Review of Dodge Neon 2005 with 147 000 miles. Honest car review, and what do you need to expect if you buy it used. Dodge Neon Crash: • Crash Test 2000 - 2005...
"Neons are cheap. Neons are junk." Funny, I still see tons of these things, even the earliest models, running perfectly fine all over the place. Oh, but it has cheap plastic parts...no shit; it was an economy car. These things are as durable and reliable as their Japanese competitors from the day, maybe more so. And way more so than the European competition.
I own 4 of these.... every last one has lifter noise, a pristine neon has lifter noise, it's an sohc... duh. They are known for headgasket issues, and the automatic trans sucks. But they run absolutely forever with minimal maintenance.
Always was curious of that. Heard it was common in the SOHC motors to have that lifter noise. What exactly causes it though? My Neon has had it ever since I've first owned it but it's been harmless.
I have a 2003 SE and my engine is super quiet, except the alternator failing....but every single part was factory on this car with 165,000 miles on it and I put about 3,000 or so on it and it runs great, minus that alternator causing low voltage
Dev Worm/stuck lash adjusters. Normally first gen heads. First gen Neon's are known for bad head gaskets, they go around 120k. Do head gasket and timing belt kit at same time. 2nd gen didn't have the issue so much.
Harry Sheldon I have a 2003 sxt and it's quiet, 162k miles. My 1996 Neon had the "neon tick" until the timing belt snapped. Pulled a head off a 2002 Neon and no more tick... That car has 240k miles on it an still runs great. Both cars are 5 speed manual trans. The engines run forever if maintained. Mtx are known to go over the 300k before clutch replacement if you don't beat them.
I have a yellow sxt 2.0 Never had problems breaking or accelerating. You just have to ease on the brakes well before your stop. Takes practice to get that complete stop down without that jerk i admit. you can ease on the accelerator as well, don't just put your foot fully down, that will wreck your transmission and engine.
Okay so my first car is gonna be this car and from the comments I keep getting mixed emotions about it. So for a starter car is it okay or should I just get a new one?
this review is just like one of those typical whining reviews about knobs and belts. the reviewer didnt say anything about engine issues, suspension, steering, braking, ride quality - those are the most important things. even a rolls royce that's not been cared for would fall apart, eventually. all used cars have issues; some will have more, some will have less - what it comes down to is how much you paying for it used, how much would typical parts be if you need to fix (brakes, starter motors, aircon blowers, etc). always get a used car inspected by a mechanic, lift the car, go under it, over it, look for wares, tears, breaks, leaks; drive it on smooth roads and listen for any unusual sound, feel the transmission (if the car feels sluggish, does it coast easy at highway speeds, or slows down quicker than usual), etc. etc. as for what's inside the engine, you will never know. that's why the more used the car, the less you pay compared to brand new price!
@@lukesylvester2022 that's a nice car! i'd recommend checking sensors, run code test (i understand one can erase codes from the on-board comp these days, without actually fixing the cause) and catalytic converter too... these things you wont get a feel of just from driving...
I had a 2005 Dodge Neon sxt 2.0 it was a good car and strong engine and I will take a neon over Any Ford focus or Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic at that year the neon was my best Choice it was better and faster and it’s not Overprice vehicle but I would of love a neon SRT-4
I have an 04 I got for free, runs drives the works. 77000 miles and running great. The brakes aren’t really all that abrupt but the throttle is kinda similar, but they were meant to be cheap commuter cars and are good at doing that, got a radiator for 40$ and it ran. It’s not gonna last forever but is a daily decent cheap car, but make sure you get a manual because the autos aren’t that great.
I own an 05 Neon. It's a nice car, and has served me well, but I'm close to trading it off for something newer. Some OEM parts are no longer available - they must be ordered online from secondhand suppliers, or from local junk yards. Often times engine sensors are only available from overseas suppliers, and made to specs not exact with American standards. These sensors often throw false codes, or don't match the car's OBD2 tolerances. She's been rode hard - it's time to put her out to pasture.
