If I am not mistaken, the head gasket issue was resolved sometime around 97
or 98, so I doubt that would be any problem to you. Miss firing would more
then likely be spark plug wires and or plugs. From everything I have read,
(and noticed with my two neons) is that Champion or NGK plugs work best, and
for about $5CND worth changing twise a year depending the miles you put on
the car. They are also very easy to change.
If new plugs does not solve the issue, look at spark plug wires. I know the
OEM ones are a bit pricy and there are aftermarket ones that are
cheaper/better.
You may also want to consider looking at the battery terminals if it is
starting to take more turning the engine over to start it. I have noticed
that with the battery clamps in my 2001, that when it is below 0'C out, my
Capasitor low voltage alarm sounds when starting, indicating that power is
being drawn from the Cap.


--
Thank you,

Michael Lawrence CNET/CNO

http://thehad.net

> wrote in message
om...
> Is there anything that needs to be done at about 120K miles on a '98 Neon
> Expresso.
> With the cold weather it's done the severeve misfirring / car shaking at
> startup. I remember discussion of this and a recall / computer flash. Does
> anyone know if this is still valid? Also any suggestions as to picking
> plugs & wires?
>
> I've made it this far with the original headgasket, here's to another
120K,
>
> Thanks.
>
>