Would it be worth it to get the timing chain fixed

Tiny
ALINDSEY17
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
  • 250,000 MILES
With such high mileage, and if so what cost am I looking at? I have an '02 Alero with around 250,000 miles on it. I was driving and while sitting at a red light the car cut off on me. When trying to turn it back on the engine wouldn't turn. It wound up being the timing chain.

I'm not sure if its worth fixing, what cost I'm looking at, or if there would be other problems to follow. Please help, this is my only means of transportation.
Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 8:01 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
I'm not sure which engine you have. Is it actually a chain or is it a belt?
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
ALINDSEY17
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  • 6 POSTS
It's a 4cyl and the person I had look at it said it was a timing chain.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 8:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Okay. That is a tough call. If the car is in good condition other than this problem, it may be worth fixing. However, 250K miles is a lot. Is the rest of the vehicle in good condition? Is the transmission working properly? Have you had any other issues recently?
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 8:31 AM
Tiny
ALINDSEY17
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  • 6 POSTS
Other than the blinker not working every time, no. Not at all. The check engine light never came on.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 8:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Then it comes down to if you want to keep the vehicle. If it is in good condition other than the chain, maybe it would be a good idea to have it fixed. Have they provided any quotes for the repair?
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
ALINDSEY17
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Anywhere between $500-$800
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Not knowing where you live makes it hard to say if that is a good price. I am in PA and that would be a little high. However, if you are in CA, that would be a good price.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
By the way, if you like the car and it is still in good shape, I would say fix it. When you think about it, what kind of car can you get for 500 to 800 dollars.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 4:26 PM
Tiny
ALINDSEY17
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I live in GA. The guy said the price comes with fixing the cam shaft and some other stuff as well. Depending on what all needs to be done with it. But that's very true, $500-$800 is a lot cheaper than a nee car
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Nothing should be wrong with the cam. If they start adding things, let me know. You know, I was thinking about this vehicle today while I was at work. Anymore, why not fix them if they are still in good shape. I bought my first new house in the 90's and it was less money than the truck I just got. Plus, I just read in the paper that they want to increase the fuel tax to pay for road repairs. You may be better keeping your money in your pocket. God knows what will happen next. Lol
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Thursday, November 21st, 2013 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
ALINDSEY17
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Lol, that is so true. Cars, including everything you have to pay with them, are so expensive nowadays. Thanks so much for your help and I will be sure to write you with everything the mechanic has to say. Thanks again!
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Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 AT 11:03 AM

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