Toyota Repair: Engine replacement, mileage unit, john massey


Question
I have a '98 Toyota Camry LE, 4 cylinder that apparently is dying a slow death (fill it with oil and check the gas!). I've been told to replace the engine with a used engine. Is this the best course of action? And, if so, what would the approximate expense be for this?

Thanks!

John Massey

Answer
The best course of action would be to replace it with a remanufactured engine from Toyota(very expensive)or from an aftermarket rebuilder( a little less expensive)The least expensive way to go would be a used engine, if you can a low mileage unit from Japan. The ones from the local junkyard may have more miles on them than yours, there are engine suppliers that sell low mileage engines in or near most major cities in the US, I know of at least two in the Los Angeles area.
Make sure no matter where you go that they have some sort of warranty or guarantee, this period varies from seller to seller and it covers only the actual engine, not the labor involved. The used engine should be in the pricerange of around $600 plus the labor to install it.