Should I replace the engine in my 1991 Acura?

Tiny
BUBBLESBARONIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 ACURA LEGEND
150000 miles 1991 Acura Legend v.6 engine

The car has had excellent maintenance before we owned it. It has had heating problems for the past year. We had a new radiator put in, new starter, new battery, new radiator hose that blew. It has smelled like antifreeze. We also had the A/C fixed which works well now. The body and interior are in great shape. The head gasket jsut blew and we don't knwo why it over-heated. Word is here it will cost $2000 for a new gasket and we still won't know if the engine is cracked until we fix the gasket. One mechanic said they wouldn't even put the head gasket on because it bites them when the engine still doesn't work well. I am thinkign about putting in a used engine for $3500. I live in Savnnah, Georgia and the used car market here is pretty bad. I don't think I can get a car this nice looking and with it's history of great maintenance.
the only question is; what about a down-payment on a new car, like a hybrid instead of this risk on a used engine? What do you advise? Many Thanks!
Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 AT 5:22 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Problem with used engines is that you dont really know what you are getting. On the other hand, you already own the Acura, if you have a new engine installed it will be pretty much a driver again, if you use the money for a down payment, the out going money continues every month. Boils down to what you really want to spend in the long run
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Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
I would ask myself how long I intend to drive the vehicle because no matter what you do you are still going to have an older vehicle. The decision of course is yours but I would prefer to have a rebuilt engine over a used engine. So many advantages in keeping the old one on the road besides the no car payments or atleast lower with the cost of the new engine, but there is a tax advantage and a big insurance advantage with staying in the older model. Food for thought.
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Thursday, September 27th, 2007 AT 1:11 PM

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