My mini's motor just blew... it was sad but I wasn't willing to drop a new motor in an 8 year old car. What do you think I should post it for?

Some info:

This is a mini from new england (salt on the roads)

Has a cobalt front skid plate
Has a bolera exhaust
Has the dealer installed roof rack
Currently has a set of snow tires on it (Bridgestone Blizzaks with steel wheels)
I also have a set of O.Z. racing rally wheels with Bridgestone Potenza G 009s that are in pretty good condition

 

Not sure, but maybe you can help me.

I have a house with a water problem. It is in CT.

Has a fireplace
Has central AC
The roof is new.

What should I sell it for?

 

A non running car is only worth a fraction of a running car...even though a used motor is only $3000 plus install...there is no way for a possible buyer to testdrive it...
To get its true value, you must get it running.....a 3800$ investment is likely to get you $5000+ more in the sale price...

 

BTW, I agree, fix to sell, otherwise it is a firesale to mechanic only.

My first post was to point out missing info makes answering difficult. One needs to know more to give you any kind of number, but, someone will fix it and make money. It will either be you or the guy you sell it to.

 

Hello,

I know that I would be able to get more with a working car. My local dealer quoted me a repair with $3500 of labor with either a $2800 used engine with 75K miles on it or a crate engine for $5000. My wife would kill me if I did that and I can't do the work myself.

I know that to actually put the car for sale I need to have much more info, I was also planning on having whoever actually look at it. (I'm in Boston)

Other than the parts I mentioned, the car is stock. I figured it was probably going to go as a parts car.



HRM, knowing how much rain you guys in CT got last spring, I don't doubt you have a water problem... everyone I know in CT had a water problem.

 

I bet the dealer price is crazy hi....it is for most anything...I bet pete over at Greasysgarage in worchester could do it for a fraction of that...the dealer labor rate is crazy...heck, look at the number of hours they want for the swap....crazy!!
It sounds to me like it is simply a job they don't want....
Engine price is right...labor...a joke. Should be less...get another quote before giving up....heck if you already bought a 2nd car and the shop can do it when it is slow over a few weeks...might save even more $$.
It is no surprise a dealer gave you such a crazy quote....they would occupy a bay for a few days and a few mechanics that know what they are doing....dealer mechanics tend to be newbie mechanics...know one make...and often one area at that...infepent mechanics tend to have a broader knowledge base...usually more year experance....and the shops have lower costs...older buildings...less shiney stuff, but experance to make up for it. Heck some of the best independent shops can do 90% of what dealers do...
Some like WMW are former dealer mechanics....
Just get a quote on the swap...you will be stunned compared to the dealer cost...
The cost of s tow at a shops discounted rate to get it there to get it fixed will easily be covered by the savings...even a 50 mile tow..

 

One way to get a price would be to assess the market using mileage, age and condition to get into the right ballpark for cars that ARE running. Then subtract a reasonable estimate for the repairs - assuming a short-warranty used engine. I would contact Greasy's to help get that number. Then adjust from there.

I do believe you'd be selling to a garage or individual looking to flip the car, and they'd want to make a grand on it at least I should think, if not more.

If you can get a lowish number that makes sense given the calculation above, it might be worth trying eBay with a reserve.

What's the mileage and general condition of the car? Any key points in the repair history?

Also, what do you know about the "dead engine"? Any idea how dead it is?

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

everything he just asked will help out greatly!

 

Ok,

let's see, car has 77K miles
Got the clutch replaced at 65k
replaced most of the wiring harness a while ago (fans would all turn on and blow the fuse- dumb design)
Breaks and rotors were replaced regularly.
I just replaced the strut mounts and added mini madness strut tower reinforcement plates.

I would say that the condition of the car is good/fair, I live in the city and it has some very minor scratches in the paint. Also had some ice fall on the back passenger side corner (there's a little dent)

About the dead engine, the mini repair guy couldn't get the crank shaft to turn with a 4ft breaker bar. Coolant system blew and I think that there is also a problem with the oil system. I'm not really sure since the dealer wanted to charge me just to find out what went wrong. The annoying thing is there were no warning lights or anything. It just started to make this squeaking sound and then a mile later it was seized. There's not even a oil mark in the driveway.

I think I'll call Greasy's tomorrow and find out how much an average engine swap would be and also how much a diagnostic exploration would be.


Best,

Aaron

 

^+1......that's a sound decision, based on sound advice.

....Les

 

FYI, cross linking this to another thread as they seem complementary...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...own-motor.html

 

I think I saw a Judge Judy episode like this.

Someone bought an used car with a blown engine. The seller was quite up front about this, even stating such in their craiglist ad. However, after the buyer found out how much it would cost to replace the engine, they attempted to sue the seller to get their money back. Apparently, the buyer thought they were getting the "deal of a century", and was upset then it turned out not to be.

BTW, the buyer lost the case. But it was still a hassle, I am sure, for the seller.

 

What does that fellow say?

"Here's your sign!"

....Les

 

Well, Greasy's thinks it might be a blown supercharger, waiting for the tow truck right now.

 

Fingers crossed for you!

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

Well, Greasy's got it running... seems it was a combo of a seized air conditioner compressor and a seized alternator. Total repair is going to be around $1600 (includes parts). Thank you guys for speaking some sense in my ear

 

I love a (relatively) happy ending

+1 for you for not being hasty.

+1 for Greasy's for sorting it out.

Charlie

 

You must be (relatively) ecstatic. To go from losing the car to $1600 in work is a sizable improvement.

 

I would say extremely ecstatic. Even better, I should be able to pick up the car tomorrow.

 

I have just towed my baby, a beautiful 2003 Mini Cooper, stock engine, back home after a 140 mile round trip to a mechanic. I live in Blue Ridge Mountains. The CVT tranny is gone, caput! They dropped both front axles and they are in perfect condition. Computer check showed no faults in the tranny, but "she no go". Not in drive, reverse, or in manual - any gear. Park works.

Everything else about the car is fantastic! Only 58,500 miles (flat land in FL) on it driven by (and this is true!) a little old lady school teacher (me).

Can't afford to put $5000 for a new CVT (plus $3000 labor) into an 8 year old car that has a book value of $8 - 10,000.

Suggestions on what to do with it?

 

That is why pete/greasy's is so well loved!! Just saved you a motor + labour!!

 

I would call Way. His wedsite can be found here. He is a highly respected vendor here on NAM and can be trusted to offer you words of wisdom.

....Les

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I have emailed Way and will wait for their response.

Rhahn