Chrysler fixed the head gasket problem in mid '99. It's a known problem before then. When replaced correctly with the MLS gasket, there shouldn't be any more leaks. We went through 5 head gasket replacements. I researched the problem, and after having Chrysler replace it 4 times, we finally took it to a private shop to have it done. Since then(2 years ago) the only problem with it has been the starter, one of the tie rods, and the endlinks. You wouldn't think it matters, but a good shop can make all the difference in the car.

Chrysler recommends servicing the timing belt at 90k. The 2.4 is the same design as the 2.0. It's just bored to 2.4 liters and uses a DOHC cam (although DOHC 2.0s were offered in Neon R/T's and ACR's). It's not very hard to swap a 2.4 in a neon 5 speed or a 5 speed into a 2.4 auto stratus (they only offered auto with the 2.4). All three engines, unfortunately, had the head gasket problem until mid '99 when Chrysler started to use a multi-layer steel gasket, which fixed the problem.