This Flame Red 2000 Dodge Neon ES is still owned by the person who bought it new 26 years ago. That’s a long time to own a vehicle in our modern, get-bored-quickly, throwaway, doom-scrolling society. They have this survivor sedan posted here on craigslist in Dupont, Washington, and they’re asking $3,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
You can see that parts of the Flame Red have seen better days. The seller says that the “fiberglass” bumpers are faded, but I’m assuming they don’t mean actual fiberglass. I wonder if these TPO (thermoplastic olefin) bumper covers could be lightly color-sanded and polished to bring the color back? 2000 was the first year for the second-generation Neon, and there were said to be over 1,000 improvements over the first-generation cars.
The second-generation Chrysler, Plymouth, and/or Dodge Neon was made for the 2000 through 2005 model year, and the two-door body style had long since been put to rest, so they were all four-door sedans. This seller has provided three photos of the trunk for some reason, which is normally a great thing, but they have only shown one interior photo and none of the seats at all. Two photos showing the tire tread are arguably less important than showing where the next owner will spend 99% of their time: inside. Here’s a 2000 Neon brochure.
From what we can see inside, this car looks as nice as the exterior does. I keep thinking that the bumper fading won’t be that big of an issue for the next owner. Maybe one of you has had to fix the faded bumper cover issue and can let us know how to do that, or how it turned out if you did that work on your own car. This car has the “Customer Preferred Package 22G,” which added AC, power windows (for the front windows), power locks, power and heated side mirrors, keyless entry, an alarm, a power trunk release, a tach, fog lamps, and more. It also has a power sunroof. It’s basically loaded and is only $3,500. Even wtih faded bumpers, this seems like a deal at only 21% of what it cost new.
The engine is Chrysler’s 2.0-liter SOHC inline-four backed by a three-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. The 2000 and 2001 Neons are said to have a timing belt with a mechanical spring-loaded tensioner, and they can sometimes wear out. This is an interference engine, so the next owner will want to check that for sure. The seller says it’s in excellent condition inside and out, other than the faded bumpers, and has always had meticulous maintenance. Who’s in for $3,500?
Ford and GM had a meeting in DC last week, asking the big guy if he would help them pass a law to prevent mechanic shops from working on the junk cars they are turning out… Buying this car might be better then buying stock as a future investment.
With the Neons just keep the timing belts changed.
The 2000 Neon 2.0L engine is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks while the engine is under load, there is a chance of internal engine damage occurring.
Years back my 2000 had an after market belt break and had to replce two valves that bent.
I was happy when most companies stepped away from this maintenance program.
These are great running cars and quick when maintained
GLWS!
Not really a barn find. Just your basic everyday used car.
… sort of like a 1998 Jeep or any number of other 90s and 2000s vehicles shown here? I like it because you never see Neons anymore, other than here, for the most part. I haven’t seen one on an actual street for two+ decades at least.
I’ve actually seen a couple around my town in just the last month. Rustier than this (it’s Ohio after all), but Neons none the less.
I had a first generation with the 2L SOHC engine with the 5 speed. Loved the engine/trans combo and the flickable handling of the car. But, mine suffered from a lotta y of squeaks and rattles from day one and the clutch grenaded itself at 60K and had paint peel. A classic case of Chrysler design not matched by its engineering, The second generation hopefully fixed these issues because the underlying chassis is a gem.