[MDG]

Hello,
We have a 2001 Rav4 with over 350k on it! It is definitely needing to be be put out of its mechanical misery. That said, we also have a 14yr old daughter counting the days until she gets to drive. Would hanging onto it and replacing the engine be worth it as a starter vehicle? I am guestimating that doing so would be around the $5-6k mark (Correct me if I'm way off on that, please)? Much cheaper than buying a used 4wd or Awd for the mild snow country we live in. I would love some knowledgeable thoughts on this. Finances are a concern and that is why we are considering this option. Does it invite hidden costs?

Thanks

 

[05RAV]

I think your cost estimate is in the ballpark. I also agree you cannot replace a reliable Toyota 4WD for less $$$ in today's market. I would be comparing costs of a rebuild opposed to those of pulling one from a yard. Pros and Cons to each . . .

Another question you may ask is, in what shape is the remainder of the vehicle? If you've taken legitimately good care of it there's no question just fixing the engine is the financially responsible way to go. If you can expect transmission and further drivetrain issues to follow shortly after, replacing the entire vehicle begins to make more sense.

Good job on the 350k by the way

 

[PatsNotaGeek]

I had an 01, the transmission destroyed itself due to bad programming. Have you had the issue yet? It would suck to put that much into an engine and then have the tranny die.

 

[RockyRav4]

i just had my engine replaced on my 05 2.4 4wd
i purchased the jdm engine from ebay the vendor had 100% rating for over 5 years so i pulled the trigger. i paid 1400 shipped for the engine since i used the offer option and offered a few hundred bucks less than the advertised price. the install was 1500 for the swap. in the end i got one of those 50k engines and it is up and running now. my install price was based on 90$ per hour of labor and about 14 hours of labor plus the fluids.

 

[DopefulRomantic]

Hello,
We have a 2001 Rav4 with over 350k on it! It is definitely needing to be be put out of its mechanical misery. That said, we also have a 14yr old daughter counting the days until she gets to drive. Would hanging onto it and replacing the engine be worth it as a starter vehicle? I am guestimating that doing so would be around the $5-6k mark (Correct me if I'm way off on that, please)? Much cheaper than buying a used 4wd or Awd for the mild snow country we live in. I would love some knowledgeable thoughts on this. Finances are a concern and that is why we are considering this option. Does it invite hidden costs?

Thanks

I got my 01 Rav4 as my first car from my parents at 176k with new engine and transmission and im at 274,000 miles 5 years with the car and only had to change alternator battery and starter a few times