Do you fancy a well-equipped 2 litre family saloon that can be had second-hand for two grand less than a similarly specified Vauxhall Vectra or Ford Mondeo? If so the Chrysler Neon is worth a closer look. With a top-spec car costing just £13,995 new today, a three-year-old model can be bought from a main dealer for about £6,000 and the classifieds should turn up the same car for nearer £5,000.

The Neon was introduced to Britain in 1996. Competitively priced against rivals from Ford and Vauxhall, Chrysler hoped it would appeal to fleet operators. However, it underestimated the conservatism of many companies and their loyalty to mainstream brands, and sales of the American fell short of expectations.

Instead the car gained popularity among private buyers attracted by its list price. It wasn’t the prettiest or most technically advanced car in its category but it was roomy and well equipped. These early cars can now be picked up for as little as £1,000.

A revised Neon arrived in 1999, larger headlamps and a restyled rear giving it a more modern look, though power came from the same 131bhp 2 litre 16-valve petrol engine.

Performance is pretty good, although the motor is a little harsh at higher revs. There is a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox (three-speeder on the previous model) and you can expect fuel consumption of about 35 and 30mpg respectively.

Be careful with the Chrysler badging system: unusually, base models came in SE trim, top-spec cars being designated LX. High levels of standard equipment have always been a Neon strength, though, all cars coming with air-conditioning, remote control alarm, central locking, six-speaker stereo and electric folding door mirrors.

Second-hand the better equipped 2.0 LX will cost about £700 more than an SE. The extra money buys traction control, alloy wheels and leather trim. A CD player became standard in September 2000, the LX also gaining side airbags.

For those who fancy something a little more sporty the bigger 16in alloys, colour-coded side skirts and chrome-trimmed exhaust pipes of the R/T, introduced in April 2001, may appeal. Power increased to 150bhp but there was no automatic option. Expect to pay about £1,000 more for an R/T than an equivalent LX.

Servicing is due every 12 months or 12,000 miles and there are almost 100 dealers nationwide. All new Neons come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty so if you buy one that’s less than 36 months old get the car thoroughly checked by the dealer before the cover expires.

VITAL STATISTICS
Model Chrysler Neon 2.0 LX
Engine Four cylinders, 1996cc
Power 131bhp @ 4600rpm
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 35.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 10.8sec
Top speed 122mph

CHECK OUT
Air-conditioning Compressor can pack up so check that it works properly
High spec CD player standard after September 2000
Wheels LX trim gains attractive alloys
Side airbags Introduced on LX and R/T after September 2000
Security Remote control alarm and Thatcham category 2 immobiliser both standard
Folding mirrors Very useful in a tight spot
Upholstery Leather standard on LX and R/T but can show signs of wear on high-mileage cars
Fascia Wood-effect dashboard trim on LX
Gearbox Five-speed manual gives better economy than automatic, but auto box comes with cruise control as standard
The one to buy Chrysler Neon 2.0 LX manual, 2000 X with 30,000 miles. Pay £6,450 at a Chrysler main dealer or £5,250 privately.<!-- Beginfunction Start(page) {OpenWin = this.open(page, "CtrlWindow", "toolbar=yes,menubar=yes,location=yes,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes");}// End -->

VALUES: Chrysler Neon 2.0 LX manual
Mileage 20,000
2000 X Trade £5,375. Retail £6,775
2001 Y Trade £5,875. Retail £7,225
2002 52 Trade £6,625. Retail £8,095

Mileage 30,000
2000 X Trade £5,050. Retail £6,450
2001 Y Trade £5,475. Retail £6,875
2002 52 Trade £6,250. Retail £7,675

Mileage 50,000
2000 X Trade £4,525. Retail £5,925
2001 Y Trade £4,975. Retail £6,350
2002 52 Trade £5,700. Retail £7,125

SE worth £700 less than LX model; R/T worth £1,000 more than LX. Add £200 for automatic transmission
Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer