Thinking of adding a new one to the herd...

[Shiroelex]

Unfortunately, it's going to be a vehicle from a manufacturer that I personally loathe as a mechanic. I'm only considering getting one of these because it's my girlfriend's dream vehicle, and she really needs a car.

2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4

I've driven one before, and it's definitely a fun car to drive, albeit it does somewhat feel like a kid's toy. I don't know a thing about them, so I figured I'd ask around about what kinds of problems I should be looking for while I'm out looking at used ones. :SNSign:

 

[joshjwc9]

Definitely not one that has been ragged on. I know of transmission and axle issues and the fact that every teenager boy who loved "teh FWD and BOV" drooled over these cars for the past 8 years..

They can be dependable but like any car, especially since it is factory turboed, it requires alot more maintenance than an average GT. Just IMO.

 

[Shiroelex]

Definitely not one that has been ragged on. I know of transmission and axle issues and the fact that every teenager boy who loved "teh FWD and BOV" drooled over these cars for the past 8 years..

They can be dependable but like any car, especially since it is factory turboed, it requires alot more maintenance than an average GT. Just IMO.

Yeah, that sort of stuff is what really worries me. I did find an 05 at a stealership that was bone stock, 24k, one owner car. Not quite worth the15k they were asking in my opinion.

 

[LarsD]

I remember when I had my 03 Neon (regular SXT, man I hated that car), I was considering selling it to get an SRT4, till I realized I could get a WRX for almost the same money. The asking price on them is usually high, and they are almost always beat to hell. Good luck on your search, it won't be an easy one.

 

[Shiroelex]

I remember when I had my 03 Neon (regular SXT, man I hated that car), I was considering selling it to get an SRT4, till I realized I could get a WRX for almost the same money. The asking price on them is usually high, and they are almost always beat to hell. Good luck on your search, it won't be an easy one.

Funny you should mention a 2003 SXT.

That's my girlfriend's previous car (The blue SXT). Definitely not the most exciting thing on earth. At least it was a 5 speed.

 

[Maxpowers]

Keep a close eye on certain bolts to see if the car has been upgraded and swapped back to stock.

I would stay away from anything other than stock.

 

[slayerripkdc]

Fun cars. They also can be made to be pretty quick. I wouldn't mind getting one if it was AWD or RWD. Not a fan of front wheel drive cars.

 

[LarsD]

Funny you should mention a 2003 SXT.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/Shiro_Elex/Mustang/All.jpg/IMG]

That's my girlfriend's previous car (The blue SXT). Definitely not the most exciting thing on earth. At least it was a 5 speed.[/QUOTE]

Don't get me wrong, I would flog the heck out of that car and it never got under 30mpg. Problem was I had to flog it everywhere since it was so slow. Slow, inept suspension, not terribly attractive, and everytime I saw one a chick was driving it. :nonono: