Questions and Answers

Neon: Fix Or Replace? Q. I have a 1995 Plymouth Neon with a 2.3 liter engine. It has an automatic transmission and has 143,000 miles (I commuted 70 miles a day). It is fuel injected, no ABS, with P/S and A/C.

It has been leaking oil, and has begun leaking transmission fluid. First trip to the shop they wanted over $1000.00 to fix various leaking seals, etc. with no guarantee that it would take care of all the problems.

I have one more teenager to get out of the house.

I have thought of putting a rebuilt engine and transmission into it and keeping it for that last teenager (she will start drivers ed in a few months.)

I have never done this much work on an old car before, what would it cost, and do you think it would be worth the money.

The body is in good shape, and I had a brake job a short time ago.

Thanks,
Rick

A. A 1995 Dodge Neon would have a 2.0 liter engine in it.

If the car is basically sound structurally, and the body is in good shape, then a rebuilt engine and transmission wouldn't be a bad idea. And since it is for your daughter, a new engine and transmission will make it a reliable car and you won't have to worry too much about her breaking down with it.

I'm going to price a 2.0 liter DOHC engine. The SOHC engine will be somewhat less expensive. A short block, which includes: crankshaft, rods, pistons and rings would run about $3000.00 from Chrysler. That is using the head from the old engine. You're looking at, about, 14 hours labor.

You can check out Jasper Engines and get a price on both a complete, with a rebuilt head, engine and transmission with a 36 month/75,000 mile warranty. I have used them before and not only do they do quality work, they stand behind their products. The one place I would avoid at all costs is Accurate Transmissions. I have had nothing but trouble with them and they left me stranded every time I have dealt with them.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA