I took my 98 Dodge Status SE with 119,000 miles on it to several auto clinics, and all diagnost my car with head gasket problems.I also had the computer diagnosis done. The cheapist deal I got was $820 for head gasket repair and changing of the timing belt.( the highest estimate was $1700). The car was running alright, but was shaking bad and leaking oil so much, that my oil light stayed on, and my car started to go just 20-30 mph and nothing over unless I pressed on the accelerater for a while, so I stop driving it.At first the car would start but would barely make over 1 on the rpm gauge.its been about 4 days and the car doesnt start, but its trying to. Should I invest my money in this car?What questons should I ask the mechanic to make sure everything is done properly? Any good advice?
2007-01-22 12:28:59 · 5 answers · asked by tina S 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sorry about your luck. You blew a headgasket. Motor is TOAST. I wouldn't invest another penny in that pile of crap. Sell it on eBay as rebuildable and list the problems. Someone will buy it to fix it up........and believe me, I have sold MANY non-running cars on eBay and they always bring WAY too much money because people like projects. They think they save money. Then go buy a better car. GOOD LUCK!
2007-01-22 12:34:04 · answer #1 · answered by gin and juice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough question! Depending on how long or how badly the headgasket has been leaking, it could have done other engine damage. If the coolant leaks into the oil, that can damage the engines bearings.
If the car has some value to it, then it might be worth fixing, but it the repair is a third or more of the cars value, it might be time to just sell it for what you can and buy a more reliable car.
2007-01-22 12:38:05 · answer #2 · answered by caddydaddy472 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask about a rebuilt engine.. sounds to me like they'll run into more than just a head gasket when they get into it, and the price will go up. If you trade the old engine in on a rebuilt, the work will get done quicker and there won't be any nasty surprises. The question you have to ask yourself.. is the rest of the car in good shape, and do you like it well enough to put that kind of money into it?
2007-01-22 12:38:40 · answer #3 · answered by Lee W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you definately either have a bad head gasket or head. the reason its not running right is antifreeze has probably gotten into your oil. antifreeze is real bad for the moving parts of your engine, but hopefully if you didnt let it go too long it could be salvageable. just change your oil every thousand miles for a while after getting the head fixed.
2007-01-22 12:34:22 · answer #4 · answered by John T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the mechanic how much he'd charge to drive it off a cliff! Cut your losses and move on.
2007-01-22 12:34:08 · answer #5 · answered by rduke88 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