1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Head Gasket

1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
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SATELLITEBEACH
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee (inline 6) 4x4. It has 168,000 miles on it. I have replaced the radiator, starter, and re-built the transmission in the last year. My head gasket went on me last week. I am a sales rep. and drive about 150 miles/day on average. Should I replace the engine or get a new car? I know that both are a gamble but I wanted to see what someone with experience in the car industry would do in my situation. Any advice would be appreciated.
Jul 26, 2006 at 12:49 PM
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DEMEARSJR
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If you're doing it yourself do the head gasket if you have the time and don't mind the work.
Otherwise those engines are fairly cheap and you should be able to find one for under a grand easy.
Jul 26, 2006 at 2:19 PM
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SATELLITEBEACH
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I can't replace the engine on my own. My mechanic (who is a really honest guy) said that he only uses Jasper engines and this one would run about $2000 + $600-$700 in labor.
Jul 27, 2006 at 2:36 AM
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DEMEARSJR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110 POSTS
I'd do the head gasket then.Those inline six's come apart pretty easily.
Jul 27, 2006 at 5:00 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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A jasper engine is a good thing, and the price sounds fair. It is ALWAYS cheaper to repair and drive what you own. Plan on about 7 to 10 cents a mile for repairs and maintenance versus 45 cents a mile to own a $15,000 car for the first three years. I vote on the engine.
Aug 8, 2006 at 1:22 PM
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Suggested Repair

Keep the vehicle rather than replace it. A head gasket repair is the lower-cost option if the inline-six is otherwise sound; a Jasper remanufactured engine at about $2,000 plus $600–$700 labor is considered a fair alternative.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee inline-six 4x4 with 168,000 miles and a failed head gasket asked whether to repair the engine or replace the car after recent radiator, starter, and transmission work. Experts said a DIY head gasket job is reasonable because these engines come apart easily, and a used engine can be inexpensive. A Jasper reman engine quoted at about $2,000 plus $600–$700 labor was called fair, and one expert recommended repairing and keeping the vehicle because ownership costs less per mile than a newer car.

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