Replacing Motor

rjstaaf · 01-21-04, 09:03

Hey all,

The wifeys minivan it quickly approaching 90K on the clock. We were considering trading it in but, at this point I think we are going to put some money into and see if we can keep it a bit longer. One of the things that I want to do is put in a remanufactured motor. I have gotten a quote from the local Dodge dealer for the motor and labor. It is a 96 Plymouth Voyager with the 3.0 V6. They quoted $2535 for the motor (longblock, looks like everything but the intake) and $600 to install it. I want to look at all my options. Anyone familiar with a good source for a good quality remanufactured motor?

Thanks

Greg · 01-22-04, 02:39

I guess I would just question why? Does the motor need to be replaced? I mean if it does, that's one thing. Typically, 90k miles isn't that high anymore and I would just suggest to fix what's broken and let it keep doing its thing.

kgb · 01-22-04, 02:43

Yeah, I don't understand why the whole engine has to be replaced. Especially at only 90K. My Honda has 150,000 on it runs like new. (Knock on wood) I say save your cash and keep it or sell it. No need to replace the whole engine.

HellrotCi · 01-22-04, 04:23

Before you spend $3k on engine replacement you might want to consider some other things. 90k miles should be nothing on an engine, if you've kept it maintained. If you bought the van new or not, at 90k miles there will be some maintenance issues that will come up. Parts do fail and you're at the point where things like water pump, a/c or transmission

, could require replacement. You really don't know at this point unless you have some current symptoms.

The engine and transmission are the main cost concerns when a vehicle gets near or above 100k miles. Either one will usually exhibit some indications that a problem requires attention before a complete failure occurs.

I'm all in favor of preventive maintenance except for engine or transmission replacement. If neither one is giving you problems, don't worry about it. If you're really concerned, I'd spend some time shopping around for a replacement vehicle instead. For what you would have to spend to replace the engine, that same money would make a good down payment on a $6k-$7k replacement van with fewer miles.

rjstaaf · 01-22-04, 06:55

I won't go into the problems we have had with the minivan, lets just sufice it to say the motor needs to be replaced. Trading it in or getting another minivan is out of the question. I was just hoping someone here might now of a good source for remanufactured motors other than the dealer.

Thanks for all the replies