Should I consider replacing the engine in my 2001 PT Cruiser with 151,000 miles on it?
What is the book value of the car with a running engine?
Other than the blown engine what kind of shape is the car in?
What is the estimate(s) for a used engine installed?
If the engine job is more than the value of the car it doesn’t make financial sense to spend the money. You can consider anything, but only do it if it makes sense financially. Without some numbers no way to tell you what to do.
Good idea re book value. I haven’t checked yet. Other than engine car appears to be in good shape. $3000 for used engine install is what i have heard - that is with warranty.
Does that seem right?
Cheapest engine is a used one straight from a car at a salvage yard. Often the salvage yard will install and test the used engine. You kind of inherit whatever problems the used engine has, many are perfectly fine. They will do compression checks and try to make sure the engine is sound. Not much of a warranty with this option. Price should be closer to $1,200 to 1,500. Sometimes this is the best way to get an engine in the car and then sell the car. If this used engine doesn’t burn oil, runs strong and quiet then you keep the car and drive on.
For $3,000 you should get a “rebuilt” engine which is like new in most respects if it was rebuilt properly. These usually come with a warranty of 6 to 12 months or 10K miles. If you can afford it a rebuilt engine is the way to go.
What type of transmission does the car have?
If it is an automatic trans, and if you have not faithfully changed the fluid every 3 yrs/30k miles, the next problem that you will have is transmission failure. An automatic trans that is not serviced every 3 yrs/30k miles can usually be counted on to crap out any time after 90k miles.
The cost of a new engine and a rebuilt transmission would exceed the book value of the car. So, if you have not had the trans properly serviced, I would suggest that you dump the car and move on to something newer and better-maintained.
What is the condition of the rest of vehicle? If decent then consider it. Also if you cannot recall changing the automatic transmission fluid move on. This car should have had 2-3 automatic tranmission fluid changes for extended life of that expensive component.
I have to disagree with you on this one…I have never scene a trans fail from not having the fluid changed every 3yrs or 30K miles. Many examples from hondas with 200K+ to a 92 pontiac with 150K+. ALSO a 2003 PT cruiser with 117K with no trans issues. I think that is a little excessive unless the owners manual for your vehicle says otherwise. I would go with the color and sniff test before an actuall trans fluid change.
If you can find an exact replacement used engine (salvage yard or internet search) and then find someone to install it in the automotive underground, it might be worth the effort…Otherwise, it’s time to move on…