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* ' t u u v, j u u _ ;, j u . j i i i L i w r u v v L » L n * l_ .l\ AUTOMOTIVE 2000 Chrysler Neon Second generation Chrysler Neon provides worry-free package 6 R A p Don't forget to lube these parts In case you thought the only component of your car that needed lubrication was the engine, give this some thought There are many hinges, latches, seals and locks that require occasional lubrication. This can be done at home with the right materials, or done by a mechanic. If your car 'groans' or 'squeaks,' it might be one of the following. Trunk lock cylinder Filler door 4 Or 6 hinges 1 Trunk weather­ stripping 4 Trunk hinges 1 Lubricant 1. Motor oil 2. Silicone Spray 3. Lithium grease 4. Silicone paste 5. Chassis grease 6. Graphite Hood hinges 3 Door latches 1 Lock cylinders 2 O r 6 Weather- Door hinges •tripping 1 o r 3 » 4 Hood latch 3 or 5 Hood bumper* 3 C O P Y R I G H T W H E E L B A S E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S When the Neon was unveiled way back at the 1991 Detroit Auto Show as the Neon Concept, it came at a time when it was des­ perately needed. Chrysler had again fallen into the doldrums, churning out seem­ ingly endless versions of the K- car ranging from Aries to New Yorkers. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Today we can see the Neon Concept as the first shining bea­ con of what was to come. It was a harbinger not just in terms of epoch-making concept-to-market vehicles, but the resurgence of Chryco into the most vibrant car company on the globe and an entity coveted by Mercedes- Benz. Mercedes brass realized Chrysler had a kind of synergy they could never render up them­ selves - so they bought Chrysler instead. Well, a lot has changed since the two firms merged, not the least of which is the Plymouth and Dodge versions of the Neon no longer exist in Canada. Our version is simply the Chrysler Neon. It still has that pug nose and raised rump that makes it look for all the world like an impish puppy wanting to play. Under the skin, the power train and chassis still do the job but its age (in automotive terms) is starting to show, most noticeably, in the engine department. The 2.0-litre single-cam, 16- valve four-cylinder produces 132 hp and 130 lb/ft of torque, 90 per cent of which is available at speeds as low as 2,200 rpm. There used to be a 150 hp version of the same engine offered as a sport version of the Neon, but it was very harsh and is best left as an anecdote in Neon's history. There are two transmissions offered for this front-driver, a five-speed manual and a three- speed automatic, one of the last three-speed automatics offered anywhere by anyone. But they didn't sell 1.5 million of these things since the Neon was introduced in 1994 if they don't attract the public, and there are a lot of pluses that add to this attraction. One thing you'll rarely hear the imports talk about is towing. The Neon 2000 will haul 454 kg (1,000 lb) with the automatic and double that with the five-speed. One of the first Chryslers with "Cab Forward" architecture, this has continued to be defined and in the second generation the inte­ rior has grown to 2,557 litres of space (90.3 cu. ft.) while the trunk offers 371 litres (13.1 cu. ft.) which means room for five and their stuff. The Canadian Neon is offered in two trim levels -- the LE and LX. Tested here at $21,820 is the LX with just about every option Chrysler could throw it. In addi­ tion to the LX package at $1,910, it had the $670 automatic, $474 for the optional 15-inch alloy wheels and wider tires, $425 for a pretty descent stereo with CD, $310 for cruise, and $35 for the cigarette lighter listed as the Smoker's Group in ChrycoSpeak. The Neon 2000 LX comes with some nifty stuff like the black on white-face gauges from the Big Chrysler 300M while both have as standard tilt steer­ ing, air condition, split rear fold­ ing seats, cup holders for four drinks, and infinitely variable windshield wipers with mist fea­ ture. Oddly, the LX does offer power windows but only on the front two, yet there is a standard Battery Saver feature that auto­ matically turns off the domelight if it is left on by accident. Also standard on LX is the Sentry Key theft deterrent systems and power heated outside mirrors standard on LX optional on LE. Nice added touches consider­ ing the price include a litter bag hook on the centre console, the­ atre-style interior light dimming, and a system that automatically locks and unlocks the doors 7 km (23 ft) from launch or stopping respectively. Front discs/rear drums