I inherited my father's 1997 Nissan Pathfinder V6 3.3L about 3 years ago. I drive it about 4 times a week. Currently has 278,457 actual miles. I have slowly been replacing any worn out parts during this time. Two months ago I had the entire front-end replaced with OEM parts. Today while driving I thought I had a water hose burst or radiator leak due to the steam coming out of the hood. I was not so lucky, Main seal blown out.
My question is I have found a complete 1999 Nissan Pathfinder V6 3.3L engine that was totaled with 48,619 actual miles for $500.00 and instillation cost of $1,500. Should I replace the engine on my totally rebuilt Pathfinder or junk it?
If the vehicle is still in relatively good shape, you might consider it. If the vehicle is rusty, etc. It's time to send it down the road.
Also, don't buy a motor and pay someone else to install it: Make sure they come together as a package, otherwise you'll be paying for another round of labor should there be something wrong with the engine.
Larry
The motor (48,000 miles) is complete and put into crate for shipment to me.
ENGINE COST: $570.00 including shipping cost
INSTALLING ENGINE: $1,500.00
TOTAL COST: $2,070.00
Is this your only vehicle? What is the condition of the transmission & body panels?
The truck has zero rust anywhere. It drives and rides like a new truck.. I have totally rebuilt the front and rear suspensions , along with brakes and rotors. Transmission is in great shape. I was going to have it repainted in October.
Fair enough then, fingers crossed you got a ‘good’ engine. All the best!
Do a cost analysis. What is your expected cost of ownership (maintenance and repairs) over the next 5 years versus a car payment for a new or used car. If it is far less, keep. If it is far more, retire.
I would junk the car. It's had a long life but I don't think it'll be worth replacing a motor.
The truck has zero rust anywhere. It drives and rides like a new truck.. I have totally rebuilt the front and rear suspensions , along with brakes and rotors. Transmission is in great shape. I was going to have it repainted in October.