Reliability in the realm of cars that are over 15 years old is a very relative concept. It depends heavily on the previous owners, any modifications made, and the driving style it has endured. While many people trade in their vehicles within 3 to 6 years, car manufacturers generally aim for a lifespan of around 10 years. It’s typically around the 15-year mark after production ends that you start seeing fewer of a particular model on the roads.
Vehicles sold in large numbers, like Camrys, Accords, and full-size pickups such as Tacomas, naturally remain visible for longer. However, in recent years, the Dodge Neon, especially the base models which, like many compact cars, weren’t built for extended longevity, has noticeably disappeared, aligning with this 15-year trend.
Therefore, if you are considering a Dodge Neon Srt4 as your primary vehicle, the one you depend on every day for commuting to work, school, and family commitments, it’s crucial to consider its reliability. Purchasing an SRT4 as your sole means of transportation might not be the most practical choice if consistent uptime is essential.
However, if you have the flexibility to manage potential downtime for repairs, perhaps because you have a second vehicle, access to alternative transportation from friends or family, or you can utilize public transport, then owning a Dodge Neon SRT4 could be a viable and enjoyable option.
It’s a general truth, regardless of whether it’s an SRT4, WRX, Mustang, M3, CLK, or 350Z, as my father wisely said, any performance-oriented vehicle will likely require more frequent repairs and incur higher maintenance costs. This is simply a factor you must accept with performance models. In some cases, depending on your needs and circumstances, owning a performance car might not be the most sensible decision. Ultimately, the suitability of a Dodge Neon SRT4, or any performance car of its age, depends on the factors outlined above and your personal circumstances.
