Ok so I bought a 2000 Mazda 626 ES V6 and the damn thing overheated and died. I know. I know. It shoudn't have happened. How's this for you, I was on a first date with this girl too. Talk about a smooth move, lol.

I took the car to Gravios Auto Repair to get an estimate and to see what happened. They said at minimum blown head gaskets, which is what I figured. But they want to replace the entire engine, which is I guess is also understandable considering it's an alluminum block and heads.

They gave me two estimates:
Option one: Replace the engine with a salvage motor that has about 70K miles on it. They will warranty parts and labor for 12 months/12K miles. Price = $3000.00
Option two: Replace the engine with a Jasper motor. Fresh! They will warranty the labor for 12 months/12K miles and the engine I think is 3 years / 75K miles. Price = $5000.00

I'm just wondering if these prices are legit. And is there any other options? Maybe tear the engine apart to see if it just can be repaired. Or does anyone know a good shop that does this type of thing for a better price?

This is my first major problem with any car.

Any help/insight would be great!

Kevin

 

Overheating is a death sentence. The prices seem reasonable and I would recommend the new engine, although you could likely scrap the car and put your money toward a new car entirely.

 

I would go to option 3...scrap it and get a new car, or at leastanother car. You could put 3-5k in that but you will never recoup it. Unless you plan on driving it into the ground, in which it wouldn't matter.

 

How good of shape is the rest of the car? Spending $5K on an 8 year old car seems kinda excessive..

Check auto ads,, how much is a 2000 Mazda 626 selling for?

 

ive spent a little more than that and my car is 14 years old. []

that is too broad of a statement.

OP: i just searched a 2000 mazda 626 and IMO the repair wouldnt be worth it. btw..what part of stl you from?

 

Spending +$5k to fix engine damage on a 14 year old car is even nuttier lol

 

Look at the bright side, this is one date youll never forget. As for the car you could buy a used car in good shape and condition with that same $5k.

 

bummer man. My uncle got the mercedes 190 D i'm using as a DD for $200 from a guy up the street. The clutch is going out so we removed the spacer that keeps the pedal from hitting the floor (evidently germans dont like pedal imprints in the carpet) and it works fine. It had 300K when we got it and have put another 3K since. And its gets about 30mpg!!

I say scrap the mazda and look arround for a junker like my uncle and i found.

 

it all depends on the car.

btw...the 5k isnt from damage.

 

$5000 is a good down payment on another mustang :P Can never have enough of them