The Neon has been leaking oil now for about a year. It's a very slow leak, about a quart every 6-8 weeks. Typically what I do is top it off when it is down 1/2 quart and change the oil every 3,500-4,000 miles. I'm not gonna get the leak fixed because it was quoted at $600. I don't know much about repair but I do change the oil myself. I wouldn't be able to fix it myself. I am gonna drive the thing until it breaks down and then buy a new car. Anyone have any advice and how to keep this one running as long as possible? What brand of oil and filter should I use? Should I try that 'stop oil leak' additive? Should I be changing my oil more frequently because of the leak? Thanks.

Many older Neons leak oil. It's a head gasket issue. A new one should fix your problem, but since you don't want to spend the $$, you can continue to add oil as needed. If the leak gets any worse, I'd think again about getting it repaired. Stay away from those "stop leak" additives, they'll just gunk up your engine.

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2004 SRT-4 w/Stage 1, M/B Exhaust, BOV, 3-D Taillights, MPx Front STB, $22.97 OCC, K&N Filters. Dodge Forum's FIRST Car of the Month!!!!

Unfortunatly oil leaks are to Neons as stink is to ****. They happen. I work as a service advisor at a Chrysler (formerly Chrysler/Plymouth) dealer, and we do Neon head gaskets all the time. First generation, second generation, it doesn't matter. A Neon without a head gasket leak is like a neon without squeaky brakes or a rattle in the suspension, they are rare. You'll be fine adding oil as long as it doesn't get any worse. Dusty is right on with the advice about steering clear of aftermarket sealers. They are garbage. In fact, if a dealer can prove that a customer has used an aftermarket sealer of any sort, engine, transaxle, A/C, it is grounds to void an entire factory warranty or refuse service. Ouch!

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'98 Plymouth Neon, 2.0L DOHC, MTX

Mods:
tinted glass, uninstalled block-heater, 17" Sport Edition Fox III w/ Kuhmo tires, debadged, K&N air filter, Mobil 1 10W-30 synthetic, ICEMAN CAI (on order), Magnecor 8.5 mm spark-plug wires (on order).

Thanks for the advise guys. I figured it was the head gasket, I've have heard that from others as well. Any advice on what brand/type of oil or filter to use?

The camshaft seals are also known to leak alot.

Since you're leaking oil, it's going to cost you major $$ if you switch to synthetic. Stick with a good quality dino oil and a NAPA Gold oil filter.

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2004 SRT-4 w/Stage 1, M/B Exhaust, BOV, 3-D Taillights, MPx Front STB, $22.97 OCC, K&N Filters. Dodge Forum's FIRST Car of the Month!!!!

My first neon had a .5 qt/3K mi. leak. When I swithched to synthetic it doubled.

I like seeing that. I work at NAPA and use nothing but.

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94 Nissan Altima GXE 5spd. (Drive her for two months and the oil pump goes out )
95 Nissan Altima GXE Auto. (lightly modified daily driver)
New brother inlaw's Project 97 DOHC Neon