My engine seized due to lack of oil - although I did have an oil change less than 2 months ago. I am wondering your opinions and advice on selling the Jeep as is, or replacing the engine with a used engine instead. The quote I received from the auto shop for a new engine replacement is $4700 (parts/labor/tax incl.). What would be a fair engine replacement price? What do you think the resale value would be if I were to not replace the engine, but to sell it as is? Would you trust a used engine replacement? She is a '99 2.5L 4cylinder manual. 90k miles only. Looking for insight on the best options, not adverse to selling her. Thanks!
engine seizure - advice
- Thread starter Alayna
- Start date
What a joke... $4700!? You can get a remanufactured replacement long block for around $2000 from most places, probably even less for the 2.5 engine. That price they are quoting you is way too high.
Hell, if you wanted you could find tons of low mileage 2.5 engines on http://car-part.com at your local wrecking yard, pick one up, and swap it in for probably $1500 at most.
These engines tend to last forever if properly maintained, so I would have no issues trusting an engine replacement.
When I had to replace the 4.0 engine on my old XJ, I bought a remanufactured long block from Foster Auto Parts for $2000 and swapped it in myself.
Hell, if you wanted you could find tons of low mileage 2.5 engines on http://car-part.com at your local wrecking yard, pick one up, and swap it in for probably $1500 at most.
These engines tend to last forever if properly maintained, so I would have no issues trusting an engine replacement.
When I had to replace the 4.0 engine on my old XJ, I bought a remanufactured long block from Foster Auto Parts for $2000 and swapped it in myself.
derekmac
TJ Addict
egclassic
TJ Enthusiast
That's one hell of a lot of smoke out of the tailpipe or one very large puddle.
My 2.5 replacement ran me $1,499 about 26 months ago, and although I did the install myself I cannot imagine a qualified mechanic would take more than 10 to 12 hours of labor for the swap. Maybe worth around $1500 labor depending where you are.
4 quarts...but none-the-less. That's pretty steep for plugging a 2.5 into a TJ. The right person may give you, probably 1,500 -1,800 for it as it sits. The SE is pretty specific on parts. There's not a lot there that a non-SE owner would want.
Maybe if you wanted to keep it for a while would I replace the engine, if your trying to sell it, sell it as is.
Don't put that kind of money into it just to sell it, I think the difference between what you would make on it after the new engine was installed would be very close to what you would be getting for it if you just sold it as is.
Too bad though, sea town would be a cool place to have a TJ.
RedTJ
TJ Enthusiast
Jeepaholic
TJ Enthusiast
Car-part.com, about 1000 for used engine, figure 300 or so for misc install parts (water pump, spark plugs, gaskets, etc). 1000 max on labor. Not much work at all for an auto tech. I think 2500 is about the # you should be at for this job. If you got really savvy, find one at a pick n pull on a holiday weekend half of sale for $250. Most 98-01 wranglers, dodge Dakota, and cherokee share this engine.
I live in Everett, just north of you. There are definitely some other options. Have you tried Olympic 4X4 Supply in Snohomish? They deal with predominately Jeeps. Lots of Wranglers in their "wrecking yard" (used parts supply). They're closed on Mondays, I think, but give 'em a call and see what they have available for a used engine. They also have a shop. Maybe they can deliver a better price. Even if you get the engine from them and have another shop do the installation, it's got to be better than what you were quoted. Best of luck to you! (BTW, I am in no way affiliated with Olympic 4X4 Supply. Just throwing their name out there as another possible solution to your problem.) 
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I live in Everett, just north of you. There are definitely some other options. Have you tried Olympic 4X4 Supply in Snohomish? They deal with predominately Jeeps. Lots of Wranglers in their "wrecking yard" (used parts supply). They're closed on Mondays, I think, but give 'em a call and see what they have available for a used engine. They also have a shop. Maybe they can deliver a better price. Even if you get the engine from them and have another shop do the installation, it's got to be better than what you were quoted. Best of luck to you! (BTW, I am in no way affiliated with Olympic 4X4 Supply. Just throwing their name out there as another possible solution to your problem.)
+1 for Olympic. I grew up in Wash, and Olympic is pretty famous. They Sell parts and are a shop and a wrecking yard. They do predominately Jeeps. I bet they would do an awesome job and way cheaper. Plus they probably stock everything you need, and you will probably buy some cool stuff they have in their showroom. Oh ya they are a Fabrication shop too.
Jeepaholic
TJ Enthusiast
A little out of your way but only 28k miles used engine...
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/pts/d/jeep-wrangler-25-tj-motor/6367489439.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/pts/d/jeep-wrangler-25-tj-motor/6367489439.html
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