Should I purchase a used car or replace my 2000 Civic engine($2,400, includes transmission)? The chop shop estimate is $300. The car runs fine afaik 180,000 miles, except for A/C, but needs new brake pads. The mechanic said it could last another 4-5 years. I destroyed the engine through lack of oil (feel free to lecture, I'm quite aware of how stupid and negligent this was, if you want to save some time.) For another car my budget is around $3-4K. Thank you for any suggestions or wisdom you can share. Additional info: Last year was $900 in replacement parts, and was better taken care of until around that time.

 

that price is VERY high. like double of what i would consider high. shop around,

 

Why not just buy a new (low mileage) motor from https://www.hmotorsonline.com/?? Usually their motors have around 50k miles, which would last a ton longer than some beat up 180k mile used motor.

 

The importer around me sells entire longblock engines for $400-700 depending on the year and type of engine. Should shop around. It is NOT hard to remove an engine and transmission with the proper tools in a 6th gen.

 

My mistake, I mentioned the miles for for the wear and tear on the rest of the car, I'm not sure if that is that important, not great with cars, the 180k mile engine was the one I destroyed. I haven't looked into the engine to be used, I had the impression it would be new. Is that not the case usually, more likely a transplant?

 

Typically a new motor is bought used as they are plentiful. As said above these motors go for 400-700 all day, sometimes cheaper locally. You can also re-use your transmission. Maybe look on your local facebook pages, I bet there is someone on there that would do the swap for you if you aren't able. All in I'd expect you to spend 900-1000.

 

I've seen the price for the engines, spending 900-1000 including the labor for it? So are most mechanics/shops going to be around that price range? Don't have much experience shopping around on facebook and finding people that I trust and have the skills. I was about to say if it's a new engine that seems like a decent deal, I just know the rest of the car is 18 years old, and I'm not sure what the next expensive failure would likely be.

 

That would be 900-1000 total, but that includes finding someone local to do the work and finding a motor on the low end of the price. I wouldn't shy away from it that easily, most "shadetree" mechanics near me have lots of reference and plenty of people to back up their work, but I do understand wanting to go to a shop.

 

Yes, it seems like most people replying are suggesting to go that route, which while I'm trying to consider, my family's knowledge of cars is pretty slim so it seems a bit on the risky side, firstly finding an engine to use and then a mechanic, not to mention if something does go poorly. No one in the responses is suggesting another used car at this point, so I take that as a general good sign for what I'm leaning towards now.

 

I'd honestly charge $500 labor to do it on the side, and likely have it done the same day or weekend. It's a SUPER easy job on the 88-00, even if you want to do the rear main seal and full timing kit (Highly recommended while it's out). The 7th gen is more of a PITA, and the 4th gen is the easiest in my opinion since you can remove the radiator support.

You could also buy a 98-00 Civic with a good engine (shitty body/interior) for around 1-2k, and use the good chassis parts from your existing car, then part out the rest. Title and registration fees might negate the savings a little bit, but it might work out in your favor.

Please consider a new timing kit, crank/cam seals, and rear main at the same time if you do the swap. Those are the cheapish parts with super expensive labor costs.

 

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veyron