Toyota Camry 2007 Radiator Blown - Mechanic Says Scrap Car

Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 18:27
Last edited 02/03/2023 - 07:33 by 2 other users

MY 2007 Camry recently had a blown radiator, my girlfriend said she stopped driving as soon as she noticed steam started coming out of the engine and engine started shaking. The car stills turns over and drives, but it's shaking along with check engine light flashing.

I got it towed to the mechanic who has said there is 98% chance that the engine is gone but he can't tell for sure without me spending about $500 for them to take it apart and investigate, does that sound right? He then said it's not worth it, to replace the engine at close to 4K, and that he knows a bloke who will give me $500 for the car. Is it possible this is a scam and he knows they can easily fix it and turn a large profit - second hand these things go for up to $9k - $10k depending on condition.

I know it impossible to say without seeing the car, but based on my description does anyone have any suggestions? I'm really attached to the car and don't want to get rid of it unless it's certainly a dud engine.

Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

    • brendanm on 01/03/2023 - 19:13
      +8

      No no. You don't even need a radiator in the vehicle to diagnose the missfire.

      • JimmyF on 01/03/2023 - 19:43

        Yeah I remembered that bit after the OP replied to my post, so I did say that in a follow up post there is something else wrong.

        If the OP loves the car, then spend the $500 to find out how cooked it really is and then go from there.

  • jason101 on 01/03/2023 - 20:22
    +3

    Lets say you spend $500 + $4000 on a new engine, is the car worth $5000 to sell (with a new engine, being the $4500 to diagnose and replace + the forgone $500 scrap price offered), if yes (I think yes) then this seems to be an easy decision.

  • LanceVance on 01/03/2023 - 20:24
    +1

    I'd handle the misfire first, could be something as simple as a coil pack or a spark plug, hard to know and it certainly is odd that it happened at the same time as the radiator blowing but these things can happen. I'd take it to another mechanic and come to them with the shaking as the problem, if you're in Melbourne then I have a fantastic one I can recommend. If the car can still move under its own power despite the shaking then the odds of catastrophic engine damage are less likely. Good luck.

  • simplystu on 01/03/2023 - 20:25

    As someone said above…
    First try replacing radiator - qiick + low cost fix (you may be lucky).

    If still issues - then you need to start weighing up your options.

    1.a.) how much do you depend on car?
    1.b.) Can you get by for upto 1 week without it?

    2.) Do you have much cashflow?

    i.) Personally … I would be looking at getting another car, rather than fixing.

    ii.) 100% don't sell to mech for $500 - even as scrap, worth much more than that.

    iii.) start looking at a replacement car.

    Last 2 cars i've bought over the years … Have been EX rental/hire cars.

    At a 2007 model … Certainly not worth replacing engine.

    I am actually just starting to go through process of looking at another car (2005 mitsi - issues with engine - too costly to fix … But currently still driveable).

    • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 21:07

      I have just purchased a new car also, a few months ago, this is why my Gf was driving my Camry… the mechanic knows this which may make him think i'm less inclined to bother with my old camry, however I really want to keep it if its not a blown engine, if it is a blown engine its not worth the replacement (as you said).

      However, based on the symptoms it vould be something as simple as spark plug issues, I dont know and I dont want to throw cash around, thats why im here looking for as much free advice as possible before proceeding. thanks for the advice

    • brendanm on 01/03/2023 - 21:33
      +8

      First try replacing radiator - qiick + low cost fix (you may be lucky).

      Bad advice.

      • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 21:40
        +1

        that wasnt going to be my next step

      • Technics on 03/03/2023 - 11:03
        +2

        Agreed. It is bad advice. It won't be that cheap. The radiator isn't doing anything till the thermostat opens so if it's shaking from a cold start then at last one cylinder has probably lost compression (head gasket + warping being the most likely outcome there as mentioned by others). A compression or leakdown test will verify and you can also get test kits that will show if engine exhaust is getting into the coolant system (but a leakdown test should show where it's leaking out anyway). You could even take a look at the cylinder walls with a borescope . Taking the engine out seems a bit drastic before doing some further tests but the mechanic may have already done some of the above (and the engine would need some disassembly to know for sure that there was no bearing damage etc. to know the full extent of the damage).

