Should I repair engine on '98 Grand Cherokee or replace car

Tiny
SATELLITEBEACH
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
I have a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee (inline 6) 4x4. It has 168,000 miles on it. I have replaced the radiator, starter, and re-built the transmission in the last year. My head gasket went on me last week. I am a sales rep. And drive about 150 miles/day on average. Should I replace the engine or get a new car? I know that both are a gamble but I wanted to see what someone with experience in the car industry would do in my situation. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Wednesday, July 26th, 2006 AT 7:49 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DEMEARSJR
  • MEMBER
If you're doing it yourself do the head gasket if you have the time and don't mind the work.
Otherwise those engines are fairly cheap and you should be able to find one for under a grand easy.
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Wednesday, July 26th, 2006 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
SATELLITEBEACH
  • MEMBER
I can't replace the engine on my own. My mechanic (who is a really honest guy) said that he only uses Jasper engines and this one would run about $2000 + $600-$700 in labor.
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Thursday, July 27th, 2006 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
DEMEARSJR
  • MEMBER
I'd do the head gasket then. Those inline six's come apart pretty easily.
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Friday, July 28th, 2006 AT 12:00 AM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • EXPERT
A jasper engine is a good thing, and the price sounds fair. It is ALWAYS cheaper to repair and drive what you own. Plan on about 7 to 10 cents a mile for repairs and maintenance versus 45 cents a mile to own a $15,000 car for the first three years. I vote on the engine.
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Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 AT 8:22 PM

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