So, about a month and a half ago I bought a 2003 base model Vibe that had 250k miles on it. Being just a "silly girl" , I brought my ex with me to check the car out, and with the most cursory of look-overs, he recommended I buy it. Two weeks ago, I'm driving on the freeway and there's a huge rattling sound, a POP, and like magic, fire appears on the underside of the engine...
Apparently, it threw a rod (?) and I need to replace the engine..
Long story short - I have about $600 to replace the engine (this is using free labor, courtesy of the ex, whose mechanical abilities I don't readily trust so much anymore, but... lol).
What's my best option around Sac? I know that a Corolla 1ZZ FE engine is a suitable replacement, right? And thankfully, Corollas are plentiful at wrecking yards.. But if I don't get it fixed right the first time, I'm screwed.. Can anyone offer some advice?
Thanks in advance!