Okay, I need some advice please because I don't have a clue. I have an 01 Civic EX. I've loved that car and it's never given me any problems until lately. My engine is toast and I've found another for $550. A friend can put it in which might cost another $500, plus I'm going to want to put in a new clutch while I'm in there. It's got about 217,000 miles on it.. The brakes need some work soon and it makes horrible rattling sounds when I go over bumps. I'm assuming that's shocks, I'm a girl who doesn't know very much about the innerworkings of cars, the men in my family are the mechanics. I planned on trading it in next spring and the money it's going to cost to fix is probably not even worth it. My brother wants to buy it off me and he'll get around to fixing everything so he can drive it. I'm not sure what to do or how much I can sell it for with no engine. He said he'd give me $500 for it. It's a great little car, it just needs work! Is $500 too much or too little? Any advice about this is much appreciated!

 

Considering its your sibling, you're going to run in to a classic "family favor" dilemma when asking for a proper price. $500 is a little on the low side for a clean chassis, but given your unknown issues (rattles and brakes) there's really no knowing the exact cost of repairs. You could probably get it back up and running (almost like new) for less than $2,000... so its up to you to decide what it is worth. If you're determined to sell, I'd say its worth more like $1000 - $2000, depending on the condition of the car (body panels/paint, etc...).

 

If your car is payment free, then you would have to spend money on your neglected maintenance and repairs, plus your dead engine. If you are in a hurry to get a new car and payments, then sell it to your brother for $500.00, and walk away. Just spent $4000. on maintence and repairs in the past year on my just turned eight Civic at 100,000 miles. Still needs a few more things done, am a fussy owner. Looked at a new Civic in July, got offered $3000. on trade, at least there is no more depreciation on my 2004.

 

I am in a similar situation. I fit a Vtec Head on a non Vtec engine and he oil light is on.
I am at wits end. Should I get rid of the car? Block has 70K only. Will try asking $2k