Pre-purchase walkaround
2005 Dodge Neon (2nd Gen, PL)
22,000 miles · asking $11,050
Five-year cost to own, maintenance and fuel
~$15,200
A cheap, light economy compact that was fun to drive but built to a price. Money mostly goes into head gaskets, oil leaks, and worn-out suspension and interior bits rather than anything glamorous.
The roadmap
22k → 82k mi · 12k a yearYear 1The ordinary rhythm: scheduled work and fuel.~$2,342
Year 2Tires and the ordinary rhythm.~$3,307
Yrs 3-5Brakes and consumables. · Brakes and consumables.~$9,514
Five years, all in~$15,200
typical parts + government labor rates (national labor rates) · an estimate, not a quote
What to look for on this one
Every used example of this chassis has the same questions. The bands show when each tends to surface; the gold line is this car at 22,000 miles.
Head gasket failure$2,290-$3,380 if not done
0typical window 80k-150k · this car: 22k, ahead of it150k mi
The 2.0L SOHC is well known for head gasket failures, often triggered by chronic small coolant leaks and overheating. It is the signature Neon problem. Overheating, coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, or oil/coolant mixing.
Cooling system leaks$2,290-$3,380 if not done
0failures cluster 44k-88k · this car: 22k, ahead of it150k mi
Radiators, water pumps, and thermostat housings weep with age, and neglected leaks push the head gasket over the edge. Low coolant, sweet smell, temp gauge climbing in traffic.
Body and subframe rustpriced only if found
Condition-driven, not mileage-driven, so it is not in the totals and inspection is the only answer. Corrosion on rockers, wheel arches, and floor pans in salt states.
windows from 95 owner complaints on file with NHTSA and community service data · · profile researched with cited sources, review pending
4 recalls + 37 service bulletins →
Recalls (verify completion by VIN)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E049000
SUSPENSION · 08E033000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E026000
Service bulletins by area
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (11) · POWER TRAIN (11) · EQUIPMENT (7) · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Hand this to your inspector
A $300 inspection against this list is the best money in the whole deal.
01Pull the oil cap and dipstick, check for milky residue or coolant contamination pointing to head gasket failure
02Run the engine to full temp and watch the gauge in idle and traffic for overheating
03Pressure test or inspect the cooling system for radiator, water pump, and thermostat housing leaks
04Look under the car for valve cover and oil pan seepage
Walking into a negotiation?
This roadmap as a PDF, priced for your zip code, with the inspection checklist, a fair price for this example, and the negotiation sheet. Saved to your garage the moment you pay.
$29
saved to your garage
Just keeping tabs? , no account needed.
typical parts + government labor rates · an estimate, not a quotecheck another car →