He's also making a good statement, your car will never be good and reliable if you don't take care of it, even if it's a Toyota. A lot of people when they hear the word "reliable", they think they don't have to do all car work like changing oil, or putting air on the tires.
I've got one and it has some reliability issues but they all hit around 100,000 so it makes sense at that age and it's been decent since. I was laughing my ass of about the heat/ac cause that is way too true. Either burn or freeze no in between
@@ADMAFIA210 Alright, right after 100,000... replace camshaft sensor (twice in 2 years of owning the car), replace sway bar as that one just completely fell off, replace the tie rod which snapped on driver front, replace both front suspension arms, replace front ball bearings, replace both rear struts that failed, replace entire brake line system. There's probably more I'm not remembering, it has been like 3 years since I had it. I had the car for 2 years or so and the issues started, no joke, the day after I got the car. And I bought it with 99,000 miles. Also I'll add this issue as I never did figure out what was happening. After it rained for a good day or two after that, if I drove and turned, water would come flooding into the passenger foot well. The rain was getting caught, obviously, but for the life of me I couldn't find where exactly it was sitting after rain so I couldn't stop the problem.
@@ryandrescher496 all that is pretty much wear and tear for an old vehicle or any vehicle in general…much of that should’ve been checked when you got it or before buying it also depends where you bought it…and getting issues after 2 years sounds pretty reliable…I got an 05 in 2017, for 2500 and had 81,000from a mechanic and showed what was worked on…the only issue I had a few months afterwards was I needed a different battery and a serpentine belt then I just went ahead and did a tune up along with brakes and rotors..I replaced the camshaft sensor twice myself…but I also changed out the ignition coil, sparks plugs and wires and haven’t had an issue since..did you replace this those also? Check the pcm? That could’ve been a factor…whatever I can’t complete, I take to my usual mechanics and they tell me how they’re impressed how well i maintain the engine…struts, ball bearings and break line system are all going to fail at some point when all of that was probably still factory and you probably waited to long to fix and made it worse while driving and you should’ve felt those issues on the road last issue I had was a thermostat and radiator cap…it’s all about keep up maintenance for any vehicle, all make and models are going to have issues..anything can break or not work whether new or old especially sensors…you didn’t just have reliability issues, you inherited those issues so I gotta disagree about not being reliable..I still have the car, as long as you take care of it it’ll be fine and don’t wait too long to fix it…as far as the flooding goes, only thing I can think of is streets flooding from the rain…or maybe since it was just the front passenger it’s possible that door didn’t have the weather strip all the way around the door…
@@ADMAFIA210 I know that's standard wear and tear stuff, I mentioned that in my original comment. Just figured I'd point out its especially true of this car that it happens to
@@ryandrescher496 but that’s based on the one you had, can’t really judge all neons on that…lol…especially other than the cam sensor I never had those issues
My 2001 is still running strong at 200.000 km. Not the most reliable car ever but they will keep going if you take good care of it. They are also a lot of fun in the corners. Maybe you were just unlucky, it seems 2005 was a bad year for the Neon (also see Carcomplaints.com).
Yeah I ended up selling it after replacing all 4 struts myself, rears it broke the strut mounts so you could move them back and forth by hand, front the bearing plates were so worn that it made a lot of racket turning. It also had a lot of bottom end noise when cold, to a point where it started to be worrying, Tierods and sway barlinks and it went through 2 head gaskets, I took the time to tear down engine and replace it, I think my mistake was getting the same OEM gasket instead of some aftermarket Felpro or something, but it was good for about 50,000 miles before It developed a leak in the exhaust port eventually overheating the car, Head gasket sealer fixed it, though not the right way. Car only had 136k miles. I did read the 05 and 06 with the 2.0's had head gasket issues and the hydraulic lifters go bad and makes noise, so I replaced them since it was a noisy car when at 1st fire up at 40f or colder, it helped but not the bottom end. It was the only Neon I ever owned and I don't plan to ever own another, just left a bad taste in my mouth if you know what I mean, I got a 02 Cavalier with 300k miles, the most serious problem was a fuel pump, Thats a lot of miles for a cheap car, but it's always been dependable. Same with my 91 Chevy 1500 with 400k miles.
