Opinions wanted on cracked block issue

[Cue-Ball]

Well just found out earlier in the week that my wife's 2003 AWD Vibe has a cracked block.There are only 133k miles on the clock and there is a small crack under the exhaust manifold a few inches away from the blcok drain petcock.The mechanic does not think it cracked due to over heating, lack of water, or lack of oil. He thinks it was probably something that happened when the block was cast and that there was a thin spot or something that over time just gave way.Anyone else ever had anything like this? Not sure I want to spend the money to replace the engine, but I am sure I don't want to spend the money on a new car either (although my wife is very interested in getting a 2009 Vibe).Just not sure if it is better to spend $4k+/- on an engine swap or $17k+/- on a new car.Any thoughts?

[Raven]

I never heard of it on a Vibe. Around here blocks get cracked from poor anti-freeze in the winter.

[Cue-Ball]

Antifreeze was fine best I can tell, and it's not winter so I don't know what the hell happened.

[Sublimewind]

Some defects will get through... But it lasted 130+kmi.. so how much of a defect could it have been... Personally, after 130kmi, i'd be looking at a different car... I mean you can put the money in, but the rest of the car is still that old/worn..

[ou.grizzly]

Find yourself a used engine from a Corolla with low miles. If everything else is OK with the car that is.

[Cue-Ball]

Corrolla's have the same engines?That was actually going to be my next question, what are possible donar vehicles that will simply bolt in??Of course my teenage sone told me to snag a GT engine to bolt in. If it was my car, there is no way I would drop a stock engine in it, but for my wife, she gets a stocker. hahaha

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by Cue-Ball »Corrolla's have the same engines?That was actually going to be my next question, what are possible donar vehicles that will simply bolt in??Of course my teenage sone told me to snag a GT engine to bolt in. If it was my car, there is no way I would drop a stock engine in it, but for my wife, she gets a stocker. hahahaCorolla, Matrix, or Vibe with a 1.8 liter engine (1ZZ). GT Engine will not work as you would have to change the a lot to accommodate.

[cptnsolo77]

I think you can shoehorn a Z06 motor in there. Cant promise great gas mileage though. lol

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »Some defects will get through... But it lasted 130+kmi.. so how much of a defect could it have been... Personally, after 130kmi, I'd be looking at a different car... I mean you can put the money in, but the rest of the car is still that old/worn.. Get a new Vibe while they are still available at these discounts. Or something else. At 130,000 miles there are no doubt a lot of other parts that are worn out. I'd bet a junk yard engine installed is going to run $2,500. At the risk of being voted off the island here, if I needed an AWD I think I'd be looking at Subaru.

[Cue-Ball]

I hear you, however her car is PAID OFF, and everything else if in pretty good shape, and she LOVES IT!!!The last thing I want to do is lock into another 4-5 years worth of payments on a new car.Besides I have mechanics in the family so we are going to do the work ourselves so really I will only be into it the cost of the engine, and whatever other misc. items we want to change while we have the engine out. That will depend on if we get a used one and how many miles etc. and fluids of course.So money wise I think it is the better thing to do in our situation right now.

[Its_Dave]

FIX IT, what the hell is with all of you tossing it away, I think thats one of the issues in the world. Its broken throw it away and buy something new cause that is what everybody can do.I think its BS that the engine block cracked at that type of mileage as that shouldn't happen but you have a few options, New, Refurbished or Used. All have there own Pros and Cons which is mostly cost and function and warranty.If you have the skills or a friend with skills and tools do it yourself or get a shop to do it. I think a new engine, even tho its not cheap at all, is alot less then a new car.This is of course if you like and enjoy the car, if not cut the losses and get something newer or new. But if you like and enjoy it I'd fix it of course.

[Cue-Ball]

I can get a reman engine from the part store with my commercial account for about $2000-2500. And a case of beer and some pizza is about all it will cost me in labor (and a weekend of my time).So if I am able to find a good low mileage used one I will be even that much farther ahead.So call it $3k by the time it's all said and done worse case vs. $16-25k for a new ride.I'm no math major, but in my head the math speaks for itself.

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by Cue-Ball »I can get a reman engine from the part store with my commercial account for about $2000-2500. And a case of beer and some pizza is about all it will cost me in labor (and a weekend of my time).So if I am able to find a good low mileage used one I will be even that much farther ahead.So call it $3k by the time it's all said and done worse case vs. $16-25k for a new ride.I'm no math major, but in my head the math speaks for itself.You do not want a reman engine; get one out of a Corolla with low miles, trust me.

[joatmon]

I'd by used from a wreck. But I'm always looking for an excuse to walk the junkyards

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »I'd by used from a wreck. But I'm always looking for an excuse to walk the junkyardsBetter a junkyard than a graveyard.

[jake75]

I would think you could get a lower mileage engine from a junkyard for $1,200 or so. If the labor is essentially free than that is worth it.

[Cue-Ball]

What issues have you had with Remans??

[Whelan]

Be cautious with using a Toyota vs. Pontiac engine. Depending on the year some parts WERE different, such as A/C condensers. Not sure how that plays a role if at all but just saying.Also I do know that they all used teh 1ZZ coding, but check to see if there are any differences in Pontiac 1ZZ vs. Toyota 1ZZ. Yes I know they are Toyo engines, but some parts may be AC Delco vs. Delphii vs. whoever.

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by Cue-Ball »I hear you, however her car is PAID OFF, and everything else if in pretty good shape, and she LOVES IT!!!The last thing I want to do is lock into another 4-5 years worth of payments on a new car.Hell yeah fix it! You do not get rid of a perfectly good, except for this issue, paid off car. I would do the same thing if it were me. I already picked up a Grand Prix with 130,000 on it to drive when my Jeep lease is up. I too do not want a car payment for my 12 mile round trip to work. No need to have new any more.