To replace the engine or not?

Hi all,

Doing some research for my hubby. We just got an estimate on his 2005 4Runner from the mechanic just now for around $10,000 to fully replace his engine. 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 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 car that 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.

 

I wouldn't.

Sentimental value or not but sorry its a 4Runner not a classic.

The fix is going to cost what its worth.

 

Get more quotes. Labor and costs vary, “remanufactured” isn’t “new” but for these purposes might as well be considered it if the rebuilder is a good company.

The condition of the rest of the car (frame rust is the big one), the cost of replacement and whether those alternatives are suitable are big factors in deciding once you have more information.

Edit: For example, the full-time 4WD option is not available unless you get the top 4Runner trims in 2010+ models.

 

No way would I put $10k into a vehicle with 200k miles. Unless it were a classic or collectible, which the 4R is not.

Invest that money into a new vehicle instead.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! What exactly is wrong with the engine? A second opinion sometimes helps when you're looking at spending that much money on a vehicle with the kind of mileage that you have. I understand sentimental value thing, but is it practical to spend that much to fix? Then again, what are you going to do with it if you don't get it fixed? It's worthless without a engine.

 

Try a used/salvaged engine. Labor should be no more than 15 hours to remove and replace an engine. Depending on the labor rate, it should be considerably cheaper.

 

This

 

Thank you for the warm welcome

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.

At this point, Edwin was advised of a remanufactured engine replacement.“

Another reply to this said to them it only seemed like the gasket needed repair.

 

Thank you for this, I was a bit suspicious that the mechanic made it seem like a used replacement would not be that much less but yeah these in your screenshot are definitely less that $6k lol

 

Get another used car from a reputable dealer.