Auto body repair & detailing: TOYOTA SIENNA 2001 ENGINE, luck mark, toyota sienna

Question
MY QUESTION IS I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2001 SIENNA AND MY MECHANIC IS TELLING ME THAT THE BEST THING TO DO IS REPLACE MY ENTIRE ENGINE NOT JUST BECAUSE OF MY CURRENT ACCIDENT BUT BECAUSE OF PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VAN I DON'T DISAGREE WITH HIM IT'S JUST THAT I THINK HIS QUOTE IS TOO HIGH I WAS JUST WONDERING WHERE CAN I FIND A QUOTE FOR THE PRICE OF A 2001 SIENNA ENGINE?  

Answer
Gladys,

My instinct tells me to get another opinion and fast! I would also advise you to involve the insurance company immediately. I would put it on them to determine whether or not the engine damage is a result of the accident or other problems. That is what they are there for. Do not take the advice of the mechanic for matters like this. The insurance company should send someone out to meet with the mechanic or call him and discuss the problems with the engine, and why it needs replacement. If you have already taken these measures and are stuck with the burden of replacing the engine, call any wrecking yard and request a price for a used engine assembly for the vehicle, with similar mileage as the one you are replacing. Assume the mechanic is entitled to a reasonable markup on the replacement. This could be as much as 25 percent, if its more than that- it may be unreasonable. Get a second opinion before you do anything!!!
These engines are of very high quality and very reliable- unless the engine has been abused or not maintained at all, it should not need replacement for many, many years. Good Luck, Mark