Viking 2121 I have a 2000 plymouth neon and the biggest problems i had with it was the brake shoes in the rear and the motor mounts not being properly aligned. Oh also the battery connection wasn't spectacular but that was a quick fix. No other problems since and ive had the car for two years. When i got it she had 133,000 miles on it
Neon is a legend my friend.
We have one with 536000 miles on it, and it doesn't record any more miles, but still works
Do u drive it in reverse.
This is the only car review i’ll ever need. Thank you. you won.
I got dodge neon I bought it used for 500 bucks. Yes it’s reliable i still have it. Running and driving like a horse 🐴
"Neons are cheap. Neons are junk." Funny, I still see tons of these things, even the earliest models, running perfectly fine all over the place. Oh, but it has cheap plastic parts...no shit; it was an economy car. These things are as durable and reliable as their Japanese competitors from the day, maybe more so. And way more so than the European competition.
You must be joking. A simple google search is enough to deter anybody from touching this car. The problems are endless.
Lol mine has almost 200xxx miles on it and all I’ve had to do was replace the transmission but other than that it runs like a champ
@@austinelliott5524 lol transmission is a pretty big thing to replace, but whatever makes you happy pal
Sorry Kendal, lol didn’t know you were a fucking mechanic... my bad
Damn right they are
I own 4 of these.... every last one has lifter noise, a pristine neon has lifter noise, it's an sohc... duh. They are known for headgasket issues, and the automatic trans sucks. But they run absolutely forever with minimal maintenance.
Always was curious of that. Heard it was common in the SOHC motors to have that lifter noise. What exactly causes it though? My Neon has had it ever since I've first owned it but it's been harmless.
I have a 2003 SE and my engine is super quiet, except the alternator failing....but every single part was factory on this car with 165,000 miles on it and I put about 3,000 or so on it and it runs great, minus that alternator causing low voltage
Dev
Worm/stuck lash adjusters. Normally first gen heads.
First gen Neon's are known for bad head gaskets, they go around 120k. Do head gasket and timing belt kit at same time.
2nd gen didn't have the issue so much.
Harry Sheldon
I have a 2003 sxt and it's quiet, 162k miles.
My 1996 Neon had the "neon tick" until the timing belt snapped. Pulled a head off a 2002 Neon and no more tick...
That car has 240k miles on it an still runs great.
Both cars are 5 speed manual trans.
The engines run forever if maintained. Mtx are known to go over the 300k before clutch replacement if you don't beat them.
Pimp Baby my car has an engine light for the fuel pump......but my car has no issues running.....still investigating it.
We would like to see you test drive and brake test that Dodge Neon.
I just got this car the headlights are kinda great lowkey lol
I haven't laughed this hard in a while. Thank you.
I have an 05 neon sxt and slowly building it into an srt4
Bro same as fuck
I have a yellow sxt 2.0 Never had problems breaking or accelerating. You just have to ease on the brakes well before your stop. Takes practice to get that complete stop down without that jerk i admit. you can ease on the accelerator as well, don't just put your foot fully down, that will wreck your transmission and engine.
