Hi Scotty love your channel. I live in Southern California. I have a 2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible 2.7 with a blown head gasket and bad water pump. Yes you are right that engine is junk. However I like the car and I'm wondering if I should keep it. I found a used motor from a used motor company for $3,500. Is it worth fixing? Or My neighbor has a 97 Geo Metro with 140,000 mi on it and wants $2,000 for it. I only need a commuter car. Which do you think I should go with?
I look forward to hearing from you, and once again love your show.
Which do you think I should go with?
For $3500, try to find an old (but mechanically sound) Corolla/Civic or Camry.
Why would you buy a used engine for $3500 when you can get a remanufactured engine with a warranty for the same price from Jegs, ATK, Jasper, Powertrain Products and many others?
I would not put thousands of dollars into a Sebring that is old enough to vote.You'll install a replacement engine and next the transmission will burn out.
If you want a convertible it would be best to put the money towards one that's reliable like a Toyota Solara or Mazda Miata. Or, if you just want a commuter car and can live with its age and limitations, that Metro might work out particularly with gas prices the way they are now. Just be sure to have a mechanic check it out first - $2K is nothing for a car right now but it's no bargain if it needs thousands of dollars in repairs right off the bat. Since you live in the Peoples' Republic making sure that it's "smogged" is a primary concern and you have to use CARB-approved ($$$$) parts for repairs. 140K miles is a lot on one of those things, they are very light-duty vehicles.
