Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I bought a used 2002 Camry in 2009 with 75000 miles on it. Its in very good shape, but needs an engine. It has not been the luckiest of cars.
Work done:
All scheduled maintenance
Replaced the entire brake system: calipers, master cylinder, lines and rear drums, and pads (2009 - 2011) --Motorwerks put power steering fluid in the brake lines.
Replaced starter 2013
New battery and tires 2014.
Upcoming: Catalytic converter - next 18 months
The engine damage was my fault. I rescheduled the valve cover gasket replacement twice and put off the oil change in the meantime. It ran low (lower than I would have expected for 7,000 miles). Because I didn't understand what the engine knock sound meant, I drove it for 15 more miles before getting it serviced. The motor will fail soon.
A used engine with 70,000 miles on it will run me $3600 and be warrantied for 1 year.
My mechanic checked the transmission, cooling system, drive components and steering and the car is in good enough shape otherwise for this repair to be worthwhile. However, in a wreck, the car is only worth about $3500. This is Chicago and wrecks happen!
I'm on the fence about putting a different engine in this car or buying new (which I was hoping to avoid for 3 more years).
Hope you learned your lesson on changing oil. Since you plan on getting a new car in 3 years, I would not waste $3600 on a new motor. Just get a new car.
Don't consider only market value but also the cost of comparable transportation because the market grossly undervalues old cars that are in excellent condition. IOW how much would you have to pay for a car of comparable condition to your car after it gets a new engine?
Get a new car. You can lease a new car for under $200 a month these days for 3 years. That's less than your engine would cost you plus peace of mind-that's everything
$3600 for a used engine with 75,000 miles? You should be able to find one for a lot less. I don't know the rate for the swap off the top of my head but nowhere near $2600.
Here you can buy a brand new one rebuilt one with a 5/60,000 warranty for $3500.
$3600 for a used engine with 75,000 miles? You should be able to find one for a lot less. I don't know the rate for the swap off the top of my head but nowhere near $2600.
Here you can buy a brand new one rebuilt one with a 5/60,000 warranty for $3500.
Get a new car. You can lease a new car for under $200 a month these days for 3 years. That's less than your engine would cost you plus peace of mind-that's everything
Illinois is not a place where you want to lease a car. Illinois double-taxes you for leasing. I would buy a new Camry for $20K over leasing.
Don't consider only market value but also the cost of comparable transportation because the market grossly undervalues old cars that are in excellent condition. IOW how much would you have to pay for a car of comparable condition to your car after it gets a new engine?
You are correct. The only think that would suck would be crashing it shortly after putting the motor in it. I'd never get that money back. Insurance considers my car worth about $2600.
Considering car payments range from $200 to typically $4-500 a month for a new car, if everything else on the Camry is good except the engine, it will be better to just pay $3K for an engine swap and drive it another 3-5 yrs. Whatever the top value for your car if it gets totaled is the tops you should pay for any major repair.
Illinois is not a place where you want to lease a car. Illinois double-taxes you for leasing. I would buy a new Camry for $20K over leasing.
Well what about buying a newer pre owned Camry then??
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