Okay so my first car is gonna be this car and from the comments I keep getting mixed emotions about it. So for a starter car is it okay or should I just get a new one?
yea
this review is just like one of those typical whining reviews about knobs and belts. the reviewer didnt say anything about engine issues, suspension, steering, braking, ride quality - those are the most important things. even a rolls royce that's not been cared for would fall apart, eventually. all used cars have issues; some will have more, some will have less - what it comes down to is how much you paying for it used, how much would typical parts be if you need to fix (brakes, starter motors, aircon blowers, etc). always get a used car inspected by a mechanic, lift the car, go under it, over it, look for wares, tears, breaks, leaks; drive it on smooth roads and listen for any unusual sound, feel the transmission (if the car feels sluggish, does it coast easy at highway speeds, or slows down quicker than usual), etc. etc. as for what's inside the engine, you will never know. that's why the more used the car, the less you pay compared to brand new price!
im thinking about spending the extra money and buying a 2005-06 lexus es330
@@lukesylvester2022 that's a nice car! i'd recommend checking sensors, run code test (i understand one can erase codes from the on-board comp these days, without actually fixing the cause) and catalytic converter too... these things you wont get a feel of just from driving...
@@abu4729 Thank you
I like the look of the neon
Love my 05 neon
I always had head gasket problems every 20000 miles
I had a 2005 Dodge Neon sxt 2.0 it was a good car and strong engine and I will take a neon over Any Ford focus or Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic at that year the neon was my best Choice it was better and faster and it’s not Overprice vehicle but I would of love a neon SRT-4
My 04 neon can run circles around any chevy malibu, i owned a malibu with a 3.1 v6 the neon with the little 2.0 would leave the malibu in the dust.
I had a 2000 and I’d be lucky to get 24,000 miles on brakes. Those brakes were always so loud and metallic sounding
I have an 04 I got for free, runs drives the works. 77000 miles and running great. The brakes aren’t really all that abrupt but the throttle is kinda similar, but they were meant to be cheap commuter cars and are good at doing that, got a radiator for 40$ and it ran. It’s not gonna last forever but is a daily decent cheap car, but make sure you get a manual because the autos aren’t that great.
The break on mind is pretty nice
I own an 05 Neon. It's a nice car, and has served me well, but I'm close to trading it off for something newer. Some OEM parts are no longer available - they must be ordered online from secondhand suppliers, or from local junk yards. Often times engine sensors are only available from overseas suppliers, and made to specs not exact with American standards. These sensors often throw false codes, or don't match the car's OBD2 tolerances. She's been rode hard - it's time to put her out to pasture.
I have an 05 for the last 5 years and never had a faulty code or an issue getting oem parts
hahah I love this guy! Make more videos bro, you're killing it!
He's also making a good statement, your car will never be good and reliable if you don't take care of it, even if it's a Toyota. A lot of people when they hear the word "reliable", they think they don't have to do all car work like changing oil, or putting air on the tires.
Bull shit! I own an 04 neon, its a really zippy little car and has none of the problems this guy talks about.
I also hav a doge noe 05 and it is ok
That car is not stupid It’s amazing and she is amazing
It's like the new Toyota corolla but older
Like they light up the. Road pretty good
I had one.
What?
The Dodge Neon is the biggest pile of junk ever. I had nothing but problems with the one I owned, and I did all the regular maintenance on it.
I've got one and it has some reliability issues but they all hit around 100,000 so it makes sense at that age and it's been decent since. I was laughing my ass of about the heat/ac cause that is way too true. Either burn or freeze no in between
Reliability issues??…explain
@@ADMAFIA210 Alright, right after 100,000... replace camshaft sensor (twice in 2 years of owning the car), replace sway bar as that one just completely fell off, replace the tie rod which snapped on driver front, replace both front suspension arms, replace front ball bearings, replace both rear struts that failed, replace entire brake line system. There's probably more I'm not remembering, it has been like 3 years since I had it. I had the car for 2 years or so and the issues started, no joke, the day after I got the car. And I bought it with 99,000 miles.
Also I'll add this issue as I never did figure out what was happening. After it rained for a good day or two after that, if I drove and turned, water would come flooding into the passenger foot well. The rain was getting caught, obviously, but for the life of me I couldn't find where exactly it was sitting after rain so I couldn't stop the problem.
