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Repair Car or Not Advice Needed (1 Viewer)

J

James Daulton

Footballguy
Son away at college drives a 2005 Highlander with 260k miles on it.

Email from son:  Driving home and noticed the check oil light and VSC light were both on. I was a little over halfway back to campus when I noticed this, so probably about 10ish minutes and 7ish miles of driving. I had no other issues or concerns until I pulled back into the driveway of the house, at which point the car started smoking a little. We checked under the hood and thought that oil was leaking.

Now the local mechanic tells him the Water Pump sheered off and it will cost $750 to install a new one.  The huge kicker is that there's potential engine damage from water pump parts and he won't know if or the extent until the new pump goes on so I'd be in for $750 and looking at a lot more potentially.

Now, normally I'd say no dice and just scrap the car; however, we've had the car for a long time and everything else on the car works great and is in great condition.  Would getting a rebuilt engine be a possibility?  I know that'd cost a couple of grand, but so will any other car he buys.  And at least we know and like this one.

Thoughts?

 
For those saying scrap, a quick search yields an '04 highlander with 205k miles for $5k.  Wouldn't it make more sense to sink $3k into a car that I know top to bottom (if I'm going to replace the car)?  I think the rebuilt engine avenue may be the way to go.

 
I would scrap just with the water pump cost.    200k is my threshold. Once I hit that, I'm done once the next big repair shows  up if not sooner.  

 
Why would the vsc light come on if it's a bad water pump?  I don't get that.

Other than that, I'd say toss a new water pump on and see what happens.  If there is more damage after that, then go the new engine route. 

edit: you're being hosed on the cost of water pump replacement. Big time.

 
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You're leaning towards rebuilding, so I would pay the $750 for the water pump and cross your fingers. If you scrap it now, you'll never no if you did so just for $750.

 
James Daulton said:
For those saying scrap, a quick search yields an '04 highlander with 205k miles for $5k.  Wouldn't it make more sense to sink $3k into a car that I know top to bottom (if I'm going to replace the car)?  I think the rebuilt engine avenue may be the way to go.
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I'd vote for scrap too.  This is just the start for a 12 year old car, there will be other failures coming.

 
jamny said:
You're leaning towards rebuilding, so I would pay the $750 for the water pump and cross your fingers. If you scrap it now, you'll never no if you did so just for $750.
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How much of the $750 is the pump itself? Talk to the mechanic about how you're paying him for the labor either way, there's a strong likelihood you're going to be paying him for the additional work anyway, so how much will he be willing to buy back the part for if you choose not to proceed? We're talking about a part that never leaves his sight. 

 
RUSF18 said:
How much of the $750 is the pump itself? Talk to the mechanic about how you're paying him for the labor either way, there's a strong likelihood you're going to be paying him for the additional work anyway, so how much will he be willing to buy back the part for if you choose not to proceed? We're talking about a part that never leaves his sight. 
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Good thought, thanks.

 
If I scrap, my alternative is to spend at least $10k on a similar car that will invariable have 100k + miles on it and be a huge unknown.  I kind of feel like I'm talking myself into the repair but having looked at cars recently, used cars are just hella expensive. 

 
Water pump from a professional should run about $600 on the high end. $750 is quite high IMO. 

As far as the rebuilt engine, I don't believe you are guaranteed much with those. 

 
James Daulton said:
If I scrap, my alternative is to spend at least $10k on a similar car that will invariable have 100k + miles on it and be a huge unknown.  I kind of feel like I'm talking myself into the repair but having looked at cars recently, used cars are just hella expensive. 
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How long until your kid is out of school? I assume the amount of driving while he's there will be pretty minimal. Any chance of leasing him something new/cheap which doesn't have you laying out so much money, and then buying it once the lease ends? Presumably with low mileage you'll find yourself in a situation where the price to buy it is nicely in your favor compared to the actual value and there's no fear of the unknown. 

I know most people who buy used exclusively are against leasing but seems like a decent option in this case if you're not wanting to spend 5 figures today.

 
You're getting screwed on the water pump cost.  Should be about $500.  

The engine replacement will likely run you more than you think if that what it comes to.  Are you gonna put a new engine on a tranny with 250K miles on it?  Are you gonna use all the old hoses and wiring on a new engine?  Doesn't seem wise.  To replace it all, you'll likely spend $4-5k.   Just FYI.

 
encaitar said:
You're getting screwed on the water pump cost.  Should be about $500.  

The engine replacement will likely run you more than you think if that what it comes to.  Are you gonna put a new engine on a tranny with 250K miles on it?  Are you gonna use all the old hoses and wiring on a new engine?  Doesn't seem wise.  To replace it all, you'll likely spend $4-5k.   Just FYI.
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A couple of friends have also said it should cost $500.  And you make great points about the tranny, etc.  Any thoughts on the odds that if we put the pump on, the engine's fine?

 
Water pump $200 max, install it yourself.  You'll know pretty quickly if you've got pieces in your engine.  If you do drive straight to the lot and trade it in.  

