98 Camry LE - Blown Engine

[moeller80]

My wife was driving the 98 Camry when it threw a water pump. The results were the engine overheated. I am tossing around whether to find a rebuilt engine or scrap the car. I have 237,000 miles with everything else working beautifully.

Is the rebuilt worth the investment as this vehicle is going to be used to transportation to and fro school for my daughter?

What are your experiences and any suggestions?

Thanks

[freeyellow2000]

I would say if you daughter school is close, they just fix the broken water pump, replace any hard gasket and drive the car. You can always rebuild the engine down the road.

[96paseo]

Has the tranny been well maintained? Have you been changing the fluid every 30,000 miles? I know you said everything is good now but here's some problems you might run into with high mileage.

1.Suspension parts can go bad. Not a lot of $$$$ Ball joints, tie rods, struts, RSB and FSB bushings, etc. Have the struts and mounts been replaced?

2.Transmission could go bad. Lots of $$$$$ There's no guarantee the trans will hold up. If you've been keeping up with your fluid changes, you may want to go for it. There are many posters here with mileage above 300,000.

Before getting serious about a rebuild, keep in mind that the rebuilt motor could last for 200k-300k miles. Your going to have to keep up with maintaining/replacing trans, suspension, etc. if/when needed. Factor in the cost of a trans rebuild plus the motor and then decide if its worth it to you.

[carsrus]

Originally Posted by freeyellow2000

I would say if you daughter school is close, they just fix the broken water pump, replace any hard gasket and drive the car. You can always rebuild the engine down the road.

I agree, if your doing your own work this is the best option.

Get the head checked for cracks and if its fine a quick head gasket job might get it back on the road cheap.

[mazdaverx7]

where in OH are you located?