Neon Fever. (original) (raw)

[	mood	|	contemplative	]

Hi Everyone,

I don't post too much in here, but I love reading everyone's entries. However I do have some questions to throw up in the air about my baby...

Ok I have a 98 Neon coupe (5-speed MT) with about 68,700 miles. Everything's working fine for now, I just got some type of sensor replaced two weeks ago, but I've got some things on my mind concerning future maintenance I won't be able to avoid.

My mechanic told me that at about 75,000 miles I should get a new water pump & timing belt. I know that won't be very cheap, but if any of you have replaced these items, about how much did it cost you?

Also, I know my clutch won't last forever and that will be another costly procedure to undergo. When did all of your clutches start to go? Can you feel it going bad, or will it just suddenly not go into any gear one day?
I've noticed that sometimes first gear is a little stubborn, but I think if the clutch was dying, each gear would be stubborn. I could be wrong though.
Also, how much did the clutch replacement set you back? :-P

Last item, with routine maintenace, how many miles are reasonable to assume one can put on these cars? 200,000? (Just curious, I'm planning to still have this car for a couple more years).

I only work part-time and I know I'm going to have to save up for these repairs when they're needed, but I was just wondering how all of your neons with more mileage are running and how it was when you knew it was time to do this maintenance and replace these parts. I'm absolutely in love with my little car, but when it comes time to put her out to pasture, I'm seriously considering getting an SRT-4 if I am financially capable at the time.

Any input would be most appreciated. Thank you.

-Julie