New Engine or New Car?

Hi all,

I'm doing some research for my hubby. We just got an estimate from the mechanic for his 2005 4Runner for around $10,000 to replace his engine fully. The 4R has well over 200k miles (I'm not sure of the exact mileage). The mechanic said he thought it was worth it to replace the engine, given it is a 4Runner (whatever that means; I am a girl, and I don't know much about cars, lol). My husband said he got good vibes from the people there, but that is a lot, in my opinion, to invest in his 4R, which is pretty worn out. The mechanic quoted us $7540 for a remanufactured engine (what they claim is new). They said a used engine would only be $1k less, so mine as well go with the “new” one.

Is this worth it or would it be a better “investment” to get a new vehicle? This is the first car my husband ever bought and he worked on the car with his dad who recently passed away so there is a lot of sentimental value there for him… But being the more practical one I want to make sure we are wise with our money.

Any advice Would be appreciated.

 

What’s wrong with your current engine that warrants a replacement?

 

These are the notes from the testing the mechanic did

“while performing test drive that cylinder #6 would misfire during acceleration. After performing test drive, proceeded to remove ignition coil and spark plug from cylinder #6 to be inspected and found ignition coil and spark plug to have been already replaced.

Then proceeded to inspect all fluids and found radiator empty/very low on coolant. Did not find visual/external coolant leak/s at this time.

At this point, performed a block test in order to verify the state of engine. Block test failed and found combustion gases in coolant system.”

 

Also this is a 2w drive not a 4w drive. I just found that out when u looked at the Vin for a Kelly blue book value estimate which in its condition only is $3k to $5k in vale lol

 

Sounds like at worst case you need a head gasket job. Still don’t see the need for an entire engine replacement unless there is more going on as well. Has the vehicle overheated and been driven for a significant amount of time?

 

I'll check with my husband on that… I have not experienced it overheat the last 10 years. It does have 230k miles and it is ha daily vehicle. Thank you so much for your responses in this I really appreciate it.

 

Get another independent opinion from another mechanic.. doesn’t sound like it’s worth a 10k swap

 

In this industry most shops would attempt to talk the owner into a full engine replacement at this point.
200,000k is a lot for most vehicles.

It could be a defective gasket. It could also be a cracked block or head.
A shop doesn't want the liability of telling someone "you need a head gasket." Then later telling them "you actually need a new engine. Oh and you'll have to pay the labor of taking the head off of this old engine that we can no longer can use. Could have saved money by just replacing engine in the first place."

It gets messy fast. Easier and less risk for the shop to just replace the entire engine.

 

I personally would go the route of selling the 4runner and finding something newer, though the sentimental factor is understandable. 200k miles is a lot, though 4runners do last for a while compared to other SUVs so its not out of the realm to get another 100-150k out of your 4runner depending on how well the tranny, transfer case, frame and other components hold up over time. Some have mentioned that their 4runners will last close to 400k-500k miles but im assuming those folks have taken care of their 4R's and genuinely dont mind having a ride with that many miles and age.

 

This would be the nail in the coffin for me. If it was 4WD, perfect condition, modded and holds sentimental value I'd repair it knowing there may be more repairs coming down the line. It will take work to keep it on the road and having a backup vehicle might be necessary.

But a 2WD with over 200,000 miles.. Might be time to sell it/ part it out and get your money out of it. Find a new (to you) 4runner in good condition.

 

This 100% as a former tech/manager. Engines and transmissions are the two things that no matter what you're told, you have to go in prepared for replacing the whole thing because so many things can go wrong that are not externally visible. Finding hydrocarbons in the coolant is usually just a head gasket, but there's no guarantee the surfaces are true or without cracks and you don't know until it's apart. It was by far the worst dealings with customers no matter how we explained this because they always assumed we were taking advantage.

Add in the lack of capable techs/shops to do real rebuild work and we are in a world where assembly replacement is the norm.

You might be able to find a shop that will source and swap a used engine which will probably run you $3-5k but you will get little for warranty or guarantee.

 

If 4WD isn't important to the owner, then I don't think it would matter that it's 2WD at this point. In fact, 4WD would present more opportunities for failures down the road. Being 20 years old with high mileage, resale value is low either way. The cost to replace the engine would be cost prohibitive in both cases, I think.

 

This is a tough one from the information provided by diagnostics, mileage and age. I would also consider the condition of the rest of the vehicle and other possible maintenance items needed now or to be expected in the near future if the idea is to drive it another 100K plus miles after engine replacement. All of that would go in to my decision whether or not to spend on a new motor or sell. My gut says it might be time to move on from this one.

 

All of the other parts are 20 years old, the mechanical parts with 230k miles. You need an engine now, but all the other mechanical parts are old with a lot of miles. I would keep it, but that's because I can do the work. Someone who can't do the work and doesn't enjoy that kind of work, should probably send it on its way.

 

I hate to say it, but you're being taken advantage of by the mechanic with good vibes...head gasket job is only around $1k and you might as well do the serp belt, water pump, etc...all in, I bet under $2k and it'll run for another 90k miles...waaaaay cheaper than a new car. Keep it if you plan on taking care of it...these things will last forever if you maintain them well.

 

^$1k head gasket job? What year do you think this is, 2021?

But yes @Benwia should shop around and get a couple of competing quotes, "good vibes" or not. Normally a 2WD 4Runner isn't worth saving IMO, but people make poor financial decisions all the time for sentimental value.

 

I was thinking the same thing. Those are pre globalist takeover numbers.

 

Buahahaha touche!

 

You all are too funny; thank you so so so much for all this advice; I really appreciate it. I am going to sit down with the hubby today to go over all this... I also reached out to our community for good auto place recommendations for 2nd/3rd opinions. Ill keep you all posted!