Should I fix this car? Is it worth it?

Question

Hello all,

My parents are offering me a 2000 Dodge Neon for free, but it needs to be fixed.

It has 170K on it. It has bent valves, It would need a whole new engines.

I was told it would be about $2000 for the repairs. It would have engines with 50,000 miles on it out in and some new other new parts.

Before the car broke my parents had new brakes and new tires put on, so they are kinda new. 

The question is can I buy a used car for $2000 which will be better than what my parents car would be if fixed?

I have not seen too many cars for $2000 with 50K mile engines in them?

Should I do it?

This will be my first car I have ever had.

Old Man Dirt · Accepted Answer

Most of the cars you can but for 2000 dollars have problems too. I doubt that your money can be spend any better.
The 2000 Neon is a nice car and in many ways has a lot of potential. There may be a better way to invest that amount of money then just fixing it up stock. I don't know the Neon well enough to tell you where to start, but maybe at this link: http://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-neon-6/, you can find some idea's.
Just study the idea a bit if you want, you may be happy with a stock Neon, but then again maybe you would like to make yours into something with a little more zip using that same 2000 dollars.

Uncle Bo · Answer

There is no good answer here.   It's only $2000 so it's not like you'll go bankrupt if the car does not work out.

It really depends on the rest of the car.   If the body, electrical systems and other parts of the car are in nice condition, yes, it's worth it to fix.    If you get a year of service from the car without having to spend more money, that's like owning a car for $160 per month.   Keep it 2 years and it's $80 per month.   That's cheap wheels.

If the rest of the car is rough or needs a lot of work, then it's best to move on.   If the car runs, a 2000 Neon is worth maybe $500-700 on trade.   A non running Neon is worth almost $0.  They were cheap throwaway cars when new.   At 13 yrs old, no one wants them.   

It all comes down to getting it running as cheaply as you can.   I have no idea what the bottom line is so you're on your own here.   Good luck!

charlie · Answer

That 50k replacement engine will require a new timing belt replaced at 70k if u don't want another bent valves.  Spend a bit more for the belt, and enjoy a car with sweats and memories from your own family.  Ask the mechanic that u don't want any leaks during the warranty period.

? · Answer

If the neon is in good condition then i would take it because it is free. With the new engine the neon should easily last past 150k miles if you keep it up. I know a free car is very hard to pass up especially if it is from your parents.

David · Answer

The new engine might only have 50,000 miles on it but the car still has 170,000 miles on it what about all the  other parts they must be due replacing soon scrap it and get something else

Peter · Answer

maybe look for a secondhand cylinder head complete with the valves in it, maybe on e bay, if you have in USA.

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Should I fix this car? Is it worth it?

6 Answers