Used Plymouth Neon for Sale

The first and second generation Neons were America's most universal economy subcompact. And while they came loaded with features you'd expect on more expensive models during the 1990s, they had their fair share of wear items. The build quality is reasonably good, with little to no rust after 20 years. However, like many Chrysler products, the Neons had issues with their oil seals, as well as chipping paint, and unusually rapid brake pad wear. And they don't age gracefully, since they need sensors replaced more and more often as the years go by. Toward the late 1990's, it would likely be difficult to find a Neon that didn't leak engine oil, and that actually had a sunroof that ran smoothly in its mechanical tracks. Still, this car was the best bang for buck on a domestic-branded automobile of it's era from it's sub-$16,000 price tag.

I have had my Plymouth Neon for several years. When I purchased it from a dealership with a sketchy reputation, I have to admit I was concerned that it might be a lemon. It looked rough and the on the ride home I noticed several rattles and noises. I also could tell that this vehicle had been through a flood. I had purchased it because it was the only car that I could find within my very meager budget. When I got it home to my partner and her brother who are mechanics, they looked at me like I was crazy. After a thorough inspection, we were all surprised to find that the only parts that required replacement was the air filter, some brake pads, and a spark plug. Soon I was on the road and making my 140 mile daily commute in the old Neon. I drove it had for three years without any major problems. It still runs and we use it as a back up when our newer cars need repairs. We even leant it to a family member for a few months and it still runs great. It has almost 300,000 miles on it and I am amazed every time I drive it how well it still travels. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles. It is very basic, with a tape deck, manual locks and windows, and the air conditioner isn't as cold as a new car's. It has had two minor fender benders since we've owned it, and it survived those incidents without much of a problem.

I picked up my Neon dirt cheap, intending to keep it for 6 months, maybe a year. That was 4 years ago. I kept it because it gets really good gas mileage for the miles I have on it, maintenance costs are cheap thanks to the huge supply of readily available parts, it is easy for me to work on myself, and the fact that it has held up to Michigan winters remarkably well. I have one rear wheel well that is starting to rust out, and a couple small spots. The base model is not a sports car by any means. The performance is about what you would expect from a small 4 cylinder engine.