 
James Daulton said:
A couple of friends have also said it should cost $500.  And you make great points about the tranny, etc.  Any thoughts on the odds that if we put the pump on, the engine's fine?
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Hard to say without seeing how it broke.  If your mechanic thinks there's a good chance that it'll be fine with just a new water pump, then he's probably right.  (This is why it's a good idea to "have a guy" that you trust)

 
James Daulton said:
For those saying scrap, a quick search yields an '04 highlander with 205k miles for $5k.  Wouldn't it make more sense to sink $3k into a car that I know top to bottom (if I'm going to replace the car)?  I think the rebuilt engine avenue may be the way to go.
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At first I favored scrapping it, but if you've maintained it well and there aren't any other issues you're unhappy with then $3k to have a good running car you know well is worth it.

On the other hand, you could probably get $2k for the car as is from someone thinking the same as you. 

 
That's a tough call... I'm kind of on the side that says replace the water pump and see what happens... You aren't going to buy a similar car for $750... It's a gamble though.. If there is engine damage, I'd probably throw in the towel.  Like others have said, you do have 200+ on the tranny, etc.

You could look at it this way.. For $750 you might get lucky and be fine.  If not, you are only overpaying $750 for the next car.  It was worth a shot.

 
top dog said:
That's a tough call... I'm kind of on the side that says replace the water pump and see what happens... You aren't going to buy a similar car for $750... It's a gamble though.. If there is engine damage, I'd probably throw in the towel.  Like others have said, you do have 200+ on the tranny, etc.

You could look at it this way.. For $750 you might get lucky and be fine.  If not, you are only overpaying $750 for the next car.  It was worth a shot.
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I agree with this.

 
Whatever you do, don't buy a used engine from a local junk yard... for 1/2 the cost of anywhere else because you are desperate and have a guy named "Earl" put in the engine for you.  I've been down that road.  Had an old Grand Am that had a Quad 4 engine in it.  Anyone who has dealt with those, knows they were a NIGHTMARE.  Owed too much on the car to scrap it and needed and engine.  Found "Earl" at a local bone yard and had him throw in a used engine.  Most places said "It has a Quad 4?  Uh.. No thanks..."  

Ended up spending the difference in what I WOULD have paid to have it done by a reputable guy with a reputable engine very shortly after that.  

 
James Daulton said:
The shop recommends changing it with the water pump.  Our local guy who I trust said the same thing. 
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On a highlander it's every 125k, so I can understand that anyway.  Timing belts are not cheap and not a DIY job.

I'd pay the $750 and take the gamble also.  Its a tough call though.  Also, since you trust your mechanic what does he say?  (Props to him for being so upfront from the jump.)

I just sold a 2003 Highlander w/ 210k on it.  Really liked that car, but we needed something newer that we weren't scared to take on road trips.

 
The way I see it, more problems are inevitable and just as important, to me at least, is that besides the costs of the actual repairs, there's the headache of having to go through the repair process.  I'll pay extra to avoid those headaches and the stress that comes along with it.    

 
James Daulton said:
The shop recommends changing it with the water pump.  Our local guy who I trust said the same thing. 
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Absoluetly change it with the water pump.  I don't think you are going to save much by NOT doing it.  You are already paying for the labor to get in there.  It's probably the cost of the timing belt and a minimal amount of labor.

ETA - If you DON'T do it and it goes bad soon after, you will be kicking yourself pretty hard.

 
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James Daulton said:
Now, normally I'd say no dice and just scrap the car; however, we've had the car for a long time and everything else on the car works great and is in great condition.  
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My guess is that you will find out this is not the case, with 260k.

However, I like Jamny's suggestion.  See if just water pump is problem.

I also suggest getting a second opinion.  

 
Poke_4_Life said:
On a highlander it's every 125k, so I can understand that anyway.  Timing belts are not cheap and not a DIY job.

I'd pay the $750 and take the gamble also.  Its a tough call though.  Also, since you trust your mechanic what does he say?  (Props to him for being so upfront from the jump.)

I just sold a 2003 Highlander w/ 210k on it.  Really liked that car, but we needed something newer that we weren't scared to take on road trips.
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What'd you sell it for?

 
water pump with a remanufactured pump should be more like 3 hondo not 7 and a halfaronio bromigo that is some bs right there go somewhere else and fix it cripes you nancies throw away everything these days fix it drive it live it love it go america take that to the bank brochachos 

 
James Daulton said:
Getting it fixed.  Probably kissing the 3/4 rack goodbye, but hell, I lost more than that in one night in Vegas recently!
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To amend my previous statement.  If he did not drive far when the water pump blew probably no engine issues.  If he drove around with nothing in the engine then issues

 
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belljr said:
To amend my previous statement.  If he did not drive far when the oil pump blew probably no engine issues.  If he drove around with nothing in the engine then issues
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He said it started smoking when he pulled into the frat house driveway.  And it was the water pump.

 
Some people can't afford upwards of 15 grand.  Those people might be able to afford a grand though.  Who is anyone else to judge?

 
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