Chrysler Neon 2.0

I'm on my second Chrysler Neon Automatic, my current model being a 4 door, 2000 X Reg, Metallic Silver, 2.0 litre, 16V.

What I like most about this car is the amount of extras you get for your money. This retailed new at around £14,000 with the following features included:

automatic gear box
air conditioning
ABS
leather seats and interior
electronic front windows
power steering & adjustable steering wheel
electronically adjustable seat height
7 CD player
electronic wing mirrors which also fold inwards
( very useful on narrow country lanes)
cruise control
front seat airbags
variable wiper settings.

I should mention that whilst being good value for money new, it's even better value second hand. Like most cars it depreciates pretty quickly, but this means that as a second hand buy it's well worth it as you get so many extras for relatively little money.

Having originally been terrified about driving an automatic, I now wouldn't have it any other way, although I will admit that it makes the car a little sluggish, lacking the instant power of a manual gear box. It's therefore not a boy racer car, but stick it in cruise control down the motor way and it makes for a very relaxing drive. Fuel consumption is not great on this car - I find the 45 litre tank lasts on average around 250 miles, but as you would expect, it's most cost effective on long continuous journeys rather than short trips to work or town with the air conditioning on full!

Once you get used to the fact that the highly polished wooden instrument panel has been designed with a US left hand drive in mind, so all dials and instruments are the opposite way round to what you've been used to, it's neat and compact and easy to use. The cruise control features on the steering wheel are also very simple to operate and a godsend on long journeys or in restricted speed areas.

The Neon was remodelled in the late 90s (I think the V reg may have been the new model, but don't quote me on that) and the old model looks very old fashioned and unappealing compared with the newer version. It's now slicker and sportier looking and I'm pleased to say seems to be losing it's old man image. There is also more boot space now that the multi-CD player has been relocated.

I have always enjoyed driving the Chrysler Neon. It's extremely comfortable and feels spacious, has a great audio system, good storage space, great 'girlie' visor mirrors with little lights, plenty of legroom for the back seat passengers, the blessing that is air conditioning and a seemingly never ending dashboard. It also benefits from some good security features which I won't give away. It's not the most economical of cars if you do a lot of mileage, but for comfort and ease of use I can't fault it.

Highly recommended.