Car: Fix it or Get a New One?

[RALFFERS 0]

OK, so sometime last week I noticed my radiator was leaking, so naturally I poured some fluid in there, made some minor adjustments and it wasn't leaking anymore. Today however was not a good day; I was driving along and had just got done making a delivery (no, not food or drugs) and when I pulled out of my parking space the car died - I thought it was odd, but didn't think much of it....until it started back up... It was making a strange rattling sound and sounded like a diesel engine. Turns out the radiator was leaking again, I mean it must have because the engine overheated. Ironically, the temperature gage was showing a normal reading, hence why I didn't even know anything was wrong till it was too late. Just my luck to have the engine overheat AND the temperature gage not work.

Let it cool off, poured some water and more fluid in and luckily i got home (didn't want to, nor did I have the money to pay for towing.) That was not fun - had to rev it in neutral while stopped so it wouldn't die, and God forbid being on a hill (had a few of those on the way)...I had to throw it neutral and have 1 foot on the brake the other on the gas.

Damn it...while I was looking for a normal, 40-hour a week job at least I had this little delivery gig on the side, running parts for a machine shop. Now I can't even do that.

The worst thing is that at least 1 of the cylinders is blown (knowing my luck its a couple.)

So here's the question...if you were in my shoes would you repair it, or get a new car? I currently drive a '94 Mercury Tracer (pretty much a Ford Escort) that has 72,000 miles on it (bought it from a old lady that hardly drove it and was the original owner.) If I was to buy something else, the max I'm wiling and able to spend is $3,500. Any recommendations in that price range?

Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself -

"from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of

[namgrunt 0]

new radiator and thermostat cost what$$$

new / old car ??$$$$$

.

59 YEARS,OVERWEIGHT,BALDIND,X-GRUNT
LAST MIL. JUMP VIET-NAM(QUAN-TRI)
www.dzmemories.com

[RALFFERS 0]

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new radiator and thermostat cost what$$$

new / old car ??$$$$$

.

It's not only that at this point probably. Because a cylinder or cylinders blew the engine needs some work, and I have no idea how much that would cost.

Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself -

"from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of

[quade 3]

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Because a cylinder or cylinders blew the engine needs some work, and I have no idea how much that would cost.

Whether it's 1 or all of them, unless you plan on doing the work yourself at save some cash, you're probably going to be better off swapping out the entire engine for a rebuilt one.

Can't say for certain how much that's going to cost you, but upwards of $1500-$2000 in the bank isn't going to be a bad idea when the bill hits.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Tink1717 2]

You have blown the head gasket and probably warped the head. I had the same thing happen to me a few years back. You will either have to replace the head or the whole engine. Either way, you're looking at $2-4K for the repair. If I were you, I'd fix it. You can't get much car for $3K these days.

Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off.
-The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!)
AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717

[kschilk 0]

If even one of the cylinders is blown, chances are, you'll be looking at a total rebuild, replacement or an amazingly short lifespan (with just a top-end job). Not sure what engine you have but for the most part....when the top end goes, the bottom end isn't far behind. If coolant got into the crankcase, you may have already trashed the bearings....likely to be the noise you heard. I'd strongly suspect a cracked head and often, the intake manifold will crack with it. Considering the age, mileage and likely cost of repair, you might want to shop around for something else.

"T'was ever thus."

[PLFXpert 0]

I didn't read your post.

But, if you have to ask: Get a new one.



Edit: Or a well-mainted pre-owned one.

Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

[livendive 8]

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You have blown the head gasket and probably warped the head. .

That's what it sounds like to me. On a '94 Tracer, I'd say getting an estimate will just help write the obituary. Paying for a rebuilt engine will cost more than the car will be worth AFTER it's installed and running fine.

For a similar car around $3500ish, I'd be looking for a mid to late 90's Geo Prizm with
Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[Hausse 0]

I am currently driving a 1989 Honda Accord which I bought for $800. Awesome car. I made 16'000 miles this year and except for the exhaust which was simply rusted through and my airconditioning not working no expenses. On top of that I get nearly 30 mpg.
Get a Honda if you can!

[jm951 0]

How do you know a cylinder is "blown"? Leak down test? compression test? Oil/water mixing? Diagnose the problem properly first, then start thinking of a course of action. If you have the last scenario, you might have pretty much toasted the engine. Driving around with that will ruin the bearings in short order, necessitating a rebuild or replacement of the engine.

If that is the case, there are cars out there in the $2-3k range that are in decent mechanical condition. You'll just have to shop around.

[RALFFERS 0]

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated.
I just hope none of this puts a damper in my tunnel time....was planning to go back in May...

Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself -

"from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of

[diablopilot 2]

www.craigslist.com and pay for a mechanic's inspection of whatever you find. Your ride isn't worth it.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[RALFFERS 0]

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How do you know a cylinder is "blown"?

The rattling sound, and the fact that I had to have my foot to the floor to get any kind of [slow] movement out of the car.

Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself -

"from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of

[marks 0]

that doesnt mean it is blown...

your not going to get the correct answer here..

also, if it overheated because of "no water", there is no way for your temp gauge to tell you it is overheating. the temp guage sensor has to be submerged in water to work correctly.

also, be aware, radiators blow because the car overheated for some reason, usually. the high pressures and the boiling water makes it pop internally and the radiator cracks on the plastic housing. so do some thinking, did the radiator blow because it overheated? if so you also have another problem. if not, what kind of damage did the overheat cause?

get it to someone who knows what the hell is going on. and usually you will NOT find that person at a tire store or a jiffy lube.

[Krip 2]

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www.craigslist.com and pay for a mechanic's inspection of whatever you find. Your ride isn't worth it.

We've been checking out CL for a used cadilac around 10 yr's old mid range miles if you got the time to look might be in your price range. We've been looking pre flood.

Beware do not buy used cars from certain parts of Wa state for a while. Flood damage

One Jump Wonder

[Gawain 0]

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Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated.
I just hope none of this puts a damper in my tunnel time....was planning to go back in May...

That was going to be my advice. If you're in Chicago, you should be able to find a couple hundred sub-$4000 cars within 50 miles without breaking a sweat.

Used Hondas and Toyotas are going to be good bets.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!