The Neon was a small compact car sold across all Chrysler brands from 1995 to 2005. It was an internationally marketed car, so its audience wasn’t strictly the U.S. and Canada. And it was only produced as a sedan with either two or four doors (no hatchbacks or wagons). The seller has the Plymouth-badged version of a 1996 Neon, and it had some work done before it was parked indoors a few months ago. Located in Endeavor, Wisconsin, it looks pretty good, though it still needs more tinkering, and it’s available here on craigslist for $4,300. Thanks for the tip, Jack M.!
First-generation Neons were sold through 1999. It used the engineering of the day, which included front-wheel drive and two versions of a 2.0-liter inline-4. The seller’s car has the 132 hp SOHC iteration, though a 150 hp DOHC was also available, and it has an automatic transmission, while a 5-speed was standard. Perhaps because Plymouth was nearing its expiration point at Chrysler, the Dodge version of the Neon was the better seller of the three brands.
The seller bought this Mopar off its original owner in 2024 with just 17,000 miles. The seller used it for a while as a daily driver and at least doubled that figure, though some issues with the odometer suggest it may be closer to 40,000 now. The water and fuel pumps were replaced last year along with the head gasket, but the seller stopped using it and parked it inside his garage. A leaking cam oil seal was also repaired, but there are remnants of that oil on the undercarriage.
While the body and dark green paint look good, the seller says there are a few little dings and scratches. But if you plan to use the vehicle as a 2nd or 3rd car, that won’t matter. The interior looks sharp, but we’re told there is a rip in the back seat, not in the photos. Besides the odometer being a little wacky, the fuel gauge shares that same affliction. The car is also going to need new rear brakes, and the seller has the parts. There were a lot of these Neons on the road 25-30 years ago, but not many anymore. And you could buy one new for $15,000!
A ’96 Dodge Neon on this site? Jeez, now I know I’m getting old.
Nobody should hate on the Plymouth brand. They were good. I hope the next owner fixes all the problems this car has because it has potential to be a reliable one for a long time yet and great canadate for rad wood car show.
Pricey. Rare, now doesn’t equate to increased value, it has too many problems for the asking price. The sellers emotional attachment doesn’t get a buyers premium.
Steve R