2002 Dodge Neon

[terror_storm]

I bought this Neon last fall with the intention of fixing and flipping it. It had a blown clutch and was dirty etc generally uncared for. I changed the clutch only to find out the transmission had worn synchronizers. Picked up a trans at the junkyard and installed it, new fluid and axle seals. I have also done the timing belt, water pump, tensioner pulley, coolant, tstat, spark plugs, shifter bushings, air filter, ball joints, all 4 struts & mounts, clutch master & slave cylinders, complete rear brakes drums/shoes/hardware/adjusters/cylinders/hoses, etc etc I still have to change the control arm bushings, install tie rod ends, get an alignment, and tires before next winter. Right now I think I'm around $2000 including the purchase price, hopefully I'll come in under $2500 all said and done.

It's got 195k miles now, and it's got some rust. The interior cleaned up really well. It runs very well, doesn't burn any oil, doesn't overheat. It does have some piston slap when the ambient is below 40ish, but that goes away in 30 seconds or so.

I've put about 2,000 miles on it at this point. I always top off the tank, let the pump click its self off. My lowest mpg was 31mpg, then I had a couple 34's, then a 36mpg tank, and finally yesterday a 38.3mpg tank. I have been rewarded by careful and thoughtful driving. My previous car was a '98 Audi A4 Quattro 2.8L V6 5sp which got 20-24mpg. My monthly fuel expenses have been cut nearly in half ($200+ down to around $100)

I have an UltraGauge that I use for feedback to adjust driving techniques. I haven't done anything extreme as of yet, I keep an eye on traffic up ahead, glide down hills and to stops, and very occasionally switch off the engine at long lights.

I plan to mod the car with respect to aero efficiency, and also to make EOC easy, simple, and safe(r).

[Flakbadger]

Nice! Sounds like you're handy and can fix all your own stuff. That saves you tons of money.

Are you planning on keeping it awhile, then? Or are you still planning on trying to resell it?

Welcome to the forums, do lots of awesome aeromods and take tons of pictures so I can copy them ((without having to do a lot of my own thinking)).

[NoD~]

My 2004 SXT Neon had piston slap since day 1 like you described... it's pretty common on the ol Neons. Most I ever seemed to get out of it was around 38+MPG myself. Sounds like you are on the path to exceeding what I could pull out of it! Especially since mine factored in frontal blocking. Good job on keeping the ~11 year old running like a champ!

[terror_storm]

Originally Posted by Flakbadger

Nice! Sounds like you're handy and can fix all your own stuff.

Been working on my own cars since I was 15-16 y/o, 27 now. This is the 35th-ish car I've owned in those 12 years, wrenched on every one of them.

Originally Posted by Flakbadger

Are you planning on keeping it awhile, then? Or are you still planning on trying to resell it?

I've got too much invested into it now, the market value is low. But it's efficient, reliable, economical etc so I don't mind being "underwater" with this one. Plus I invested in a hitch for the car, bought a small trailer, and sold my F150.

[Mira]

Originally Posted by terror_storm

Been working on my own cars since I was 15-16 y/o, 27 now. This is the 35th-ish car I've owned in those 12 years, wrenched on every one of them.



I've got too much invested into it now, the market value is low. But it's efficient, reliable, economical etc so I don't mind being "underwater" with this one. Plus I invested in a hitch for the car, bought a small trailer, and sold my F150.

Impressive! way to make a whole lot of something out of nothing.. Inspiration

[MetroMPG]

Nice work.

Sounds like you're going to do well with this car. You should make a garage entry to inspire other Neon owners.

[terror_storm]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

You should make a garage entry to inspire other Neon owners.

I added the car and all fuel log entries.

[MilanoVX]

Not a bad buy!

[terror_storm]

Filled up the tank today and calculated 40.8mpg. Still haven't made any modifications beyond tire pressure.

I notice a huge difference in FE as the ambient changes. In the morning my UG reads a full 10mpg lower than the afternoon trip when the ambient is 20-30* warmer. I am interested in trying a warm air intake.