Automobile repair advice

[eavega]

Hello guys
So, I had an issue with my car that I raised on an earlier thread. Without getting into details of what happened, the end result is that the motor needs to be replaced on my 2006 Mazda 3. I have a choice of going with a used motor with approx. 50k miles (which is about what my car has one it) or getting a reman motor from Jasper Motors. The used motor has a 6 month warranty, the reman has a 3 year warranty. The price difference is about $550. I'm leaning towards the reman motor just because I can see that one good repair on it would justify the additional expense. The plan would be to keep the car until the wheels fall off. My question is what would you all do? How likely is it that a used motor would need a major repair that would otherwise be covered by the warranty on the reman? Keep in mind that the rest of the vehicle is out of warranty.

Just as a side note, I did get a judgement against Mazda on this matter. The Judge disallowed most of my claim, though, and depreciated the cost of the repair based on the age of the vehicle.

Rgds

 

[j_martin]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Count your blessings on that one..

Depends on the condition of the rest of the car. If you think you can put 150,000 more on it, get the reman. If it's getting rusty, thow in the used one.

The trick is to make reasonable estimates on payback. I paid a shop $900 to catch up on preventative maintenance on an 18 year old Honda with 200,000 miles on it. I'm pretty sure I can get another 100,000 out of it, and maybe more. But that's a Honda 2.2, with a 400,000 mile reputation.

In either case, pull the dipstick frequently, and use reasonable oil change methods, not your dad's.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Automobile repair advice

I put a Jasper motor in my truck and am pleased with it. They were also very easy to deal with on a warranty claim (it wasn't even a motor defect but an installation defect). My buddy has your same car and has 140k on it without any major repairs needing to be done to it (and he isn't exactly the most conscientious car owner either).

 

[eavega]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Count your blessings on that one..

Copy that.

The car is on mint shape. Doesn't even have a ding on it. Absolutely no rust. I am hoping to get at least five more years out of it...

In either case, pull the dipstick frequently, and use reasonable oil change methods, not your dad's.

Yes. Lesson learned. What you said plus Keep the dang oil change records.

Rgds

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Hello guys
So, I had an issue with my car that I raised on an earlier thread. Without getting into details of what happened, the end result is that the motor needs to be replaced on my 2006 Mazda 3. I have a choice of going with a used motor with approx. 50k miles (which is about what my car has one it) or getting a reman motor from Jasper Motors. The used motor has a 6 month warranty, the reman has a 3 year warranty. The price difference is about $550. I'm leaning towards the reman motor just because I can see that one good repair on it would justify the additional expense. The plan would be to keep the car until the wheels fall off. My question is what would you all do? How likely is it that a used motor would need a major repair that would otherwise be covered by the warranty on the reman? Keep in mind that the rest of the vehicle is out of warranty.

Just as a side note, I did get a judgement against Mazda on this matter. The Judge disallowed most of my claim, though, and depreciated the cost of the repair based on the age of the vehicle.

Rgds

Bummer to hear about your troubles. The Duratec 4 cylinder is usually fairly reliable too...

A used motor can be a roll of the dice. All comes down to how the previous owner maintained it until the donor car was wrecked. At 50K miles the thing I would look most for is signs that the used engine had frequent oil changes. Simply pulling the oil fill cap on the used engine and looking at the insides should tell you whether or not shes a sludge motor (residue on the dipstick will indicate this too).

It really comes down to what your comfortable with.
If you want to spend the extra $550 for a longer warranty that's understandable.
If you find that the used engine is sludge free, then chances are shes worth another chance in a new body, and any other problems it may have your going to encounter in the first 6 months.

 

[partskenn]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Like other people have already said, a lot depends on how long you plan on running that car. However, $550 is not a very big difference in price, frequently the range is much larger. Jasper is a good engine, and they do stand behind their product.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Personally I'd spend the $550 and get that engine, IF you really plan to get another 5+ years. Unless that $550 is a budget buster.

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Automobile repair advice

That car's worth what, 9 or 10 grand still? Since the difference between used and reman is only about 5% of that, I'd go with the Jasper. Heck, I'd only consider used if the difference was more like 15-20% of the car's value.

 

[eavega]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Thanks for the advice, gents.

Jasper engine is on the way. In the end, the difference in price didn't justify the risk of something else going wrong with this car. All things considered, its a great little car and with gas getting more expensive every day I need to see how long I can get this little 4-banger to last.

-Rgds

 

[mommicked]

Re: Automobile repair advice

I have to know.What happened to the first motor?

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Depending on your mechanic skills. And depending on whats wrong with the old motor I would 1st start looking there.

Yank the old engine, and diagnose. If it's rebuildable (not thrown a rod) I would consider rebuilding the engine myself. If not, I would call around the local salvage yards and look for a short block. (usually much cheaper) then swap your good external parts over. IF the short blocks are insanely priced (sometimes you find that) then look into a reman engine.

If you do the engine swap yourself you'll save a load of money. But all of this depends on your automotive know how and skill.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Automobile repair advice

My taughts also maybe a quick fix for alot less.... who knows eh

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Automobile repair advice

I dont remember reading the old thread, so it's kinda a guessing game right now. The big decision for me, (if it were me) would hinge on the old motor.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Motor is toast, compadres.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Automobile repair advice

Motor is toast, compadres.

Thrown rod, died from lack of oil. It be scrap metal for sure.

 

[eavega]

Re: Automobile repair advice

For the record, did not techincally die from lack of oil, but rather from metal shavings in the oil. As it was explained to me, an out-of-spec journal bearing began slowly shaving itself down in its race, thus depositing metal shavings in the lubrication. Nobody ever gave an explanation of where the oil went, as my mechanic drained 4 quarts of oil when he did the tear-down. In any case as incoop has stated the motor is toast. I don't have the workshop or mechanical kung-fu to tackle an engine replacement. Some jobs are best left to professionals.

Rgds

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Automobile repair advice

In a case like that, As long as the other engine hasn't been scraped yet, looking up a short block would be your best bet. Then swapping the external parts over to the new one.

Not sure what you are paying, but around here your engine(s) (don't know which one you have) go from 1300 to 1800 for a used one with 6 month warranty. Plus installation, parts and gaskets you may need. I would venture a guess around there you would pay about 2000-2500 bucks to get this done around here.

I either case I would save my 550 for the warranty, mainly because I wouldn't be able to afford to replace the engine.