Chrysler Repair: 98 Neon Expresso, neon expresso, small claims court

Question
I just bought this car used at 171000km.  The dealer had the car saftied and I trusted all was fine.  It seems to take a long time to shift when I first start to accelerate.  It accelerates very slowly as the gas pedal doesn't seem to want to move.  If I try to floor it it shifts itself into neutral. Is any of this normal and if not what should I be having a mechanic look at.  I just paid $4000 for this car only because it was supposed to be road ready.
Thanks for your input.

Answer
Hi April,
Was there any written warranty involved in the purchase as to the safety aasurances that were given and for what time period? If so, I would try to enforce those provisions with the dealer who sold you the car. A car that accelerates too slowly and will shift into neutral when you have need to accelerate is not safe under modern driving conditions. Try to get the dealer to correct the problem at no cost to you and if you have anything in writing about the 'safety inspection and clearance' you could mention legal action as a possibility (small claims court).
As to where to begin, I would start with the cables that connect the gas pedal to the throttle on the engine and also with a cable that connects the throttle to the transmission which is supposed to downshift the transmission to a lower gear when you ask it to accelerate, rather than having the transmission shift into neutral. Loosing power entirely in an emergency is not "safe". On the matter of the transmission I wonder which engine and transmission you have. I would be concerned if the trans was of the electronic control type (whose shift indicator has a "D" and an "OD" position) because that one is very expensive to repair if something is wrong internally. A trans with 1, 2, and D positions is not electronic and is less costly to repair and has better longevity before needing repair. So again, I don't know the length of any warranty that may have been given or implied, but now is the time to find out what is really going wrong before time limits might expire. Try to get the dealer to make it right at no cost; otherwise go to a well-recommended independent shop that knows about Chrysler Corp. cars and tell them about the history so they can tell you of problems and document them in case you need to seek justice in court from the dealer.
Roland