@@ryandrescher496 all that is pretty much wear and tear for an old vehicle or any vehicle in general…much of that should’ve been checked when you got it or before buying it also depends where you bought it…and getting issues after 2 years sounds pretty reliable…I got an 05 in 2017, for 2500 and had 81,000from a mechanic and showed what was worked on…the only issue I had a few months afterwards was I needed a different battery and a serpentine belt then I just went ahead and did a tune up along with brakes and rotors..I replaced the camshaft sensor twice myself…but I also changed out the ignition coil, sparks plugs and wires and haven’t had an issue since..did you replace this those also? Check the pcm? That could’ve been a factor…whatever I can’t complete, I take to my usual mechanics and they tell me how they’re impressed how well i maintain the engine…struts, ball bearings and break line system are all going to fail at some point when all of that was probably still factory and you probably waited to long to fix and made it worse while driving and you should’ve felt those issues on the road last issue I had was a thermostat and radiator cap…it’s all about keep up maintenance for any vehicle, all make and models are going to have issues..anything can break or not work whether new or old especially sensors…you didn’t just have reliability issues, you inherited those issues so I gotta disagree about not being reliable..I still have the car, as long as you take care of it it’ll be fine and don’t wait too long to fix it…as far as the flooding goes, only thing I can think of is streets flooding from the rain…or maybe since it was just the front passenger it’s possible that door didn’t have the weather strip all the way around the door…
@@ADMAFIA210 I know that's standard wear and tear stuff, I mentioned that in my original comment. Just figured I'd point out its especially true of this car that it happens to
@@ryandrescher496 but that’s based on the one you had, can’t really judge all neons on that…lol…especially other than the cam sensor I never had those issues
Let's be honest. Dodge neons are pieces of shit
You on crack
Don’t make CZcams videos about cars if you have no idea how a car even works
118 likes 118 dislikes how did this happen lol
You funny tho
Looolololol
Trying to wash a Neon is like polishing a turd.... My 05 Neon was the worst hunk of junk I've ever owned.... Headgaskets, lifter issues, Struts.....
My 2001 is still running strong at 200.000 km. Not the most reliable car ever but they will keep going if you take good care of it. They are also a lot of fun in the corners.
Maybe you were just unlucky, it seems 2005 was a bad year for the Neon (also see Carcomplaints.com).
Yeah I ended up selling it after replacing all 4 struts myself, rears it broke the strut mounts so you could move them back and forth by hand, front the bearing plates were so worn that it made a lot of racket turning. It also had a lot of bottom end noise when cold, to a point where it started to be worrying, Tierods and sway barlinks and it went through 2 head gaskets, I took the time to tear down engine and replace it, I think my mistake was getting the same OEM gasket instead of some aftermarket Felpro or something, but it was good for about 50,000 miles before It developed a leak in the exhaust port eventually overheating the car, Head gasket sealer fixed it, though not the right way. Car only had 136k miles.
I did read the 05 and 06 with the 2.0's had head gasket issues and the hydraulic lifters go bad and makes noise, so I replaced them since it was a noisy car when at 1st fire up at 40f or colder, it helped but not the bottom end.
It was the only Neon I ever owned and I don't plan to ever own another, just left a bad taste in my mouth if you know what I mean, I got a 02 Cavalier with 300k miles, the most serious problem was a fuel pump, Thats a lot of miles for a cheap car, but it's always been dependable. Same with my 91 Chevy 1500 with 400k miles.
Viking 2121 I have a 2000 plymouth neon and the biggest problems i had with it was the brake shoes in the rear and the motor mounts not being properly aligned. Oh also the battery connection wasn't spectacular but that was a quick fix. No other problems since and ive had the car for two years. When i got it she had 133,000 miles on it
And what’s the worst is that you’ll die if you crash in it
283,xxx miles still goes