are standard issue on the Neon 2000 while four-wheel discs are avail­ able with the optional ABS. The front suspension has been sub­ stantially upgraded from the first generation while the rear is struts with connecting link arms. With the better suspension, standard power rack and pinion steering, and the cushioning effect of the optional 15-inch wheels on the LX, ride is greatly improved. But the most noticeable improvement is in terms of quelling noise. Much of this is to do with smoother lines and full door frames with triple seals. A lot of work has been done here (specially with air flow around the outside mirrors) and it helps tone down the engine when it's churning away at highway speeds. But be warned, above 100 kmh, it does like to launch into full song. For the budget conscious or second car buyer, the Chrysler Neon 2000 makes a lot of sense because this car has been fully de-bugged and presents no sur­ prises or after-warranty blues. It is as good or better than most of its competitors in class but you will never grow tired of its great looks. From experience, if you fol­ low the maintenance schedule rigorously, this car will be run­ ning many long years after you've made the last payment. W in n e r o f P r e s id e n t 's A w a r d 5 T im e s R u n n in g ■ THE HYUNDAI SONATA 1AR£ TO C U P A R E CHALLENGE THE ALL-NEW SONATA IS YOUR TICKET TO M ID -S IZE LUXURY. F $ 2 2 ' 3 ] 1 p e f m 1-8 % OR $1,950 Down Payment. (Freight and P.D.S. extra, security deposit extra) FINANCING UP TO 48 MONTHS F e a t u r e s " H y u n d a i S o n a t a G L T o y o t a C a m r y C E H o n d a A c c o r d D X C h e v r o l e t M a l i b u B a s e 1 MSRP $19,495 $21 ,7 6 0 $ 22 ,000 $20 ,895 $20 ,1 4 0 Engine 2 .4 L D 0 H C 2 .2 L D 0 H C 2 .3 L S 0 H C 2 .4LD O H C 2 .0 LD O H C Auto. Trans. Standard Standard Air Conditioning Standard Standard Standard Cmise Control Standard Standard Power Door Locks Standard - Power Windows Standard - - P. Side Minors w/Def Standard • S tandard /N o Def. Pcnwfltrain Warranty 5yr/10OJOOKM 5yr/100D0OKM 5 yr/100,000 KM 3yr/60.000KM 5 yr/100,000 KM 24 Hoir Roadside Ass. 3 y « 0 0 K M 3 yr/60,000 KM PURCHASE FROM 19,495* "Indeed, its combination of soft ride, nimble handling and stable cornering may better that of either Malibu, Camry or Ford Taurus, and be competitive with the best in class, Honda Accord." Dan Proudfoot - Toronto Sun TH E NEW HYUNDAI DRIVING IS BELIEVING program bosed on new 1999 Sonolo G l MSRP from SI 9,495, inlerest role 4.72%, S229 pef momfi for•tensing pfogrom available from Hyundai Finonciol Services. Limited time offer. Leasing pfogrom based on new 1999 Sonolo G l MSRP from SI 9,495, interest rote 4.72%, S229 per monlb f( o 48 month wokoway lease. Total lease obtgolion o( S I0,992 O X C Down payment« S I,950, plus f is t monthly payment required. Security deposit of S229, freight ond PD.S. extra taxes, kense ond $350 administration fee extra. 20,000 km mileage allowance per yeor applies. Additional km charge o f $0.10. " MSRP (or 1999 Sonata GL (ram SI 9,495 excluding freight, fcense, PD.S. ond taxes t ! .8% financing available on 1999 Sonolo models 0JL.C for 24, 36 or 48 month terms Financing example: SI 0,000 at 1.8% per annum equals S216.08 per month for 48 months C0.8. is S371.84 for o total obkgotion of 510,371.84. See dealer for details ttBased on 1999 competitive manufacturers' published information. Night driving tips □ Avoid over­ driving your head­ lights. When an object becomes illuminated by your headlights, you should be dri­ ving slow enough to stop your car safely without hit­ ting it. □ Make sure other drivers can see you. Keep your tail-lights, turn sig­ nals, and brake lights clean and in good working order. It only takes a moment to walk around the car to check these sys­ tems. Have some­ one sit inside the car to operate the lights, brakes and turn signals. Or it's easy to check yourself in an enclosed area. Use your high beams, but don't forget to dim them for on­ coming traffic or cars in front of you. ABOUT C h RYSLER'S REBATE OFFERS! 175 WYECROFT RD., OAKVILLE 845"6653 (BETWEEN KERR & DORVAL) w w w .lockw oodchrysler.com http://www.lockwoodchrysler.com AUTOMOTIVE 2000 Chrysler Neon Don't forget to lube these parts 1. Motor oil 2. Silicone Spray 3. Lithium grease 4. Silicone paste 5. Chassis grease 6. Graphite Winner of President's Award 5 Times Running ■ THE HYUNDAI SONATA THE ALL-NEW SONATA IS YOUR TICKET TO MID-SIZE LUXURY. $1,950 Down Payment. UP TO 48 MONTHS PURCHASE FROM THE NEW HYUNDAI DRIVING IS BELIEVING Night driving tips 175 WYECROFT RD., OAKVILLE 845"6653