CHRYSLER NEON (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1996cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1996cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CHRYSLER brand average of 74%.
At 24 years old, 65% of CHRYSLER NEONs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,968 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
86,968
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 CHRYSLER NEON has 86,968 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 73% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2002 sits between the two at 65%.
CHRYSLER NEON by Year
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About the 2002 CHRYSLER NEON
The 2002 CHRYSLER NEON is a family car with a 1996cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 86,968 miles at 24 years old, CHRYSLER NEON owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2002 CHRYSLER NEON Fuel Costs
The 1996cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 CHRYSLER NEON?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2002 CHRYSLER NEON
At 24 years old, the CHRYSLER NEON is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 73%. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 CHRYSLER NEON's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 24 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 87k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2002 CHRYSLER NEON stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHRYSLER NEON(2002) | 65% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£370 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2004) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£180 |
| MERCEDES C(2004) | 72% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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