Good deal or not 86 station wagon for $450, I blew my Intrepid up or should I get it fixed?

Question

I blew my 96 Intrepid motor now I have to get another car the station wagon works okay, I am wondering if that is a good price for it and or if I should get my Intrepid fixed?

Answer 1

You should give more information about the type and condition of your cars.
If your intrepid is newer it may be worth fixing with a new engine or a rebuild. You can probably find a used engine for it for between 150 and 400 dollars. A rebuild isnt cheap, and neither is a new engine. The mechanic work will be a few hundred more dollars, and if you don't take it to a reputable place it will end up having vacuum ad wiring problems due to the shadetree mechanic syndrome - ie if it dosent need that part to start and run it probably dosent need it at all.
On the other hand, ANY car that runs and drives well is worth 450 bucks. If any of the places where you put the fluids in under the hood are cleaned off or have fluids on them then you can bet that there is a leak that requires constant refilling (and you can also bet that it hasnt been filled every time it got low) Check for what looks like dust in the transmission fluid, what looks like rotten milk in the oil and under the oil cap - and for metal or ruber dust there too. Check the radiator for a lot of rust or especially fluid other than water or coolant. look under the car for drips of oil or trans fluid Pull back and forth on all the tires and listen for clinking sounds and check for play in the wheels. Make sure it drives straight down the road "mostly". LISTEN for weird sounds that the engine might make while runnung, and the transmission as well. Look at the engine and look for any signs of recent work, like blue, black or orange glue smeared about, or missing screws/bolts. Then let the car sit and idle for about thirty minutes to see if it overheats.
If the car passes that inspection you should buy it for sure unless its really rusty or horribly ugly I guess..... ;)
Make sure the transmission shifts soundly, and dosent whine or "rev up" between gears, if it does run away from it.
Pay special attention to odd sounds from the engine while revving or decelerating, a few taps from the engine when you let off of the gas can mean big trouble later.
I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have a 2002 Intrepid in the shop right now getting a new engine. Mine blew too at 100,000 miles. In the past 3 months I've replaced the transmission for the 2nd time, and replaced the whole computer and now the engine blew. That's just a glimpse as to what my repair headaches have been with this POS.

There are rumors of a class action lawsuit against these cars with the 2.7L engine. Tons of them have blown due to design defects causing oil sludge in the engine ruining tons of different components. The manufacturer is trying to pawn it off on the owners for not changing their oil religiously which is a load of crud.

A new engine alone will cost you around $3500 without labor. If you don't owe money on the car, DON'T FIX IT! Run far, run fast... invest the money you would in a new engine into something OTHER than a dodge! I would have gotten a different car a long time ago, but I owe more than it's worth and have not been able to...

Answer 3

Sorry to hear about you car trouble.
If you can afford it change the engine in the intrepid!
I would repair the Intrepid by installing a new motor. Sure its more expensive but at least the rest of the car is 10 YEARS newer than the wagon.
That 1986 car is over 20years old!!! Something is bound to give out sooner than the Intrepid.

Answer 4

I would say the $450 would be a great deal, provided it is mechanical and body sound. The body you can visually look at but I would recommend spending a few more dollars and have a reliable mechanic to check it out mechanically. I'm guessing they will want between 2000 to 3000 to replace a new engine in your Intrepid.

Answer 5

Thats a decision that is hard to make, since we dont know the condition of the wagon. But my mom always told me "You get what you pay for" I replace the engine on my dodge spirit last summer & then a few months ago I spent 2k on a rebuilt transmission, now I'm selling it for $500 or whatever I can get for it. Good luck!!!!

At this point it might be better for you to save up a deposit & get a newer car. I wish I did that.

Answer 6

if that intrepid had the 2.7 liter engine good luck on finding a engine in good shape that engine sucked big time.. i would say the wagon if its in good to fair shape. that intrepid if the body is in good shape with a blown engine and someone looking for a parts car could bring you about 250 to 300 bucks..

Answer 7

i would try to fix the intrepid if it cost less than 450 but it not buy the wagon

Answer 8

Depends on what kind it is. I personally think you shouldnt because they are prone to problems. Go to ebay.com and find a dodge neon for around 500 bucks since you are on a budget. These are much more reliable than getting a 86 wagon.

Answer 9

Beats me. A 21 year old vehicle doesn't have any set price, it depends on condition. I'd be happier if you said $200, unless this is a real nice car with new tires and new paint perhaps. "I blew my interpid up" doesn't tell me much about what's wrong with it, or the costs of fixing it.