        The combo of not firing and the lack of compression load will really shake things up. It seems like a radiator and some degree of an engine rebuild is the most likely minimum viable fix. I'd probably call around and price a second hand engine from a wrecker or a rebuilt engine and then consider the economics of doing that before deciding. Unless you can do some/all of the work yourself, paying for someone else's labour will probably kill it as an idea but it doesn't hurt to know. The economics are different from the mechanics perspective so they're not necessarily trying to rip you off. They may rebuild it in spare (and effectively free) time or use it for parts. I'd still want to know exactly what testing has been done before deciding.

        Edit: A flashing check engine light usually indicates a misfire (usually solid on for other faults). Which could be lack or fuel, spark or compression. The smart money will be on compression I'd say.

  • Kelsy on 01/03/2023 - 21:40

    It sounds like a leaky head gasket which plays up when the engine is warm. Cheap temporary fix with those stop leaks for radiator/head gasket but it kills the engine in the long term. 16 years old With 260k kms on the clock, it’s very well used, your mechanic suggested well to scrap the car.

  • Manny Calavera on 01/03/2023 - 23:14
    +4

    Convert it to an EV.

  • cashless on 01/03/2023 - 23:30
    -1

    Sounds like a head gasket has blown.You may be able to tell that if you remove the oil cap and see white residue inside where the oil is topped up.
    Depending which engine you have (4 or 6 cylinder), this will affect the cost in different ways. 6 cylinder being more expensive.
    Do not drive the car if possible, but do not trust this mechanic's opinion.
    Get 3 opinions and quotes.Highly unlikely that it will cost so much to repair.Even if it is $3k it is worth it

  • EightImmortals on 02/03/2023 - 07:12
    +6

    "my girlfriend said she stopped driving as soon as she noticed steam started coming out of the engine "

    You'd think she would have pulled over when the temperature dial went up? Oh well, too late now.

    • WhyAmICommenting on 02/03/2023 - 20:06
      +3

      Yeah, i would hazard a guess she’s never really looked at that needle before. Not certain, but a fair bet.

      • mrhugo on 02/03/2023 - 20:31
        +2

        She probably thought it was the fuel gauge.

        Most economical car ever and thought she had solved the energy crisis!

        Well yeah!…but!…my car fills itself up as I drive!

  • Speckled Jim on 02/03/2023 - 07:29

    Engine shaking sounds like a cooked crankshaft bearing too.

  • stringbean402 on 02/03/2023 - 07:50
    +12

    Girlfriend said she didn't drive it for long = drove it for ages, ignored the temp gauge, cooked the absolute shit out of it, steam starts coming out of the bonnet… hmm that's weird and eventually engine grinds to a halt.

    Engine is (profanity), I wouldn't repair the engine, I would only swap it out if I went down that path. And then with a car that old your rolling the dice on the replacement engine too, never know what your going to get.

    I wouldn't throw money at it. Tell the GF the temp gauge is there for a reason and take the $500.

  • Sinnerator on 02/03/2023 - 07:56
    +1

    Sounds like your (lying/honest) girlfriend owes you a new engine.
    Just threaten to turn the 'tap' off if she doesn't pay up :-)

    • Mungulz on 02/03/2023 - 09:36
      +13

      Blokes done well to even have a misso with an 07 Camry, I reckon let this one slide.

      • Jamoumou on 04/03/2023 - 00:54

        she was driving me second car, not my new car for a reason bud

        • Worf on 04/03/2023 - 08:58

          What model is your newer car and would you recommend it?

