As a way to alot more money in my personal budget for
travel, I choose to drive an older used vehicle that I own
outright. Last week said vehicle blew a rod in the engine,
and now I need to replace the whole engine. The car is a 13
yr. old Toyota that I haven't dumped an incredible amount of
money into in the 2-1/2 years I've had it. Here's where I
need some outside advice. I work freelance in film and its
been a slow spring. If I try to get financed on a loan for a
new or used car, I will have to seriously curb any future
travel which has become a big part of my life, it's one of
the things I most enjoy doing. Not to mention that right now
money is *really* tight. I've shopped around for some used
engines and found some from seemingly reputable auto
recyclers (junkyards), and with installation my recent tax
refund will more than cover it. What should I do? I really
need some advice. Thank you very much in advance. .
.
[There are 3 posts - the latest was added on Tue 25 May, 15:12]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
A used engine is an excellant way to repair your car. I have
done this several times and was always happy with the
results. Of course I was an auto mechanic many years ago and
can do all of the work myself. To minimize the risk you
should find a salvage yard and a mechanic that you feel you
can trust. The salvage yard should offer some sort of
guarantee. Most will not offer a warranty as such ,but will
have a 30 day exchange policy.The installation warranty
should specify that the car will be in proper running
condition when the engine is installed. Be sure that all
extras (new spark plugs,antifreeze,new hoses and clamps etc)
are included in the price "up front".Some mechanics dont
tell you about the extras in order to quote a lower price.
When you are pricing the engine at the salvage yard be sure
that that the condition is understood; low milage to high
milage or somewhere in between. The prices can vary quite a
bit and you dont need to buy a like new engine if you just
want it to last for a year or so.
I hope this helps Good luck....8-)
Well what can you do? My car costs me the equivalent of at
least a plane ticket overseas. Between car expenses and my
lack of discipline when it comes to socialising i am not
left with too much dosh. We just have to get our priorities
correct.
You just tripped me out! I too work freelance in the film
industry and last week started having car trouble. I drive
an '84 Nissan, but my mechanic tells me it's still in
pretty good condition overall (told me I still have 4 years
left from it). However, it started losing power so much so
that climbing back and forth on the 405 has left me running
at a dangerous 45mph. As I have been planning an open-ended
backpacking trip to SE Asia starting next January, I am
more conscious than ever about my finances. I have a pretty
dependable mechanic. If you are in LA and need a trusty
mechanic (at least this one I trust the most since I've
known him the last 4-5 years), email me and I'll give you
their address and phone number. They can at least quote you
a price for repairing your car, or for going out and buying
an engine.