91 LE Water Pump Replacement - Worth it?

[89_3SFE]

I have a 91 V-6 LE and the water pump just broke apart and I need it replaced. My mechanic, who I trust with anything and who's a great mechanic, quoted me $500, possibly more. First of all, is that a reasonable price or is he just quoting far ahead so he doesn't surprise me? Also, should I go with the repair?

The car's got 110,000 miles, and my wife's sister had it and she did take good care of it. It burns oil a little and leaks a little, but I hardly ever have to refill it between oil changes. Also, it makes a knocking noise that it's made for 3 years and it still runs well. My father-in-law took it in and he was told that he needed an engine overhaul to get rid of that noise b/c they couldn't figure out what it was. We thought it would last another 6 month to a year and it's lasted 3 years since that. It looks bad on the outside because my wife's sister got hit in the back and also right in front of the front driver-side wheel. Other than that, the car runs fine and has no problems.

Let me know what you think!!

[Kep]

If the $500 is for the water pump, timing belt, main seals, and idler it's OK. You might want to comparison shop a little. But if you know this mechanic and he has treated you right in the past that in itself is worth a lot. You might nudge him for the oil pump seals/gaskets while he's in there and I think that there is another belt that they can replace. If it is just for the water pump then I am skeptical (timing belts don't like oil or water)!

The knocking is a concern and the condition is a concern. From the sound of it, you might have a hard time selling it for $500 after the water pump was fixed. It may well keep running for a long time. That's more of a judgment call.

Kep

[marc780]

110,000 miles is means barely-broken-in to a Camry engine...EXCEPT for that knock! The mechanics couldnt figure it out? Der der- maybe they should be in another line of work, no guesses even? I have some from here - what id do -
1. Remove the plug wires one at a time. Idle engine, listen for knock. If knock is still there, replace plug wire on that cyl, do it again to next cyl. If knock goes away, this is the problem cylinder making the knock. Possible causes - piston slap; piston pin worn; rod bearing; main bearing.
If you do this and the noise is still there, it may actually be something harmless since you have already driven it so far! But somebody oughta be able to figure it out this noise. If it is internal lower engine noise this means big money someday so id base my car /engine replacement decision on that. Plus compression results and oil pressure, higher/better! Id have them checked if are planning to just drive it into the ground until it croaks lol.