I have a 2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 137000 miles
Took my car to a mIechanic I've used in the past. He says I have a blown head gasket. Her recommends me buying a used engine instead of a new gasket cause it would be around the same price. Should I buy the engine or should I junk the c ar and look for a used car?
Some extra info.
I'm currently a college student out on externship that's going to last until November. I currently have about 11.5k dollars total until then. As I am not currently employed. Most I could possibly spend on a used car is 5k. But even then that's kinda high.
As I am not currently employed
What’s the condition of that (automatic?) transmission?
If it’s still in good shape, yeah, try to find a reman/used engine. However, no matter what you buy, insist on getting a warranty as you don’t want to pay twice.
If you trust your mechanic, have him find a good condition replacement engine for you.
All the best!
It's an auto yes. I assume it's in okay condition I don't have any leaks no slips or anything similar. Thanks you for your feedback!
Should I buy the engine or should I junk the car and look for a used car? (...)
Most I could possibly spend on a used car is 5k.
Look it's almost a 20 year old Nissan, that's not a car I'd recommend putting any real money into.
With that being said, finding a good car for under $5k in todays market is a challenge.
It's REALLY hard to find anything decent for under $5k, but here's what usually is priced bellow that:
Good options: if you can find any: XP130 Yaris, Scion iA / US market Yaris (not with over 125k miles)
Alright options: Honda Jazz, Pontiac Vibe, Any Scion (not 2.4 and between '08~'09 not a 1.8)
Average options: Fiesta (manual only), Accent or Rio (LOW MILLAGE and 3rd gen only)
If any of these aren't in your price range - consider an old Toyota Echo, they're usually worthless but reliable.
If you can't find anything, consider repairing the car you have -
I agree with @doc, you know what engine you have, you never know what engine you'll buy.
I'd like to add that it's a good idea to make that the repair shop warranties their work.
And if you chose a used engine make sure the junkyard warranties it and includes labor in the warranty.
(I also recommend getting a simple head gasket test kit and test it just to make sure)
Thanks for the info I appreciate it! Have a lot to consider.
Changing out a head gasket and getting the head rebuilt may cost somewhere near a junkyard engine, but you know what you're getting. With a junkyard engine, you have no clue what you're getting. I would get a rebuilt head and a new head gasket, IMO.
