Hi, Just found this forum and need some advice.

I have found a possible really good deal on a 1996 neon. Some old lady is selling one for maybe as little as $2000 CDN. It only has 85,000 Kms on it. I would be wanting it as a reliable second vehicle only.

I know little about these cars though and am wondering if you could give me a few ideas of any problem areas I should check out before buying it. Also wondering if there are any well documented reliability issues with this year?

Thanks

After owning a 95 for 1 1/2 years, here is what I'm going to check when I go buy my second Neon:
Timing Belt-has it been replaced? it should be replaced at around 100,000 miles. Also replace the oil and water pumps at the same time and check the belt tensioner too.
Head gasket-if it hasn't been replaced, check for signs of leakage.
The biggest thing I would do for sure, is after test driving the car I would check for diagnostic codes.
Turn the key on-off 3 times in 5 sec. Count how many times the "Check Engine Light" flashes. The codes are 2 digit codes. There will be a short pause between the 1st & 2nd digits. Longer pauses separate codes. The last code displayed will be 55, a check digit. If you just get 55, great, if not, find out what the codes are and what repairs may be needed. pm me for codes if you need them!