2000 Plymouth Neon

The 2000 Plymouth Neon was available as a small, fuel-efficient sedan. The sole engine option for this year was a 2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 132 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. The transmissions included a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic. Some owners liked the Neon for its affordability and relatively sporty handling. Common complaints included build quality, reliability issues, and interior materials.

Engine

2.0L SOHC 4-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket, resurface the cylinder head if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell. Common leak points include the valve cover gasket and the oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L DOHC 4-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket, resurface the cylinder head if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell. Common leak points include the valve cover gasket and the oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

3-Speed Automatic

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift.
  • Solution: May require a transmission rebuild or replacement. Could be caused by a bad transmission control module (TCM).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, poor acceleration, shuddering.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, unusual noises when pressing the clutch pedal.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into gear with a grinding noise.
  • Solution: Can be due to worn synchros. Requires transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting lower on one side, clunking noises, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the broken coil spring(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies overnight, difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery light on the dashboard, car stalls.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine light illumination. Could be caused by faulty O2 sensors, crank position sensor, or cam position sensor.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels. Prevention with rust inhibitor is important.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard cracks and deteriorates over time due to sun exposure.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Plymouth Neon can have a range of issues, from relatively minor electrical problems to more serious engine and transmission failures. Head gasket issues and automatic transmission problems appear to be some of the most common and potentially expensive repairs. Rust can also be a significant issue, especially in regions with harsh winters. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in potential repair costs when considering purchasing this vehicle.