  • 82norm on 02/03/2023 - 08:55

    Given everyone else had had a go of possible causes, have you checked the tyres?

    • freefall101 on 02/03/2023 - 12:32
      +2

      Probably hasn't filled up the indicator fluid either.

  • JIMB0 on 02/03/2023 - 09:34

    Did the mechanic check the code for the cause of the check engine light? Could be as simple as a sensor was sprayed with coolant when the radiator let go. The engine may be fine mechanically.

  • 2esc on 02/03/2023 - 10:05
    +1

    Take the $500 you might get a bit more if your lucky but doubt it is it worth the time and hassle to get a few more dollars.

    Unless you get a brand new or reconditioned motor so many times a good second hand motors can end up having problems.

    As to some blaming the girlfriend for not looking at the temp gauge temperatures can rise extremely quickly if its a major radiator failure. Blaming her is not going to help your relationship.

  • bazingaa on 02/03/2023 - 10:27

    The car stills turns over and drives, but it's shaking along with check engine light flashing.

    just get a second opinion to be sure (probably the mechanic will buy the car for $500, fix it and do a fixer upper lol)
    It looks like head is not seized, could be a just blown up top gasket, which could be an easy fix.
    I have seen in FB marketplace, some mechanics who replaces the engines for a lot less, probably from wrecks.

    anyway, get a cheap OBD reader (may be ~$10) and read the error codes with your phone/laptop.

  • Jaduqimon on 02/03/2023 - 10:33

    Yes the fact that you have a check engine light on is actually good… means you can plug OBD reader in and at least get some information. Would be worse if theres no check engine light and you experience shaking.

  • jonkvh on 02/03/2023 - 12:25
    +3

    Siding with the Mechanic. It's an alloy engine. One overheating episode, and they're done. Head will be warped. Coolent probably got into the engine also meaning piston damage. Get a second hand engine or junk the thing. Another thing, the Mechanic can't be that good if it got to over heating.

  • dtc on 02/03/2023 - 12:36
    +1

    Jeez, it’s not that complicated. you have two choices. Pay $500, see what the issue is and then you either scrap or pay up. At worst you end up spending $4500 and have a car worth $6000 odd (so it saves you $1500 against buying the same car second hand and you have a good engine that will run forever, which those other cars will not). Or you spend $500, scrap it for $500.

    Or scrap now, get $500 and buy a new car for $6k and it costs you $5500.

    The difference is $1000. Maybe less, maybe more.

    Question: would you replace the engine if needed? If no, there are other issues etc, then scrap it

    If yes, then get the test done

  • the Unforgiven on 02/03/2023 - 14:30
    +2

    U said the radiator blew. R U sure it is not a radiator hose? Radiators just don't blow
    U said your girlfriend stopped driving str8 away, but u say it starts & it is shaking & the engine light is on
    Why do u start it? Did u fix the radiator/hose 1st? Was the water in the radiator full?
    Get something like this to read the engine code, buy from the people that makes the product:-
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/364071864204?_trkparms=amclksrc%…

    • trapper on 03/03/2023 - 11:31
      +1

      Why someone downvoted you? Have a +1 from me :)

      • the Unforgiven on 03/03/2023 - 20:35

        Thanks trapper
        I always get downvoted no matter what forum I am in
        Only 1 downvoted me, it must be a slow forum
        have a good weekend

        • derrida derider on 05/03/2023 - 10:14
          -1

          Because you don't write decent English sentences so people find it hard to follow your posts.
          Maybe you should have paid more attention at school, or maybe you just need to put more effort into being readable.

