wife's car died

[tjhunt2]

The car is a 97 chevy lumina with a 3.1 V6 engine. It appears the motor is trying to freeze up. The body is in real good shape and has been a good car with only 60,000 miles. I feel I have two options.

1. buy a new motor and have someone put it in for me.

2. sell the car as is and put towards a newer model.

 

If someone knows a good mechanic who does this kind of work any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Any idea what a car like this would sell for with a motor that needs replaced. Those who know me know I don't know jack sh!$ about cars.

 

TJ

[CouesWhitetail]

We just had a "new" motor put in one of our jeeps. It's a pretty inexpensive option compared to buying a new car. I can get you the name of the junk yard where you might be able to get the motor. We have gotten lots of used parts from them over the years. Great place.

 

For mechanic recommendations, perhaps you need to narrow it down to a city so people can give you some help....i know good mechanics here in Globe, but I doubt you want to come up here for that work.

 

 

 

[tjhunt2]

We just had a "new" motor put in one of our jeeps. It's a pretty inexpensive option compared to buying a new car. I can get you the name of the junk yard where you might be able to get the motor. We have gotten lots of used parts from them over the years. Great place.

 

For mechanic recommendations, perhaps you need to narrow it down to a city so people can give you some help....i know good mechanics here in Globe, but I doubt you want to come up here for that work.

 

Thanks Amanda for that info. I live in Mesa. I told my wife I would buy her a bicycle and I won't quote her on here.

 

TJ

 

[CouesWhitetail]

I will have to get the info on the junkyard from Paul tomorrow.

[firstcoueswas80]

Tj, I know a good mechanic if you get to Tucson or close to.

[bowhuntaz1]

Network Alinement and brakes. on Gilbert about a block or 2 south of baseline on the East side of road. ask for Travis or Alan. Tell them James sent you.

good luck

[Outdoor Writer]

TJ,

 

 

Geez, 60K is not a lot of miles for a V6 engine.

 

I used to "mechanic" years ago. I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say it is "freezing up?" Did it get run hot or...?

 

Also, did you have it checked by a pro?

 

All that said, if it is indeed shot, a full overhaul of yours or replacement with a remanufatured one (probably about $2k with installation) would be a great deal cheaper than a new vehicle. Of course, that would only be something you would do if the rest of the car is in tip-top shape.

[youngbuck]

Dont know if they do general or motor mechanic work but Id call and ask Trail Transmission. They are in East Mesa/AJ. They do great work, are super honest and fast. Anything for tranny/clutch, I go there. They have been talked about well before here, by be, and other members.

[AntlerObsession]

I just had the head gaskets worked on by a mechanic who is a friend of mine. It was overheating and running hot and eventually ruined the motor.

 

There are different levels of damage you can do to a motor. From blowing head gaskets, to throwing a rod, or cracking the block. It could be a $600 fix or it could be a $2k overhaul or replacement. Its important to have a professional look at it, though he might not know exactly what needs done until he actually gets the motor opened up to check the parts for damage.

 

My friend works in Mesa, and could look at it. He could at the very least let you know exactly what your options are.

[CouesWhitetail]

I think this is the place TJ:

Auto Salvage Co

(602) 252-4591

943 W Magnolia St

Phoenix AZ 85007

 

We got a jeep motor for $400 !!! Works great!

[bonecollector]

Network Alinement and brakes. on Gilbert about a block or 2 south of baseline on the East side of road. ask for Travis or Alan. Tell them James sent you.

good luck

I have also used Network they are pretty good.

[tjhunt2]

I think this is the place TJ:

Auto Salvage Co

(602) 252-4591

943 W Magnolia St

Phoenix AZ 85007

 

We got a jeep motor for $400 !!! Works great!

 

Thanks Amanda!

 

TJ

 

[tjhunt2]

I just had the head gaskets worked on by a mechanic who is a friend of mine. It was overheating and running hot and eventually ruined the motor.

 

There are different levels of damage you can do to a motor. From blowing head gaskets, to throwing a rod, or cracking the block. It could be a $600 fix or it could be a $2k overhaul or replacement. Its important to have a professional look at it, though he might not know exactly what needs done until he actually gets the motor opened up to check the parts for damage.

 

My friend works in Mesa, and could look at it. He could at the very least let you know exactly what your options are.

 

Thanks for the information. I will keep that for consideration. Appreciated very much.

 

TJ

 

[tjhunt2]

Pm sent to all that gave information and highly appreciated.

 

TJ

[Dodge66]

I do this For a Living so If you want to shoot me a PM or tell me More about what the car is Doing Im sure I can give a better Idea at what you are Looking at...