Help - 98 Neon options ....

[Muncher]

Just got back from CAA car inspection on my 1998 Neon. They reckon repairs could run to $3000+ (mostly head gasket replace, which includes fixing timing, etc). Unfortunately not covered by warranty. I have about 54,000 kms on the clock (just drive on weekends and to train station).

My question is:
- should I invest the money to fix it (will never have to drive long distances)

If yes:
- do I take it back to the CAA recommended dealer who did the inspection
- or take it to another CAA recommended dealer
- or take it to the Chrysler dealer
- or take it to Canadian Tire
- or take it to Midas?

If no, my friends say sell it "as-is" (don't know what I'll get). Should I:
- sell it privately (takes time)
- sell it to a used car dealer (low price)
- trade it in at a user car dealer (low price)

Then buy used car (I believe 2003 or 2004 low mileage Toyota Corolla is a good bet if low mileage), where?
- privately (takes time)
- used car dealer?

I don't want to lease as this car gets parked at the train station every day and some people just open their car doors into it! Sad but true ...

[belgiangenius]

Personally, I'd sell it privately as is and buy a used Toyota or Honda.

A head gasket at 54k? That's horrid. But to be expected from a Neon. Get rid of it - it'll just cost you more in the long run.

[masterballer]

get rid of the neon as soon as possible...

[VivienM]

Do some Googling on the infamous Neon head gasket issue - there could be a hidden warranty of some kind...

[DISH]

Get some more esitmates $3k is crazy.

You can swap in a new engine w/ labour for much less than that.

Fix it for cheap and negotiate the value when your buying a new car. Check out the black book value @ toyota.ca and check trader.ca to see what similar ones are going for.

Never ever buy a low/mid end american car again. You are asking for problems

[masterballer]

Never ever buy a low/mid end american car again. You are asking for problems

na the mid level ones can be good, the low levels -->

neon is one of the lowest cars you can get, so many problems its not even funny

[Muncher]

I've checked the black book on Toyota's site, and my car's only worth max $3,700 (assuming it's fixed!). Only have about $12,000 in total to spend - doesn't look like I'll get a Toyota Corolla with low mileage of any year.

Any other suggestions? Looking for low maintenance, low gas, aircon and I'd like to be able to move my winter tires from my Neon as I just bought them last year. Fancy trimmings like power doors, CD-player not required ...and I can drive a standard.

What about cars from car rental companies? Or auctions? Are they more risky?

[VivienM]

I've checked the black book on Toyota's site, and my car's only worth max $3,700 (assuming it's fixed!). Only have about $12,000 in total to spend - doesn't look like I'll get a Toyota Corolla with low mileage of any year.

Have you tried getting quotes from other mechanics?

Given how little you drive, it would seem more reasonable economically to fix the Neon rather than spend big $$$$$ on another car, especially given how high resale on Corollas can be...

[Muncher]

I'm planning to take it in to some other CAA approved mechanics for other quotes. Unfortunately most of these places seem to open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm which makes life difficult for train commuters like me. I think I'll just fax them the CAA report and ask for an estimate.

Just called Chrysler helpline. There is no warranty of any kind left, although they do admit that 1998-2000 Neons had head gasket problems, but were not recalled! Should have renewed my extended Goldtrain warranty but too late now ...

Additional question: are the mechanics s'posed to give me a free estimate? And what car rental company is the cheapest? Need to rent one for 2-3 days if getting repairs ...

[NorthYorker]

I'm planning to take it in to some other CAA approved mechanics for other quotes. Unfortunately most of these places seem to open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm which makes life difficult for train commuters like me.

Additional question: are the mechanics s'posed to give me a free estimate? And what car rental company is the cheapest? Need to rent one for 2-3 days if getting repairs ...

Are you FAR from Toronto? Otherwise set an appointment with some cheap mechanic in TDot recommended by smb. you know, drive here in the morning, leave car near garage and drop keys into mail slot, take TTC to your office, repeat backward in afternoon. There are SCORES of reasonably unhonest garages (and honest auto mech. is a mythical creature) at every fringe of our city who can assemble and disassemble Neon while they're drunk, drugged and/or sleeping. Don't tell them anything about your "CAA" estimate, they'll take you for a sucker. 3K is absolutely crazy estimate for this type of work. My friend got tranny replaced on his Eagle Vision for 1/2 of that.

Regarding cheap auto rent. If you don't want to deal with "tincan renters" who will give you 10 yo piece of junk for 150 CAD/week (one of such renters is at Allen/Sheppard) just go to expedia and get estimate there plus check Discount's website. In my experience discount IS usually (but not always) cheapest.