          • the Unforgiven on 05/03/2023 - 13:52

            @derrida derider: I failed English all the time at school & the teachers did not care one bit.
            I talk/write like my mum did, and she was useless at the language.
            I was not aloud to go out much when I was a kid, my mum would hit me more if I did.
            I was not aloud to have more than one friend, or I would get bashed more.
            How do u pick only one friend out of everyone at school, you don't
            I went & became a social phobic all my life & no-one would help me,
            until 2 years ago when I was given a tablet so I would not get panic attacks when I was in public;
            I went out & was bashed. I was king-hit 23years ago & my brain is fvcked now, mainly my memory.
            I think I am dyslexic, but that is my diagnosis. Words are a blur to me, I find it hard to understand,
            no-one helped because I was too good in all the other subject; but when I got into higher schooling, it catches up with you. I left school & became one of the best mechanics in Victoria while I tried to find out about myself.
            I have been alone most of my life. I have been on thee DSP since 40. I used to work hard & never took holidays, I had 2 reasons; then my body just fell apart from over work, I am 65 now. Maybe I will write less from now on, happy

            • Jamoumou on 06/03/2023 - 17:02
              +2

              @the Unforgiven: Hey just ignore angry dolts like DD who have nothing better to do then try to make others feel bad, too much lead in their diets as children, or not enough hugs. I understood what you wrote perfectly, that's how many people around my age text any way, if people can't understand what you're saying that a sign of their low intellect.

              • the Unforgiven on 06/03/2023 - 18:20

                @Jamoumou: Thank you
                I never had any hugs at all when I was kid, my mum said her job was done when I was born;
                what a bitch eh
                I had so much going on in my head, trying to solve multiple problems at once
                I know I have/had a high ID, but I don't know anymore as the effect of the king-hit is getting worse.
                Your a kind person

  • brad1-8tsi on 02/03/2023 - 15:23

    I think a fee UP TO $500 for a proper diagnosis is fair, a flat fee not so much.

    If you think the car may be worth saving then get a proper quote. It will probably be a lot as the mech has to cover their behind.

  • lgacb08 on 02/03/2023 - 18:45
    +6

    You're delusional to think that a 16 year old worth nearly 10k, in mint condition you're lucky to sell it for half that without dealing with low ballers for a month or so.

    • Jamoumou on 04/03/2023 - 00:57

      i dont think its worth it, just what i seen people asking recently on car sales…going its worth about 5k

  • skillet on 02/03/2023 - 18:46
    +1

    "…and engine started shaking." This I am most concern about. If radiator hose or radiator blows there will be quite a while until the engine overheats and lock itself. Engine started shaking and steam that's sign of overheating.

  • mrhugo on 02/03/2023 - 20:24
    -8

    You're 07 Camry is easily worth 9-10K. I would say more if it's in good condition.

    Get a few more quotes, maybe a dozen more to be safe. Then spend whatever it takes. After that your car will be worth 10K plus whatever you spend to get it fixed. With a fixed engine your car will drive like new.

    I would also recommend getting Toyota to fix it, it maybe cost more, but then you will be able to sell it for 20K.

    Anyone that says otherwise is just jealous of your Camry. It's basically a baby being a MY2007 and only just getting worn in.

    • WhyAmICommenting on 02/03/2023 - 22:15
      +6

      Dude, what are you smoking - can I have some?

      • gerrys on 03/03/2023 - 00:47
        +3

        Duuude, can I join smoking?

  • bboyballsohard on 02/03/2023 - 21:01

    Do an ecu error code/freeze frame check along with compression and leak down on the engine. Go with an independent mobile mechanic thats not related to the place it’s at now. It’s worth the cost and you may get lucky and not have to replace the car.

    Steam will happen with broken radiator because it’s just water hitting something hot - it doesn’t mean the engine has died.

    • derrida derider on 05/03/2023 - 10:16

      Sure, the steam means nothing but the shaking and misfiring DOES mean the engine has probably died.

  • t_c on 02/03/2023 - 21:04
    -2

    You might be able to sell on fb market as is. If its worth 10k, minus 2k engine, minus 2k labour, minus 2k profit margin for the buyer.

    Thats still 4k in residual value.

