Which is better, getting an older engine rebuilt or just opting to a replacement?

Question

The engine in question comes from a 1995 Toyota Camry. The engine has been well taken care of and seems to be running strong yet it is showing it's age.
In other words, how much does an engine rebuild generally cost?
Pros or Cons to the two?

Thanks.

As of recently there is close to 230,000 miles on the engine. You could call this my daily driver/project car. I plan to have this car as long as it's been in use already.

Answer 1

Generally by the time a Toyota engine needs rebuilding or replacing about all the car is good for anyway is land fill. A little oil seeping out around the valve cover/covers or a little seeping out around the mains aren't going to hurt one bit. Just keep check on oil and aid as needed.
That said about Toyota engines in general. If you have busted a hose and the engine over heated or if some idiot forgot to put the drain plug back in when changing the oil then yeah you have a problem.
In that case it it best buying a re-manufactured engine is best way to go since they will have a warranty with them. Can't tell you how much exactly since prices vary from auto parts house to auto parts house. I got one which came with 3 year 36,000 mile warranty and at another time I got one with a 48 month unlimited mileage warranty.
Prices and warranties vary like I just said. But generally on the low side you'll be looking at around 1,000 dollars and on the high side around 2,000 dollars for the engine. That does not include installing them unless you are going to do it yourself. Count on another 1,000 to 1,500 to have them installed to be on the safe side.

Answer 2

if you want to rebuilt the engine make sure you do an engine compression check first, that way you will know if the engine still has life left on it. If you want to replace it then you are actually getting a used engine also that was either re-built or taken from a totaled car. If you don't want to go through all the troubles of rebuilding the engine then I would suggest to just purchase a replacement. Remember, you cannot get another brand new engine but a used engine although there is actually a warranty that comes with it so you are still covered when it dies on you. It seems like the mileage on your car is way up there, so if you can find an engine probably from a wreck (that wasn't damaged during the collison) that has only 30,000 miles or less then I would definitely go for it.

Answer 3

Need More info Dude, How many miles on the old engine. Typically though, a toyota engine will run fine until the car starts falling apart. Just keep driving it to get your moneys worth out of the car, when it dies but another Toyota with about 30K miles on it and drive it until it dies. That should keep you going for another 15 to 20 years. What I'm triing to say is, If a toyota engine is sick, the rest of the car is about worthless by that time anyway, Give it a nice burial and get another one.

Answer 4

I would go with a professional rebuilt from a dealer or retailer who give a warranttee and stand behind it. My dad's mech rebuilt his engine, messed up but would not rebuild again to correct problem. used qt of oil every 200 miles after rebuild.

But just remember, you will have a $2000-$3000 car, with a new $3000 engine, you ain't going to get $6000+ for it if you try to sell it. Run her till she breaks, then think of what to do. It may last you another 100,000 miles without issue.

Answer 5

a stock rebuild and machining will cost you around $1200

this price does not include the labor charge of pulling/installing the motor.

Answer 6

opting to a replacement