Rebuild Sunfire engine or buy new car?

First, let me say I'm new to the group so if this post if off-topic please let me know.

My issue:

My wife has a 95 sunfire that she loves. Sadly, due to high milage (175,000) this car has become a money pit! Someone recommended we have the engine re-built and keep the car for another 100,000 miles. Is this realy an option for use? The body and frame of this car are in great shape but the head gasket is strarting to leak and it burns some oil (about a quart per 3000 miles).

What could we expect in terms of extended life if we have the engine re-built?

What factors besides body and frame condition should we consider before doing this?

Does anyone have any experince with a re-built engine in a Pontiac car?

Thanks in advance,

David

Reply to
David
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The engine should be literally be "good as new". So if done right, another 100K should not be a challenge.

The other things to consider is that yes, the body and frame are in good shape, BUT, everything else on the car is still very aged and used. Trans, linkage, steering parts, brake parts, bearings, and whatnot. So what I'm saying is it could still be a money pit, just a smaller pit. :) Just something to keep in mind.

Tony

Reply to
Tony V.

"David" wrote

Why on earth would you bother rebuilding an engine because the head gasket is leaking (well known problem if it's the 2.2) and it's burning oil at that rate. A quart in 3000 miles is nothing. Brand new Cadillac's burn way more oil then that and it's considered normal.

Just throw a new head gasket in it and continue on.

Ian

Reply to
shiden_kai

Well... Your car does not have a frame. It's been my experience with frameless cars that the sheet metal starts fatigue cracking at about 230,000-250,000 miles. You could probably make 300k miles with a rebuilt engine (or two). As another poster said, there are a lot of other moving parts that will be wearing out. If you get another used car you are getting an unknown. The new used car may need an engine and other parts soon anyways.

Reply to
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FWIW- I was faced with the same problem. 94 Grand Prix with a busted tranny. 175,000 miles. Counted up the money I needed for the tranny rebuild/replacement, the McPherson struts that had sadly be put aside, the tires needed replacement., rotors/brakes.... So, 3 or 4 grand later I'd still have a car with 175,000. Very well maitained by myself and body in good condition.

Went shopping and I found a really good deal at the rent a car place. This was a personal choice I took and am happy I did it. Yes, I do have a small modest monthly payment. But I also have a 99 Monte Carlo that I haven't have to put a dime into.

You can shop those places on-line.

Good luck.

Reply to
Craig Watts

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