  • disturboed on 02/03/2023 - 21:22
    +1

    Firstly, there are no 07 Camry's going for $9-10k, even at the peak of the market last year (which is dropping fast). Geez, I even picked up a '06 Aurion Presada for $5.5k about 9 months ago. Anyhoo

    Take the oil cap off, and run your finger around the inside of the rocker cover, and see what colour the oil is. If it's gone milky white, you got a blown head gasket, probable warped head and your mechanic is actually telling you the facts.

    Another possibility is the timing chain has jumped some teeth.

  • redslert on 02/03/2023 - 22:31

    Even without radiator the car can be started while cold.
    Start it up and see how it runs idle before it warms up.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/03/2023 - 22:54
    +5

    Your worry is the mechanic is trying to cheat you.

    Out of all the possibile responses the mechanic is recommending an option where they make no money (presumably) so they are actually very honest.

    Alternatively they are a very cunning cheat.

  • Moral hazard on 02/03/2023 - 23:22
    +1

    Read the fault code via OBD scanner to see what the cause is of the check engine light, easy way to confirm misfire (which would likely be the cause of the shaking as others mentioned).

    If the misfire code is for a specific cylinder, then try swapping injectors with a known good cylinder to see if an injector is faulty (fault code should now identify another cylinder).

    Doubt it's spark plugs but they could be checked with the same method above.

    If it's not an injector or spark plug, can get a borescope down the misfiring cylinder and check for a steam cleaned piston (sign of blown gasket).

    Surprised your mechanic can't do the above simple tests, even if he charged a couple hours.

  • Poor Ass on 03/03/2023 - 00:17
    +1

    Lets be honest any car over 200,000km is not worth the money to do major repairs. let it RIP.

    Considering the 33% rule….. if it cost more than 33% of the value of the car to fix it's time to move on

  • TightAl on 03/03/2023 - 01:19

    Something like this happened to me many moons ago, car overheated, smoke went everywhere, no coolant as it had all dripped out.
    It was a rubber elbow joint piece that had corroded/cracked due to age.

    $5 fix essentially

      • TightAl on 04/03/2023 - 21:37
        -1

        What was my suggestion?
        Did you bother to read my post?

  • Herbse on 03/03/2023 - 09:15

    For once I actually agree with the diagnosis and recommendation of the mechanic. If the engine is shaking as you say (I'm assuming your turning it on when the engine is cool and for a few seconds) then something has been damaged/warped internally from overheating and causing an imbalance.

    If it's a blown head gasket from the overheating then IMO that amount of heat has warped the block which will need redecking and there's no knowing what else got damaged from the heat and is now weaker due it. Getting it all fixed will cost about $2k and you could still be left with a damaged engine. So the mechanic is right that paying the $500 to check could still leave you out of pocket.

    Everyone here will say " do the cheapest thing first then go from there", but mechanics don't like doing or suggesting that because if a mechanic said "oh let's check this first, it will cost you $100" then if that doesn't work they'll say "ok then next we can do this it will cost $200".. and so on. Customers will call them a crook and claim they're taking them for a ride.
    If you service and fix cars yourself, diagnosis and taking the cheapest option first to see what it could be is a good idea, but for a business that deals with customers who don't understand cars, they make the clients frustrated and cheated.

    $4k is an average quote for a replacement engine (unknown history) and you'll only get 1 year warranty with it. The car is worth maybe $5k if in excellent condition and low KMs. And $500 for it for parts with a non working engine is what it's worth unfortunately.

    If you want to keep the car, there's no reason you couldn't get a replacement engine. It's the cheapest option. Or you can use it as an excuse to get a new/different car if you have the finance for it.

    These things happen.

  • mavis30551 on 03/03/2023 - 09:17
    +3

    Put a turbo v6~NOS in it and make it a sleeper car.

