NYJim

I have a 2000 Lexus RX300 with about 141,000 miles on the odometer. I just spoke with my mechanic and he told me that the engine is completely gone, so I am looking at my options. I could buy a used engine from a junked car and have it installed, or buy a rebuilt one by a reputable company like Jasper and have it installed, or scrap the car for a few dollars at a junkyard, or donate it to a charity. A new/rebuilt Jasper engine alone will cost $3,299, so with installation over $5,000. My mechanic can get me a rebuilt engine with warranty that has never been used on a special for $2,500 and with his installation charges it will come to $4,800. I am not at all interested in spending about $3,500 in parts and labor for having them install a used engine with about 100,000 miles on it as I will always be skeptical about the number of miles on that engine, and it is a lot of money and labor for a used engine. So I want to go only with new/rebuilt if I do anything other than scrap the vehicle. The car is in very good condition with 140,000 original miles on the odometer. I like the vehicle a lot, but I am not in love with it, as I could use a little more driver's legroom and headroom, and I question putting that much money into an 18 year old vehicle. I drive it about 25,000 miles a year both city and highway, and have had no problems whatsoever.

I should add that I have never had another engine installed into a vehicle before and don't know what to expect. So my thoughts are leaning towards buying a different vehicle and getting rid of this one. The only reason I am considering a new engine it is because I thought it would save money and to scrap this car is certainly a waste of a good vehicle, but as high as it costs, maybe just replacing the vehicle is better. Any thoughts?

NYJim

The engine cannot be repaired. The engine will either have to be replaced, or the vehicle scrapped.

Lexmus

Agree with Kitabel, find out exactly what is wrong and report back. Did you have any known issues prior to the engine failing?

tim73

my 99 rx300 with a jdm engine. Including oem timing belt and water pump replacement and various other odds and ends, I was under $1100. The engine itself was @$700

Australian

Everything can be fixed it is only a motor. If it is the bottom end it will cost loads but still can be fixed. A swap I would think could be done quite cheap buy engine and transmission keep old transmission. Does it start how far gone we talking?

Australian

Any info on 1UZFE list here as of course i want one.

NYJim

The engine is gone completely; it cannot be saved. A used engine from a junkyard with about 100,000 miles on it will cost about $3,500 and a brand new rebuilt engine with zero miles on it will cost about $4,800. Those prices include the engine, additional parts and labor. Those prices are lower than two other shops that quoted me. This particular shop does excellent work, so I am not worried about having problems with the engine after another engine is installed; it is only the cost of other repairs that may be needed that concerns me.

Prior to this engine failure, there were no known issues. I put over 50,000 miles on this vehicle in the past two years and there was never a problem in any weather condition, even deep snow.

A junkyard offered me $275 for the car right now, as is. The car has 140,000 original miles and overall is in very good condition. I am leaning toward junking it because of the cost and the cost of future repairs. Any advice would be appreciated.

salimshah

There are few things missing for any to give you full advice.

I am going to make somme guesses, but you can alter the numbers to make it more apt.

Additional investment 4500 (parts + labor). Street value after repairs jumps from 250 to 3500 [4500 + 250 -3500 = 1250]
Assuming now you have a vehicle that you can drive around say for another 1 year. Assuming the worst case after one year the value of the car is 225 (turn it in to a junk yard) --> 1250-225 = 1025 ... lets round it off to say 1000 spent on the vehicle. Realistically the value at the end would be around 1500. So there is a good possibility that you will not be in the hole.

Granted if another major repair becomes necessary you may loose money and it would be better to cut your losses right now.

Now what is the alternative you have?

Salim

tim73

Too bad you're so far. I'd install a jdm for half what you're looking to spend. If your mechanic is somebody you trust, maybe mention the jdm route. I'm very happy with my jdm. They're under $1000, have low mileage, and in my opinion a good alternative to junk yard/rebuilds.

cmilton

I have a coolant leak. No other problems. Where did you get your work done? I have been quoted a minimum of 3K for a replacement engine. I don't want to spend that. Thanks

tim73

I don’t know if you’re talking to me or no. Anyway, I did the engine replacement work myself. If yours is just a coolant leak...and the engine runs fine otherwise. Just repair the leak.

cmilton

Thank you! Should I trust the dealer or can I go to Express Oul. The change my oil and other minor repairs.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

OP:

If you put $4500 into the the car now, you will have a car that's worth about $1000 in trade or $2000 to a private party. And a car that will likely require more repairs/maintenance if you keep it.

Junk it and move on.

gregmacdx

If you can buy a similar car from a private party for $2000 with a working engine, that would be better than spending more money on a new or used engine.

garylatl

I have a 2001 RX AWD that needs a new engine. Are you still working on these?