Looking for some advice: Fix or trade?
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Looking for some advice: Fix or trade?
So I have a 2005 Ford Escape 4wd XLS with roughly 150k miles. Several months ago it broke down and I just got some money saved up and got it into the shop
The timing chain broke, damaged some valves and a cylinder and it's going to cost 1800-2200 to fix it. Now I could sell/trade it + what I have saved for a down payment on a used truck of some sort (I would have to buy used), or I could bite the bullet and put over half what the vehicle is worth into it to fix it.
I really don't know much about cars so idk if after this gets fixed if it'll be prone to more problems or what, so I'm hoping I can get some advice/past experiences or what have you's and hopefully some help in making a decision.
Any information would be absolutely lovely and I thank everybody for helping and taking time to read this
The timing chain broke, damaged some valves and a cylinder and it's going to cost 1800-2200 to fix it. Now I could sell/trade it + what I have saved for a down payment on a used truck of some sort (I would have to buy used), or I could bite the bullet and put over half what the vehicle is worth into it to fix it.
I really don't know much about cars so idk if after this gets fixed if it'll be prone to more problems or what, so I'm hoping I can get some advice/past experiences or what have you's and hopefully some help in making a decision.
Any information would be absolutely lovely and I thank everybody for helping and taking time to read this
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 133
From: Burleson, Tx
That's a tough one. Depending on how the engine is done it could last another 150k miles which would be a decent price for that. But it could die again in 10k if a sloppy job is done.
If I was strapped for cash I would find a reliable shop and fix it then start saving for a replacement.
If I was strapped for cash I would find a reliable shop and fix it then start saving for a replacement.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,078
From: St Louis
If you sell or trade the car right now, you'll get zip for it in its current condition, basically salvage, scrap, or speculative value.
Ask yourself this question: Can I replace the car for 18-2200? What other issues does it have that are known, ticking time bombs, if any?
You'd be surprised what a well-running '05 with 150K would actually cost if you went to buy one. Shop it and see.
Personally, if the rest of the vehicle is in decent condition, I'd look for a used or salvage lower mileage engine and install that, then drive it for a few years.
Ask yourself this question: Can I replace the car for 18-2200? What other issues does it have that are known, ticking time bombs, if any?
You'd be surprised what a well-running '05 with 150K would actually cost if you went to buy one. Shop it and see.
Personally, if the rest of the vehicle is in decent condition, I'd look for a used or salvage lower mileage engine and install that, then drive it for a few years.
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The only thing that I foresee going out and being expensive would be the transmission, but as far as I can tell it hasn't shown any signs of being on the edge, but what do I know?
The shop it's at is a pretty good shop, it's got a great reputation around town. I plan on calling tomorrow and seeing if he can find a refurbished engine around town, or I may order one from ebay. But I'm still open to suggestions and speculation, thanks for all the help!
The shop it's at is a pretty good shop, it's got a great reputation around town. I plan on calling tomorrow and seeing if he can find a refurbished engine around town, or I may order one from ebay. But I'm still open to suggestions and speculation, thanks for all the help!
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 8
From: hinckley ohio
See how much more the shop might want to go thru the trans.If its not to much its added comfort
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 256
From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
I agree with projectSHO89. Escapes have sold very well for FoMoCo with most having relatively few problems. This means donor engines should be a dime to the dozen for availability. That said, my suggestion is to source out a lower mileage donor engine from another Escape of 2005 to 2007 vintage, plunk it in and call it a day. There is far less potential for grief going this route than opening up your engine and fixing it.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,078
From: St Louis
Ours (2007) died at 110K with no warning two days after I got home from the hospital after having both knees replaced. I wasn't in any condition to work on it so off to the shop it went.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
I would be shopping boneyards and craigslist for a used engine. The Sable/Taurus 24v DOHC will bolt in with some modifications and they are more easily acquired.
There is a video on youtube where a tech disassembles a CD4E and then re-furbs it, and puts it back together. I think a series of 6 vids. The 1st is long, and the others shorter.
I believe his name is Reuben. He is playing straight with his viewers. His tips are right on the money as far as my experience with automatics.
If I needed to, I think I could do a CD4E. I've done a few others with moderate success. Only problem I have had is getting the clutch pack piston seals replaced as I don't have a press.
The show is worth it.
Check around on this site for a swap of a Taurus / Sable 3.0 into an Escape.
tom
Add: One thing to think of is that buying a repair will cost a few months of car payments, essentially, while replacing with a pig in a poke, you know you'll have payments plus the uncertainty of a vehicle you don't know.
There is a video on youtube where a tech disassembles a CD4E and then re-furbs it, and puts it back together. I think a series of 6 vids. The 1st is long, and the others shorter.
I believe his name is Reuben. He is playing straight with his viewers. His tips are right on the money as far as my experience with automatics.
If I needed to, I think I could do a CD4E. I've done a few others with moderate success. Only problem I have had is getting the clutch pack piston seals replaced as I don't have a press.
The show is worth it.
Check around on this site for a swap of a Taurus / Sable 3.0 into an Escape.
tom
Add: One thing to think of is that buying a repair will cost a few months of car payments, essentially, while replacing with a pig in a poke, you know you'll have payments plus the uncertainty of a vehicle you don't know.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: Northern Maine
I was in your shoes about 2.5 years ago except it wasn't the engine. I roached the transmission in my 2005 XLT 4x4 at about 135,000 miles. I thought it over for a while and decided to replace the transmission and keep the vehicle. My Escape would have been about worthless in a trade and I would have taken a real hosing in an outright sale. For $2,500.00 I had a rebuilt transmission installed that came with a 3 year 100% parts and labor warranty.
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