Question"We have two cars, a ‘99 Plymouth Neon (170K) and a 2003 Toyota Camry (217K), and we have just purchased a new Camry, so we need to let go of one of our prior cars.
The choice is between the Neon and the Camry.
The Neon seems to be feeling its age, a noisier and rougher ride than the Camry. But the Neon repair expenses have averaged about $300/year while the Camry costs $800/year, for the past 3 years. Private market blue book for the Neon is $1300; for the Camry $4000.
Which car is likely to last longer? Which car would it be wiser to keep, the Neon or the Camry? Thanks."
Answer
Neon
Hi David,
Sounds to me like you haven't had to do a head gasket repair on the Neon yet. Here is what I personally would do and why:
I would run for my life from the Neon and in a beauty/drive-ability/longevity contest with just about anything but a horse and buggy ...it would lose. I have posted the Neon's book values (currently) with this answer and the only good thing I can say about it is that it isn't going to be worth alot less than it is now. These cars have stung me too many times with expensive repair jobs that usually exceed the value of the car when they happen.
I would keep the Camry because even with its 213k miles and based upon the regular oil changes and maintenance's I can tell you have probably done this car will easily go 300k+ and even then it will still be worth as much as the Neon is now.
I hope that helps I just haven't seen that many Neon's with over 200k miles and in my opinion it's because their parts wear out quicker and your description of how it drives is testament to that
I hope this helps ...Please ask all the follow ups you want and congratulations on your new car!
Roger
