Topic: replace engine or get new car?

[stevek]

My 97 Odyssey now has 302,000 km on it. For 5 months it has become our 3rd vehicle. My son uses it to drive to college in our city. With 5 in the family and 3 vehicles insurance has been expensive but it's convenient.

Now the Odyssey has a broken crank shaft pulley and needs a new engine. The dealer found a used engine, 100,000km on it with 90 day warranty. Cost $2400 installed, taxes in.

We may well decide to live with 2 cars only for a while. But if not I'd like advice on:

- is the new engine a good way to go on a 97 vehicle?

- would an older used car be better? We could afford maybe up to $5000.

I know there are many variables and unknowns, but I'd appreciate any guidance. Also if we do decide to get rid of the Odyssey (it's sitting at the dealer for a few days awaiting our decision), what if anything might I expect to get for it? I was quoted $500 by Cookstown Auto.

Thanks.

[mdxtasy]

Should be able to get more than $500. 

How's the rest of the van?  Mechanically (aside from the engine) like the drivetrain, tranny etc....how's the body?  Interior?  If the car is in good shape and everything else is good, I can't see why a new engine can't be put in and have that van serve you for a few more years.  But 302k on a van may mean other major components are also worn.  Buying a $5k car may mean buying another person's problems. 

Is the engine you're getting good? 

[stevek]

All I know is the replacement engine has about 100,000 on it and there's a 90 day warranty.

The body is good, I have done Krown rustproofing for years. Interior is ok, good enough for my son. I have spent money on brakes over the years, and front end stuff last summer. It still rides and handles nicely, and the cruise, power windows and heat work. A/C quit a year ago.

[Arthur Dent]

you have to ask yourself is it worth $3k (2500+500) to you? If so get it fixed, if not what else can you buy with that $3k in your area?

[barrie1]

You have to find out what the car is worth now with a good running engine in it and decide from there. All cars at that age are going to cost you around $1000. a year in repairs which is normal but this is more and do you want to keep it for the next 3 years investment wise as well. These questions always tell which way to deal when I answer them. 

[duck]

SELL,  SELL  ,SELL  it.   I dunno know why the dealer wants you to replace the crank shaft pully when the whole engine is shot.   

[stevek]

Actually the dealer said to replace the entire engine because it was too expensive to just replace the crankshaft. However I did sell the van a week ago.

[tpl]

So if the pulley goes it cant just have another one put on the crankshaft ?   Hmmm thats an "improvement" that is not a good thing.