Worth it to replace engine on 1989 Voyager LE?

TRAVLINFAMLY

MEMBER
1989 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER

Hi, we are trying to decide if it's worth it to replace the engine in our minivan. We purchased the car used 2 yrs ago, private party, with about 140k miles, for several hundred below blue book b/c the radiator needed replacement. We had the car thoroughly checked over, found oil leak, and unfortunately the engine seized on us before we ever fixed the problem.

The interior is in very good condition, no rust (car was in mild climate before, but we now live in a cold climate where rust is a big problem), good body/paint with only a couple minor dents. Transmission in great condition. New brakes all around, new radiator & hoses, ran smooth & quiet, window regulators were replaced (they tend to break). A/C & heat work very well.
Any thoughts on how much its worth it to spend the money to fix it? The only other work left is a ty-rod? Repair. We are trying to hold off buying a late model minivan for another year or two.

Any help appreciated! THanks

3 Replies

PALOMA PAUL

MEMBER
14 POSTS

I would say count your losses. I replaced an engine after the one overheated. Abouit 3-4 months later the tranny started acting up. I say count your losses now. Try shopping at ebay motors for an inexpensive replacement.

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Monday, January 16th, 2006 AT 7:34 PM

BTKHUME

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I know that when u replace a engine with another u usually have trany problems not all the time but ocassionally so u could replace it with another motor if u did I would go with a rebuilt motor u can ussually find them for a decent price but I guess it depends on how much u r willing to spend my guess would be anywhere from 2000-3500

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Monday, January 16th, 2006 AT 9:04 PM

TRAVLINFAMLY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for your comments!

We were thinking an engine from a junk yard for a few hundred. Found a friend who located an engine locally & he would charge labor of $400.
Still costs money, but we just need to get by for a few months or a year, until we can consider a newer car.
We realize that we could not recoup the 1k or so we would spend on a replacement. Plus other costs may come up doing the job. But the alternative of buying another used minivan at 1-2k for the next few months/ year or so, and risk a different, unknown set of problems. Well, that's what we are debating.

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Monday, January 16th, 2006 AT 9:48 PM