- I bought a used 2006 Toyota Avalon; paid too much, no warranty. Before I even made the first payment, the engine light came on. Flashing engine light. Car repair guys think it’s a blown head gasket but not sure. Strong gas smell when started; white smoke from tail pipe; rough idle. Should I pay to repair it (which I’m afraid might not work), or try to sell it. Who would buy it and for how much?
My heart hurts so much over this financial calamity. I wish I could talk to Scotty.
Send him a direct email - scottykilmer@gmail.com
Consider buying an engine from junkyard. It might be cheaper than rebuilding that engine.
I can’t even imagine buying an engine. This is the first used car I’ve ever bought, and actually only the second car I’ve ever bought. I bought an awesome new Honda Civic in 1992. Now I bought this broken Toyota. Crying and don’t know what to do.
I’m sorry that it happened to you, but believe or not, similar situations happens to almost everyone. It happened to me as well and for my first car, I bought a junk since I trust a friend and did not have the car checked by a mechanic.
$20 says the dealership knew it had a blown head gasket when they sold it to you. Sorry to hear this. If it's worth it to you, pull and rebuild the head, install ARP studs and replace your thermostat with a lower than stock temperature. Toyota head bolts are famous for poor quality.
What is the code? Try the head gasket kit.
The mechanic only said it was a misfire code. They kept the car for more than a week and put some kind of pressure on it. I think they gave up trying to figure out the problem and said it’s a blown head gasket and that I should get rid of it
I am sure you’re right. Thank you for the suggestion. I guess I’ll have it towed to another mechanic and see how much all of that work will cost.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond and for your suggestions! Yaser, thank you especially for letting me know that it happens to a lot of people. That knowledge has really set me free of the stress.