2003 Neon R/T

[tdBNNN26]

Selling my Jetta(PM for details no thread b/c I don't know anyone all this site personally) and I found a 2003 Neon R/T. I know there are some Neon drivers on here and I was wanting to know if these are solid cars or full of problems( I've heard both but not from anyone who has ever owned a Neon) and some feedback on the car.

The car I'm looking at is a 2003 Neon R/T (DOHC 2.0) that has 118,000 miles. The timing belt broke which caused pistons and valves to have a party so all pistons and valves have been replaced along with timing belt, water pump, gaskets, and a list of other things that would need to be replaced when a timing belt would break. The guy is asking 5k for the car and its super clean. What are some common problems with the car? Is 5k to much to pay, or a good price? I'm wanting to stay domestic, so how does this go up against Focus/Cavalier?

Opinions please.

[TigerLily77]

Being an ex neon owner (i've had a 02 base model and 03 sxt) I want to say they are better than a focus or cavalier any day of the week. I found them quieter and more stylish than the focus/cavalier. I also thought my Neon felt peppier than any focus or cavalier i've driven or ridden in or "played" with. But that's just me. You should be able to get it for cheaper if there are still things to fix. Shoot, you should be able to get it for cheaper if there is nothing to fix. Being domestic the Neons dont hold their value. You should be able to get $4??? for it if its in super good condition unless modifications have been done that are worth the cash.

The timing belt is something that should be considered with it but since that's already been replaced you dont have to worry about it. The little things like window and locking switches sometimes go out. The occasional 02 sensor. Everything I had to fix on mine (which wasnt much) was pretty cheap. And of course I bought my second one in a not running consistently fashion and I can still say that things were cheap and I didnt fix much. There are some dodge and neon forums that can give you more specific info if you want.

I took both my Neons on long road trips all the time and they were both really reliable cars.

Hope that helps.