    Note: I have no mechanical knowledge at all (obviously)

    • cute as duck on 03/03/2023 - 10:56
      +2

      Would make sense if we were in the Fast and the Furious world.

  • a-friend on 03/03/2023 - 09:33

    I had a Honda CRV with similar issues. Spent 2k on it, still problem was not fixed. Ended up with $500 in scrap. My mechanic never suggested the scrap option, so your mechanic is good.

  • lint on 03/03/2023 - 09:55

    Sounds about right for $500 to take it apart and check the engine, and that it's probably not worth replacing if the engine is bust. There's a fair chance your engine isn't bust though, so it could be worth getting a few quotes for checking the engine.

    If the engine is gone, $500 to scrap the car… Eh, could be right for the age of the car, doesn't hurt to ask around to see if others can quote more though.

  • trapper on 03/03/2023 - 11:29
    -1

    If you're mechanically minded this could be a fun little project.

    You can get a second hand engine with good km's for $1000, all the tools you will need for around $300.

    It's not as hard as it sounds with YouTube to guide you.

    • Jamoumou on 04/03/2023 - 00:58

      would be a fun project if I had the space and tools

      • trapper on 04/03/2023 - 22:07

        Tools you can buy, but the space you need.

  • FallaM on 03/03/2023 - 11:33
    +2

    I know times are tough but it's not worth fighting for a 2007 Camry

  • imme1386 on 03/03/2023 - 12:03

    I had a similar issue with my car while not a camry i got the same advice from a mechanic who said the engines dead and needs to take it apart for $650 i didnt trust that because i went in for a burst radiator, turns out the radiator had a clog and ended up bursting a hole in it, for $500 to take the car away sounds like they know the issue and want a cheap car with prob $100 to fix it and then resell for $3000 or more get a second opinion hire a car trailer if a tow trucks out of you budget but never trust a mechanic whos goto is not worth it, they dont know the sentiment the car has to you or if you value the car to drop $4500 into a new engine, sales people who do this arent looking at helping you but to help them selves.

    With my car i later found out the mechanic was doing it to other people aswell even with newer cars.

  • stumo on 03/03/2023 - 12:34

    I'd say the engine is cooked. You could throw a few hundred at it to get the fault properly diagnosed by doing compression tests etc. But the part where you girlfriend stopped "once the steam came out AND it started shaking" says its pretty much toast.

    The time to stop is when the steam comes out, or preferably when the temp gauge reads high, or when the low coolant light lights, long BEFORE the engine starts shaking.

    Get quotes for a second hand engine from the wreckers. Most wreckers guarantee them for 3 months, and if possible get the same wreckers to swap it out. That way if its a dud the labour cost is on them not you.

  • cybapete on 03/03/2023 - 12:59

    a lot of what ifs and maybes in this thread
    with a non-mechanical girlfriend driving the car you need to know it's okay not think it's okay

  • Big Lez on 03/03/2023 - 13:11

    If you do need to sell the car, list it on FB mp. I recently sold a car that was involved in accident. Cars market value is 9k, I sold it for 3.5k.

  • kaleidoscope on 03/03/2023 - 13:29

    Im no mechanic, but given the situation

    • pay $500 for investigation by if you feel the bloke is not dodgy type
    • take a mobile mechanic to where it is if possible to get another quote. (not sure if current mechanic would allow this)
    • tow it to another reputable mechanic despite the cost.

    Good luck!

  • Hangryuman on 03/03/2023 - 15:12

    reminds me of last century (pre-internet) selling my 12yo car I'd had since new just before I went overseas for a year

    cute girl (friend of friend) I'd never seen before showed up, happily bought it at the bargain price I was asking, and see ya later.

    a year later on my return a friend told me that girl had promptly gotten in the car to drive from Brisbane to Sydney.

    half-way there a red light came on in the dashboard display but she didn't know what it meant so she kept driving

    apparently it was an overheating warning - the fanbelt had broken - engine overheated and blew up - needing new engine

    I was told she was angry and wanted her money back - I laughed.

