Hey everyone- I have a new to me 95 e320 wagon that I bought about a month ago. I picked up the car for a good price and knew that I would have to get some things up to snuff with it. I knew the head gasket was on it's way out. However, since driving the car the last few weeks the head gasket is gone. I am basically out of time because the oil leaks are now huge and the overflow is contaminated. I also need to refresh some of the front end parts to fix the alignment- tie rod ends, steering damper, etc. The AC does work but it is not ice cold so that is weighing on me a bit, too.
My benz guru said spending more money on this particular engine is not smart because the cooling system has been so compromised already. I am calling back a local wrecking yard that has a 110,000 mile 3.6 amg engine. My guru would be willing to install the engine for me for less than what a normal shop would charge. I would probably be able to get everything done for between $2-2500.
I really like the car and don't want to part with it so quickly if possible. I am trying to avoid a car payment and would be able to pay for the engine and swap without a problem. My wife is growing tired of car repairs though. I had bad luck with an E30 that I just managed to sell last week. I would rather not test her patience and mine at this point if I am getting into a black hole of repairs.
My car question to you all is whether I should break ties now with the car and look for a car in the 10k range. Unfortunately, not very many newer cars push my buttons at all. I need something like this wagon or something that has a hatch/room. I have looked for 04-05 civic si hatches but they seem overpriced because of the honda name.
Does anyone have any sensible advice here. I am sure all the married car people on the board can relate to my problem here.
Cheers- Cory
