Sorry for MIA but just got my car back few days back. Thanks for your patience.
Here is the breakdown

Aisin Timing belt + Water pump kit = $153.89
Bando Serptine Belt = $14.47
Denso Radiator = $105.79
Radiator Cap = $4.64
NGK Spark Plugs = $45.28
Discount = -$16.17
Shipping = $78.97
=========
Sub Total 1 $386.87

Thermostat = $24.00
Coolant = $62.00
Transmission Fluid = $30.00
2 Knock sensors (OEM) = $206.00
Used Engine mounts(came with Engine) = $0
===========
Sub Total 2 $322.00

Total Parts 1 and 2 $709.00
50K Engine = $1300
============
Total with Engine $2009.00


Labor (including $675 for transferring parts over from my engine) = $1921.00
additional parts (oil cleaner, 3/8 return hose, electrical connector, Freon..) = $113.00
Hazardous Material = $18.00
Credit Card Pay charge = $66
==========
Sub Total = $2118.00
Tax = $148

Total = $2266


Grand Total Cost parts and labor $4275.00

It is about $1000 more than what I had estimated/expected. I did not take into account the $675 charges for transferring parts and the 2 new knock sensors. I was lucky to find them for $100 per piece they are more like $245 each. Then ones for $12 on ebay are fakes made in China.
I am also having Oxygen sensor codes (P0031, P0051, P0430) that needs to be fixed which may require two new oxygen sensors.Will give more info on that later.

 

Although I've never had to source an engine or have one replaced, would you do it again all things considered vs. purchasing an equivalent vehicle +/- $1k? Presumption is you may have been able to part-out or sell your '05 with 185k miles, as-is.

 

I saw $2266 and thought not bad that's worth it I guess...but then I saw $4275.

I had a used engine/tranny installed in a Volvo....to see how much it would be today for that, I came out with $1,700 2019 dollars (it was $900 in 1991). I drove the car for 8 years on the used engine, so for me, $4275, I'd need to drive the car another 20 years, so my decision would be no. The other way to look at it, however, is what car can you get for $4275? I think we should look at it the same way an insurance man would, but I totally understand as well, we are attached to our vehicles and would rather spend a little more and keep it. My dad was pretty harsh in 1991, he said, "This is what you get, because you had to drive a Volvo. Junk the *** **** ***** ** ****!!" But I did not take the advice.
"

 

Spending $3k would have been a OK decision but $4275 is questionable for sure!
Like you said you really can't get any decent car for $5k so I am thinking if we can drive this one for 2 years or more then it will be worth it. The car was close to 200K miles and the timing belt was going to be replaced soon. So i don't need that any more.

 

if I could purchase the equivalent vehicle +/- $1k then I would NOT bother fixing it. it is too much of hassle. In my case equivalent car was around $10K.
If I had to do it again I would get a engine that is the exact fit so you not transferring parts over from the old engine or just get engine without those extra parts for $500.
Now I have bunch of extra parts left over which I need sell. more hassle.

 

We must have the same mechanic..... I did a used engine in my 2010 Prius @ 245 K. and the total was about 4200 all in. I did have him do trans service, CV boots (I think) and several other maintenance items.
The Prius now has 325 K on it, engine is using oil like the last one but runs great. 2010 was the new gen. Prius and they all use oil starting at around 100 K miles.

If I had a do over? No way. The replacement engine has the same fatal flaw as the original. Had this issue been better known back then there are new pistons and rings that resolve the issue in the 2010 Prius engine. Oh well, someone else can deal with Prius, I'm comfy in the LS and it's for sale. I will miss the fuel mileage, and that is all.

 

Same mechanic...LOL.
The LS430 is a great car and sometimes we get attached to them and don't want to let go which leads bad judgments.
My wife loves her LS430 so I had to fix it since I ruined it. Happy wife, Happy life.

 

If momma ain't happy, nobody's happy. That's some universal wisdom right there.

If my Prius were not guzzling oil like a sailor on leave guzzles beer the engine swap would have been a good thing. Mine is the oddball Prius with the Tech package, that made a 20 K car a 30 K car. I do not regret the tech package, in fact buying my LS made adaptive cruise a requirement. Did not really care about the lane keeping. Glad mine has radar like the Prius, vs. the laser cruise which is flaky in the rain, snow, etc.

One of the BEST features of radar cruise? The radar can see better than I can in bad weather. Esp. for fog to hell with the owners manual warning. The radar will go down to 28 MPH and can see far better than I when it is foggy. I am a traveling salesman and often drive late at night if I have to. I am super careful and pull over when tired, but still the radar could save my sorry *** if I nod off. Not counting on it, that would be foolish. It's just another "layer" of protection. I am loving my 430, the seats are heaven, and the ride is sublime. The big plus for me is not limping in the front door at the end of a long day behind the wheel, can't put a price on that.

 

Amen to all that.
I am looking forward to getting a LS460 in 2 years for the Mrs with all those gizmos. I just got BMW 328i to replace my ES300. I was going to get a ES350 but changed my mind at the lat minute because I wanted a change from the two consecutive ES300 I have had. Lets hope I don't regret my decision.

 

I often want to get "the best deal," and it kills me when I don't. Say you bought something and the next day the price drops $50 (laptop), 3 days later $150. But sometimes with a decision this large, you just make it, and never look back. And the longer you keep this vehicle, the more the decision was right. Part of us driving older, ok, old! cars, is we avoid the larger cost of owning a brand new one. Easier said than done. My dad always told me you buy a stock, you sell it, you made money, you don't look back and say well I could have.....but again, I don't listen lol

If you are happy, that's about all that really matters. And again, the longer you keep motoring in this car, the more the decision was the right one!