Looking for a car for my granddaughter. Are there particular model years to
stay away from if we get interested in a Neon or Cirrus?
Thanks for your help.
If you find either of these with a 2.0 or 2.4 engine, either make sure
that it was built in Feb. 1999 or later, or you can otherwise ensure
that the headgasket has been replaced with the newer multi-layered
steel one. This was a common problem with the early Neon and "cloud
cars."
If you can get the vehicle's VIN, you can go to Chrysler's web site
and check to see if there are any pending recalls. I have a 2000
Cirrus, and I need to get it in for the high pressure steering hose
recall. I believe that the link is "owner services" or something like
that.
If you are considering a Cirrus, you may wish to consider the Dodge
Stratus and Plymouth Breeze too. They are cousins to the Cirrus. 2000
was the last year for the Breeze and Cirrus. Starting with 2001, the
Cirrus was re-badged as the Sebring sedan.
-KM