'm sure that sooner or later they'll be stuff available for the NGC cars('03-'05) but for now you're pretty much stuck with the stock computer and any mods you add may or may not trigger a CEL. God I miss my '72 Cutlass, LOL.

OB · Post by OB » Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:27 pm

Keep in mind, even the guys with 00-02 are limited to AFX computer upgrades, which from what ive seen are good for next to nothing, aside from raising the rev limiter. They arent cheap either; ive yet to see anyone make decent power with them.

As a general rule, in the Neon world, a standalone EMS is a must if you are building a racecar. There are no reflashes available for any year, except from private shops, and those are usually SRT-4 tuners anyways. And yes, SRT's come with the NGC computers as well.

Adionik - Show me a $20 tranny cooler.

75PowerWagon340 · Post by **75PowerWagon340** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:19 am

lol... i'll clear this up right now... i wont be building a race car out of this... ever. no desire... If i want a race car, my little ol' 340 will find its way into a duster. this neon will be purely my commuter car... So im not worried about upgrading the computer.

TN.Frank · Post by **TN.Frank** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:34 am

In that case find an '05 since it's the last Neon it'll have the most collector's value in the future. Don't laugh at this idea, look at all the cars we used to poopoo in the past that are being collected today. Trust me, someday the humble Neon will have collectors and the last year model will be like gold to em'.

Post by **occasional demons** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:37 am

As far as highway fuel mileage, I get 36-38 mpg with an MTX. If I can keep it below 65mph I can get 40, but that ain't happening too often! that being said, I don't have Cali emmisions either, not sure what effect if any that has on fuel mileage. 2001 vintage @120+K 65mm TB '02 magnum cam, and getto intake. If I utilize the mods, then it's only about 20 mpg. But the beautiful thing is I can dust most SUV's and get better mileage (than them) doing it.

Paul56 · Post by **Paul56** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:05 am

75PowerWagon340 wrote:sounds good... no advice an anything to look out for more than any other car? I'm in the process of selling the junker prelude i have... and then hopefully purchasing this neon... but we will see... not jumping into purchasing another car and having it turn out like junk.

I purchased a 2001 Chrysler Neon back in June with ~93,000 miles on it. The vehicle was never outright abused but I have done a fair bit of maintenance on it...

-cooling system flush & refill
-replaced spark plugs, wires & coil
-replaced air filter & PCV valve
-front & rear brake job
-replaced alternator & PS/AC belts
-replaced wiper blades
-replaced cam position sensor seal <-- known issue that can cause small oil leak
-changed transmission fluid
-replaced battery
-alignment + replace bushing up front
-replaced timing belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, upper torque strut, PS/AC belt tensioner, cam & crank seals

After all this the vehicle is in a maintenance state I know about and am comfortable with. The AC is still not working but that is not a huge priority given there is snow outside.

I'm happy with the vehicle. Prior to owning a Neon I always had a bad impression of them... but I've long since been enlightened after doing a little research and now owning one. I find it sad that Chrysler have stopped making them... but that is the evolution of things.

Post by **jonnymopar** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:25 am

I have a 2003 that I commute about 40 miles a day with. When I first bought it, I commuted about 75 miles per day. It's been great. My gas mileage has peaked at 37mpg all highway, but mine is a 5-speed. You'll still get great gas mileage from the automatic. I regularly net about 31-32mpg average, so as said before, with an automatic, you can bet on high 20's.

Right now I've got 84k miles on mine. Original brakes (plenty left and no pulsating), NGK Iridium IX plugs that are still perfect after almost 50k miles, I run Mobil 1 5W-30 changed every 7k miles, and that's about it. Keeps kickin ass every day.

Post by **occasional demons** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:50 am

Paul56 wrote:
I'm happy with the vehicle. Prior to owning a Neon I always had a bad impression of them... but I've long since been enlightened after doing a little research and now owning one. I find it sad that Chrysler have stopped making them... but that is the evolution of things.

Prolly why DcX stopped making them, most reveiws were less than ideal, and untill you own one, you don't appreciate them. I was pretty much the same as you. I liked the P body platform and the early Neons didn't do it for me. I liked the 2gn's better, but still didn't like 'em enough to buy one. Then came rising fuel cost. The rest is history.

Arro · Post by **Arro** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:26 am

75PowerWagon340 wrote:sounds good... no advice an anything to look out for more than any other car? I'm in the process of selling the junker prelude i have... and then hopefully purchasing this neon... but we will see... not jumping into purchasing another car and having it turn out like junk.

Junker of a prelude? lol I loved my '92 Prelude Si... it took a lot of abuse before someone smashed into it

How old is that thing, is it a 1st or 2nd gen? Those weren't as hardy as the 3rg gens.

