Car buggered...

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rb99

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#230496 26-Feb-2018 16:12

Just wondering if anyone might have a rough ball park figure how much it might cost to replace / repair a seriously broke Mitsubishi Chariot 2.4L engine ?

Went to Wellington over the weekend and car was fine. School run this morning, fine. One hour later try to move the car in the drive and it very rough running, dies trying to idle, rough when revving (think I said that) faint wisps or smoke from the front of the car (not radiator). Got the AA to cart it off to the local Mitsubishi garage and they're talking bout replacement engine or big(ish) overhaul. Details bit thin on ground though as I guess they already had customers for the day already.

Anyway, any thought re cost perchance...

rb99

wellygary

4917 posts

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#1964651 26-Feb-2018 16:50

Sounds like it could be a cracked head or gasket, either are not cheap,

jarledb

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#1964653 26-Feb-2018 16:53

Been in that situation with an engine that had to be rebuilt. Would not recommend it. You are probably better off swapping the engine.

kryptonjohn

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#1964685 26-Feb-2018 17:05

wellygary:

Sounds like it could be a cracked head or gasket, either are not cheap,

Dunno about that - if it was, would have expected a lot of steam out the exhaust and overheating.

I'm wondering if it had an oil fault and the bearings are buggered.

rb99

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#1964690 26-Feb-2018 17:24

Can't say I'm in a rush to find out.

Can't remember what the exhaust was doing, was trying to reverse out without it either stalling or revving it too much to avoid hurtling into the street.

Don 't know how it was fine for a long trip then a short trip the next day then broke starting up an hour later.

Not sure what the garage will do re taking things apart or just replacing the engine - lots of labour to fix a bearing or piston ring or something vs yank out and replace.

Also wondering whether to just get a replacement car, which would I presume cost more, but hopefully work - what do you think of ex-rental

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/cars/toyota/auction-1553993301.htm

only done 20000 less than the Mitsubishi but a good 15 years younger.

rb99

hsvhel

603 posts

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#1964757 26-Feb-2018 20:34

get a replacement engine, likely cheeper than a reco and less hassel to fit for the machanic

Aredwood

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#1964844 26-Feb-2018 23:23

Seriously consider just getting a new minivan. (assuming here that you need a minivan). The Chariot is presumably a 1997? model, based on your second post. So it probably won't be worth much. Any major repairs could easily write it off.

A newer minivan, like the one you linked to (2012 Toyota Previa) Will be almost night and day safety wise compared to the Chariot. Also consider that in March this year (2 days away). It will be compulsory for used imports to have electronic stability control. There could well be price rises in the minivan category, once existing vehicles currently on dealers yards sell through.

Of course you might be too late. Or you might get to enjoy lower depreciation than otherwise, until vans that do have ESC start to drop more in price.

Also always check safety features of each car. As NZ new models often have more airbags and other safety features than used imports.

rb99

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#1964846 26-Feb-2018 23:33

Will probably see how much the replacement engine will be (and find out what qualifies as replacement), but wouldn't be surprised if its about the same as the whole car is worth (yes, its 1997).

Didn't know about the stability control, though would hope they come with that anyway (for the newer second hand stuff) and hopefully it won't affect already imported stuff ? Might go for something like that Toyota or a Honda Odyssey (if we succumb to temptation).

rb99

1cloud

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#1964899 27-Feb-2018 09:39

hsvhel:

get a replacement engine, likely cheeper than a reco and less hassel to fit for the machanic

$2000+ easily

tripper1000

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#1965012 27-Feb-2018 12:04

Yeah been there done this. There is money to be saved fitting a used engine if you can DIY ($400 for a motor in my dear old mums corolla) but the cost of paying mechanics to faf around low value cars starts to tip the scales in favour of a replacement vehicle pretty fast.

rb99

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#1965077 27-Feb-2018 13:49

So mechanic reckoned on about 1200 for the engine, which apparently comes from a wreckers, probably with a 90 day guarantee and a known mileage. Fitting it might bring it up to 2000. Probably do the cam belt and it would go up to 2500 to 2800. So thats about how much it would cost to replace a knackered engine with one of similar vintage and presumably mileage. Zero chance of it being a DIY job.

Replacing car with something maybe a decade newer will probably be between 9-12000 I reckon for a people mover. Might well have to send some seductive TradeMe links to SWMBO for her to have a look at while she should be working...

rb99

Coil

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#1965090 27-Feb-2018 14:01

What ever you do, Do not put that Mitsi back on the road.
Go out there any buy a new vehicle.

elpenguino

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#1965413 27-Feb-2018 23:03

If you can't DIY a motor swap I would recommend to cut your losses and scrap it.

Of course if the mileage is low and the body work / interior etc. in pristine condition you would be tempted to preserve it but I am guessing after 21 years she has served well and needs to be shot and dropped in a hole.

Aredwood

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#1966826 2-Mar-2018 02:15

Coil:
What ever you do, Do not put that Mitsi back on the road.
Go out there any buy a new vehicle.

This. As assuming it has an automatic transmission, it might be the same transmission as the one used in the Mitsubishi Legnum. If so, that transmission suffers from spontaneous torque converter failure.

And you will still have the same alternator, starter motor, power steering pump, radiator etc that are currently fitted to the car. As wreakers only sell engines as "long blocks". (basically just block, cylinder heads, and internal mechanical parts). Any sensors or other bolt on parts that come with them are a bonus.

Keeping such an old car on the road only works if you can do your own servicing and major repairs. Assuming it has valid WOF and Rego, it should still sell for around $500 as is. Maybe more.

rb99

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#1966836 2-Mar-2018 07:30

Well, am collecting a 2008 Honda Odyssey today. A mere 10 years old and 95k on clock. Got a CVT but most of them do. Hopefully the (slightly) later CVT's behave themselves. Also got an extended warranty. Yes the CGA might come to the rescue but with the previous cars sudden expiry though it a (fairly) wise precaution.

If anyone wants a slightly knackered Chariot down Whakatane way, answers on a postcard too...

rb99