Where to get the repairs?

Question

I have a 2002 Toyota Corolla with 173K on it. The pistons are shot and from ever source I can find - including my mechanic and Toyota itself - I need to replace that engine. The car still runs it just burns an ungodly amount of oil. This has fouled the catalytic converter and a few O2 sensors as well. I'm looking at roughly $2000.00 for an engine - short block with one year warranty, with probably at least another $1000 to install it. On top of that probably another $900.00 to fix the catalytic converter and O2 sensors. All told that's probably $4000 - $4500 to get this car up to speed.

This is probably more than the car is worth however what I have to take into consideration is the fact that these are the only major problems the car has. The transmission is solid. I need the car for at least the next 3 years. My girlfriend and I are already making payments on her car and won't have that paid off for another 30 months so the idea of taking on another car payment right now is pretty much out of the question...do-able if we HAD to but it'd be painful with no room for error for over 2 years.

All this being said, I want to get some feedback on WHERE the best place is to get this work done. I have a mechanic I trust to do the work however I have several people telling me to go to a Toyota dealership. I have no idea at this point what the cost of that would be. Would there be any sort of advantage to using the dealership or should I just order the new - not used - engine and have my guy do it?

Holey Mufflers · Accepted Answer

short block may not solve the issue. the issue may involve the heads. or the issue may have impacted the heads. need a tear down and inspection to see what all is involved. that may not be worth the labor time to do. especially, if after tear dwon the engine is considered a total loss. that money would have been a waste.
so....
cheapest/best solution,
i would get a jdm engine. look at the emissions sticker on the under side of the hood. tells the engine type. 
then google "JDM" and that engine type. those can be purchased and once paid for can be drop shipped directly to any mechanics shop for install.

dealer is gonna be very pricey. reputable ASE shop is prolly your best bet there.
prolly purchase and install for considerably less than your engine purchase price at this pint.

? · Answer

There is no REAL advantage to taking the car to a Toyota dealer.  In fact, that's probably your most expensive option.

Something that was not mentioned here is having your original engine rebuilt.  It might take a few days longer, but could be a less expensive alternative.  ALSO, there is a good market for COMPLETE, ready to run,  used Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) engines that could be just dropped in to your car and go...

Lots of options.  Quite a few different prices.  I suggest you do a bit more homework before you make a decision.

J J · Answer

Jasper engine and transmission is a employee owned company that rebuilds engines and transmission. There price is good and they back it with a warranty. I'm sure Toyota does the same except there shop rate will be much higher. So call Jasper and have your mechanic do the work. I've been to there rebuild plant and toured it, they do a very good job and run test every engine to look for oil leaks and any other problems that may come up.

? · Answer

Used engines and transmissions are a bad idea. You don't know how well the previous vehicle was maintained. I'd rebuild your current engine. Buying a brand new engine is expensive and just as good as a rebuilt engine. Since you have a mechanic that you trust I would just let him do it. Dealers aren't relevant unless you need warranty repairs.

jon_mac_usa_007 · Answer

You might want to get a used engine installed, it should be cheaper.

Anonymous · Answer

you should watch history tv and checkout the mechanics show in it to get your car fixed.

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Where to get the repairs?

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