  • Laz167 on 03/03/2023 - 16:25

    is there smoke in the exhaust?

    White smoke could indicate blown head gasket as the water will mix with the oil in the engine. Black smoke indicated too much oil and its getting pushed through with the fuel.

    Easy enough test to perfrom by just starting the car and hitting the accelerator.

    • derrida derider on 05/03/2023 - 10:24

      But you can only do that AFTER you get the radiator replaced so some coolant actually exists. It's just as cheap, and far more reliable, to take the head off and have a look at what's inside.

  • BartholemewH on 03/03/2023 - 21:18

    Your gf drove it for longer than she reckons OP. RIP Camry.

  • RolandWaites on 04/03/2023 - 00:02

    First up buy one of these (currently on sale at Jaycar)

    https://www.jaycar.com.au/obdii-engine-code-reader-diagnosti…

    Check what it tells you is throwing out error codes.

    Realistically a shaking, rattling car after a radiator failure isn't just the car telling you it needs a new radiator. Something broke. Even if your girlfriend drove for a couple of minutes it could be damaged. If she was driving when it failed she didn't necessarily see it as soon as it failed. It could've been going for some time before she noticed. I've had one fail on me in a 20yo Corolla and I managed to drive the three minutes to the closest Repco for some new coolant and paste to patch the small crack for a few days while I waited for a replacement radiator, but if she was going any faster and any longer… All sorts of damage might have been done.

    • derrida derider on 05/03/2023 - 10:25

      Alloy engines break very quickly indeed without coolant - aluminium warps at quite low temperatures.

  • Dr Techno on 04/03/2023 - 10:35

    I wouldDIY if it was me. First EDU error code scanning to see whats recorded, check under rad cap for milky coolant/oil slick on surface of water (indiciates head gasket), you can get combustion gas liquid tests, if its within budget you could replace radiator DIY for about $150 and see how it goes knowing theres potentially another problem to fix. Any visual leaks around the head gasket ?

  • erasimos on 04/03/2023 - 11:37

    Time was you could get a 4 year old Camry for under $20000 even like 5 years ago. You'd expect a car like that would have a good ten years in it. Now a 2019 Camry goes for more than it sold for.

    If you really like the car it might be worth budgeting for a rebuild. You are going to have to have a look at the breaks the shocks, the gearbox and probably the electrics. If you are throwing a couple of grand a year at it you could afford a newer car.

  • Whocarez on 04/03/2023 - 12:36
    +1

    Not sure if its been mentioned but you can get a replacement engine from the wreckers for significantly less thank $4k at least here in Sydney that would be the case, also find another reputable mechanic(closer to 5 star Google reviews the better) and get a 2nd opinion. If you have roadside membership they can tow the vehicle for you.

  • nekro on 05/03/2023 - 10:22

    How many k's has the car done?

  • Grish on 05/03/2023 - 11:38
    +1

    So many people saying to go buy an odbii reader, why not just ask the mechanic if you want to know the logged codes?

    I assume the car is sitting at the mechanics shop, and I bet you the OP will end up taking the $500 because it's the convenient option.

    I don't agree that taking the $500 then buying the same car again for 5-6k is better than getting a head gasket done (or even a reconditioned engine swap out).

    A reconditioned engine comes with warranty, and atleast you know the history of the rest of the car, unlike buying someone else's problems for the same outlay.

  • Gros21 on 06/03/2023 - 10:51

    seems to be you are not that good at maths
    Option A $500 cash Down 1 car
    Option B $4000 worst case for a car thats worth 9k+
    Sell said car for 9k you are up $4500

    also 4k is to much for a motor swap.

    Lets say he charges $100 hr and engine is $1000 from wreckers 30hrs of labour i think not.

    He can rebuild the engine also for pretty cheap may just need that and shave the head which would mean more power.

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