2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Highlights 

• Rare American performance compact

• Stage One tuned example

• Supporting documentation included

• Fully UK registered

• Decent condition throughout

• Upgraded in-car entertainment

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

Dodge's SRT brand (short for Street and Racing Technology) denotes its high-performance vehicles. Many will no doubt have seen such badges emblazoned across cars like the Challenger, Charger and Viper – all well-respected powerhouses from the American giant renowned for their impressive performance, with models like the aforementioned 2023 Challenger – in SRT Demon 170 guise – managing a quarter mile time of just 8.9 seconds thanks to its really rather ridiculous 1,025bhp HEMI engine.

But Dodge also gave its sport compact model the SRT treatment and back in 2003 the Dodge Neon SRT-4 was unveiled. Denoting the number of cylinders under the bonnet, the SRT-4 version of the Neon came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-pot with 215bhp that was subsequently increased to 230bhp a year later thanks to bigger injectors and a remap, which meant the rather unassuming compact could now hit 60mph from parked in just over 5 seconds before topping out somewhere around 150mph.

A sports car in family four-door clothing, the Dodge Neon SRT-4 can seriously hustle but also has the stopping and turning bit down pat too. The icing on the cake? It was well-priced. Costing just $20,000 when released it was a lot of car for the money and the car buying public ate it up.

Fast forward to today and the Neon SRT-4 still presents as an incredibly adept sports compact, with this particular 2004 example having been modified for even more performance. Benefiting from a  Stage 1 upgrade in 2006 prior to being imported into the UK by the vendor later the same year, the car now produces a reported 296bhp. Improvements to the brakes, clutch, shifter and suspension were also included at a cost of $9,958, with further enhancements being carried out by the vendor over the intervening years, details of which can be found below. 

A rare thing, the car is believed to be the only example in the UK and is in good overall condition. Having covered just over 80K miles the car comes with a long, advisory-free MOT until November 2016 as well as an extensive history file, too. Currently SORN, the vendor informs us that the car has seen little use in recent years due to the purchase of another vehicle, which is the reason for sale. It has been looked after though, started regularly and kept on a trickle battery charger but the time has come to let someone else enjoy the car. What an excellent opportunity to own an inherently exciting yet uncommon American performance car.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year

• Built in the USA 1 July 2004

• Imported to the UK 14 Dec 2006 via Specialised Shipping Services and Atlantic Sports Cars Ltd (who also did the SVA work)

• One US owner and one UK owner

• Fully UK registered

• First registered in the UK 14 Dec 2006

• V5C present and correct

• The car was assigned to SORN status following its MOT; for reference the seller advises that the road tax is £396 pa

• In current ownership since 2006

• CarFax USA details from US Sep 2006

• Certificate of Title issued by W&W Auto Transfer, Lakeland, Florida Sep 2006

• Original book pack

• Two keys

• Invoices from Chrysler and local garage for works completed

• Most documentation is for registration V16 SRT which has been removed prior to sale and is available outside of this auction if required (on retention)

• Original US Title copy, USA Dealer info and signage

• Invoices for works include: Stage One upgrades (Sep 2006), Clifford G5 5th Gen Intelliguard 950 Thatcham Cat 1 alarm fitted (2 keys) by DK Car and Audio (Dec 2006), Kenwood KVT-522DVD fully motorised in-dash monitor with DVD receiver (Aug 2008), brake calipers and disks, air filter, oil filter (May 2011), aftermarket headlamps, covers and radiator (Sep 2015), Seibon carbon fibre bonnet (Sep 2015), Mishimoto performance intercooler (Oct 2015), disc brake calipers (Sep 2016), 2 x new brake sensors (Sep 2019), both front lower suspension arms supplied and fitted due to MOT advisory in 2024, new windscreen wipers fitted prior to 2025 MOT which was a pass 

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 15 Nov 2026

• 83,903 indicated miles

Interior

• In great condition throughout

• Factory bucket seats show minimal signs of wear 

• No visible scratches to dashboard

• Carpets appear clean and dry

• Dodge logo mats made to order in the early days of current ownership

• Door cards are in great shape

• Headlining is not sagging but does carry a few light marks

• The boot space is also in great condition with spare wheel in-situ (reported as never used by the vendor) along with original scissor jack

• The vendor informs us that the sunroof needs some attention as it is rusting a little on the interior side but it remains watertight

• Kenwood KVT-522DVD fully motorised in-dash monitor with DVD receiver

Exterior

• Presents generally very well overall

• Carbon fibre bonnet

• Smoked window tint film all round (legal) by CCS Windscreens (Oct 2016) as reported by the vendor

• All body panels align well

• Vendor reports some small bubbles to the paint on the top front of the sunroof as well as a small repaired patch of rust on the offside upper strut by the windscreen

• There are a number of stone chips and some road rash to the front of the car

• The vendor reports that the front bumper had a full respray over a decade ago due to a bump with a car and we note that it could use another to bring it back to its best

• Small dent to the driver's front door and the rear offside rear quarter (repaired and touched up) as reported by the vendor

• Offside front wing has a small repaired patch of rust at the top of the headlight

• The 17” alloy wheels present very well overall but the offside front rim has some light scuffing 

• Vendor reports that the tyres having excellent tread

• Underneath is generally good, however there is some visible surface rust in places as well as slightly more significant corrosion to the sills

• The vendor informs us that the car was imported from Florida due to it being a drier state than others and the car was parked under a custom cover during the winter months 

• The carbon fibre bonnet requires a good wet and dry rubdown approximately every two years as the sun tends to cloud the top layer as reported by the vendor

• CoverKing custom car cover included

Mechanical

• 296bhp (claimed), 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine

• Engine bay presents honestly, if slightly dirty

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Left-hand drive

• The vendor reports that the car has been looked after, starts and stops well and sounds amazing on acceleration, along with a nice sound at idle

Summary

A quirky and impressively capable alternative to potentially more expensive offerings from European manufacturers, this Dodge Neon SRT-4 is a rare thing on UK roads and is guaranteed to turn heads and raise eyebrows wherever it goes. In good condition and with enhanced performance over a standard car, there's a lot to like here. Yes, there are some minor bits and bobs that require attention but there don't appear to be any significant concerns and the car would suit anyone who's after an unconventional yet accomplished slice of modern classic Americana.  

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Chelmsford, Essex.