What should I look for? Is one year better then others?
Also, is there anyone in the Riverview/Brandon area that would let me look at their car as Brandon Dodge doesn't have any in stock.
Sorry if this has been discussed before, but the search wasn't working at the time of this post.
Thanks

 

The 03's and 04/05 Models are Different...

03's came with i think 215hp,no LSD,smaller injectors...
04/05 models carry a LSD,bigger injectors,different ecu program,and 235hp...

And just check everything you would normally...

 

Get an 05' or and 04' - Don't get one that is already modded. People beat these cars up!

Excellent car to get - great bang for the buck!

 

I have a 2.4 in a 1st gen, so I will clear this up...yes, you can swap a SRT motor in....but you CANNOT use the stock computer, as was mentioned, the crank trigger setup is different, you must either use a standalone, or do some funky wiring with the SRT4 computer, that being said, its not worth it, just get another 2.4 spend $250 for some SRT internals, buy an SRT turbo and intercooler and voila you have a motor just as good for a lot less, as far as the stock neon tranny not being strong enough, thats complete BS, these trannys have been proven to hold over 500HP quite easily...its the clutch thats the weak point, for my motor I am using wiseco forged pistons, T2 rods, pretty large FMIC from jonnyracecar, running about 8 psi for now until I get my standalone(been having problems with the stock NA computer and potentiometer setup) I'm even using the stock 2.0l clutch for now, its held up suprisingly well to the abuse of around 220HP(when its actually functioning...stupid NA computer) but I plan on upgrading to a decent clutch, some stronger axles and an LSD later, in other words...very possible, but the SRT motor is about the most uneconomical way to go...only way to go that way is if your afraid to build a motor yourself, or if you just lack the skill

 

get a 2004 best parts peices stock and built. They have bigger axles to take punishment, bigger injectors for more fuel, LSD ot tourqe biasing diff, and you can get them new or low miles used. 05's do not have all the staged upgrades done yet and no one knows what all the computer changes are.

 

dont buy a used srt every 1 beats the hell out of the str4s.... just my .02

 

dont get an 03 unless you like spinning your tires. get an 04 or an 05

 

I spin till 60-70mph and i have a 04

 

the newer the better, dont buy them used!!! its asking for trouble, my friend just got one and with less than 3K miles he already beats the hell out of it. 04 are better than 03's, 04 stock have stage 1 injectors. Whats wrong with the 2.4 neon? a 2.4 turbo in a 1st gen will haul ass and beat alot of srt-4's. unless you want something fast, new, nice,cheap and with warrantee 04, 05 is choice.

 

thats cuz youre t3h secks