One thing you didn't mention. Bang for the buck...SRT. Maybe lower payments(I don't know), but you'll pay a lot longer being that it cost damn near $8k more. Not to mention that the "it's still a neon" comment really holds not much considering the fact the Neon(1st Gen 95-99) out-performed everyone's favorite(Civic) in most specs. It was, afterall, made to compete in raod racing events. Later, QD.