Thinking of picking up a 2gn, got a few questions.

[Mazda787b]

Looking to replace this very clean 96 MTX I picked up. Nothing wrong with the car, but rolling around in an 18 year old economy car doesn't look very professional.

I thought about sinking money in the 1gn (mag swap, airbag seats, 2gn center console, etc.), but I realized I'd be basically turning it into a 2gn R/T anyway. Not to mention, I could use the extra room.

Anyhow, I am still on the hunt for a clean 2gn R/T or ACR preferably. However, I don't know jack shit about 2gns for the most part. I have almost toyed with the idea of buying a cheaper SRT-4, but most of them have lived a hard life.

I know that the control arms are steel. Any longevity issues with these as compared to the cast units on the 1gn? Is the best solution just to replace with Moog or OE units every xx,xxx miles?

With Diablosport cracking the PCM, would it be more beneficial now to pick up a NGC car? I'd assume a good tuner should be able to write a NGC R/T tune that can be flashed via DSP, no? I have my heart set on an R/T, and there obviously isn't much in the way of computer tuning for those years. Granted, the car will remain a quite mild DD, but some basic bolt-ons are needed.

Any other weird 2gn quirks I should be looking out for? Other than the MTV solenoid/motor/whatever acting up?

[occasional demons]

So what I don't get, is how a 2gn is more "professional" than a 1gn?

As far as the LCA's the biggest problem is the bushings, but I believe that is also the case with the 1gn's. Now I doubt the steel ones will last for 20 years like the 1gn's tho.

The LCA's do have a tendency to rust like the crossmember, tho not quite as bad. I think it is the same crappy steel. I even painted the hell out of a rust free pair, and they still rusted. Same for a brand new crossmember.

[Mazda787b]

So what I don't get, is how a 2gn is more "professional" than a 1gn?

Great question, I'm still unsure as well.

[gcretro]

If it helps I have an 04 Neon SE. Recently changed the LCA with moog problem solvers at 120K.

Interesting I haven't seen any rust in mine. Perhaps because there isn't any snow or salt here in winter.

[BigMac]

With Diablosport cracking the PCM, would it be more beneficial now to pick up a NGC car? I'd assume a good tuner should be able to write a NGC R/T tune that can be flashed via DSP, no?

Diablosport has cracked just the 2.4, not the 2.0 AFAIK. Personally, I think a 2nd gen is a nice looking car; I am a bit prejudiced though.

Or you could get a new Dart.

[Mazda787b]

Was thinking on Dart, want to drive R/T and/or SRT.

To be honest, for the price of a decently-equipped Dart, I could have a mint low mileage LS2/6 CTS-V or a C5 Z06. They'd solve all problems except the fact I like paying cash for things.

Thanks for the heads up on everything, I've been searching high and low. Will be trying to off the 96 come spring. Can't believe this thing is so clean for being 16 years old.

[BigMac]

of course, another option is to restore that clean 96 with new paint, headlights, trim, etc., then just say you drive a classic! If a car looks great, no one cares how old it is.

[Mazda787b]

Actually, it is about 95% straight. One dent in the quarter panel, about nickel sized, a pea sized rust hole in the LR fender lip. Brushed it all out and hit with POR15. Paint is great, sans rock chips on bumper/hood.

Interior isn't bad either, to be honest. Just thought the extra room of a 2gn would be a bit nicer. By the time I spend adding Cruise, Power Locks, Power Windows, Agate Interior, new front bumper, exhaust, MPP ECU, I could have a decent R/T or ACR.