TN.Frank wrote:In that case find an '05 since it's the last Neon it'll have the most collector's value in the future. Don't laugh at this idea, look at all the cars we used to poopoo in the past that are being collected today. Trust me, someday the humble Neon will have collectors and the last year model will be like gold to em'.

lol I think that's largely going to be a matter of opinion. You like your '05, but I've heard others call the front-ends "caravanish". I like my '00 styling, but I've heard others say unfavorable things about that, too. Who is to say what will be in demand way on down the line?

I'm not really sure anymore if today's modern cars will ever be seen in the same light as the ones from the old Detroit era.

I'm curious to see what Gramps thinks about this, as one of our more seasoned members who's seen auto enthusiast trends come and go...

TN.Frank · Post by **TN.Frank** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:33 am

Funny you should say that because we also own a '99 Dodge Caravan, LOL.

Arro · Post by **Arro** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:37 am

Paul56 · Post by **Paul56** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:31 pm

I used to own a 1986 Caravan... then traded that for a 1992 Plymouth Grand Voyageur with all the bells and whistles. The '86 was reliable, but the '92 was anything but.

bone-yard-racing · Post by **bone-yard-racing** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:10 pm

They are great, if you really know how to drive ecnomicly you can get 40mpg. One thing you have to do is get the R/T grille inserts in the proper color of your car THOSE STUPID THINGS SHOULD NOT BE CHROME, forgive me but that ruins what is otherwise a very pretty car. Be careful not to get any water or anything on the seats as they seem to stain easily.

bigbird · Post by **bigbird** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:51 pm

75PowerWagon340 wrote:well, first of all.. I am a proud mopar guy. Owner of a badass '75 Power Wagon with a 340 motor built up to around 500 hp.

Joel

Any engine pics? When I was in college, I met a guy with a similar truck as your, 340 and all. This truck did have a supercharger on in though!

Sorry to hijack!!!

Adionik · Post by **Adionik** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:56 pm

OB wrote:Adionik - Show me a $20 tranny cooler.

I got mine at Orileys....it was like $19.99.

It took me 4 months to install it. Procrastination FTW!

Post by **racer12306** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:58 pm

Tranny coolers are cheap. $20 - $30 is all you need to spend.

But as I said before, it's not needed on a stock car.

Joel: Good luck with the car. It should suit your needs well. The only thing I would do if I bought that car would be to change the oil, spark plugs and wires, unless the previous owner has records of that or you trust their word. Change the coolant before next winter, belts and hoses wouldn't be a bad thing at that time either. The coolant is a 5 year/100,000 mile coolant. I currently have 3.5 years/76,000 miles on mine and I'm going to run it to 100,000.

Any future questions just ask. A lot of stuff has already been covered but new stuff happens everyday.

Adionik · Post by **Adionik** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:19 pm

Yeah it's really not needed.

Especially when it gets cold.

My car now has a really hard time going into 4th gear after it got cold here.

Wenuden · Post by **Wenuden** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:39 pm

TN.Frank wrote:In that case find an '05 since it's the last Neon it'll have the most collector's value in the future. Don't laugh at this idea, look at all the cars we used to poopoo in the past that are being collected today. Trust me, someday the humble Neon will have collectors and the last year model will be like gold to em'.

lol that's one of the main reasons i jumped on a factory white SRT-4. only made in '05, and i've seen a bunch of pics of totaled ones. when i worked with a guy with a decently modded 1gn (that couldn't outrun my bone stock, heavy ass ford t-bird) and a stock '02 R/T, i said i'd never drive a girls car, much less own one. now i'm on my second one.

Neon316 · Post by **Neon316** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:49 pm

my 2000 has 193,000 kilometres on it..have not done anything major to it except for regular oil changes and plugs...just did the timing belt and water pump and idler on the weekend...my 01 show car has 157k kilometres on it and just got the engine tear down and rebuilt treatment..

i luv my neons best cars i ever had...
89 civic si ==150 shot of nitrous did her in
89 bonneville sse supercharged==got owned by a pickup truck running a red
92 blazer=still running to this day in the bush lol

jckevns · Post by **jckevns** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:58 pm

TN.Frank wrote:In that case find an '05 since it's the last Neon it'll have the most collector's value in the future. Don't laugh at this idea, look at all the cars we used to poopoo in the past that are being collected today. Trust me, someday the humble Neon will have collectors and the last year model will be like gold to em'.

i think the 1gns are going to more collectible than the 2gn due to the racing history and the NYGs

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looking at purchasing an 03 Neon

looking at purchasing an 03 Neon

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