One of my family members drives a 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Turbo, but very recently the engine of that car broke down. Now, it's going to cost $4200 for the mechanic to replace the engine. So I was wondering which would be the better thing to do: Pay the $4200 and fix the car or try to sell the shell and busted engine as is and buy a new car? If I try to sell the shell, whats the price range that I can get for it as well as for the engine? Any advice would be great. Thanks.

 

I don't think I would put $4,200 into that unless this person really loves their car. Unless you can find a private party to buy the car as is then you would probably get about $500 to $1,000 for it from a scrap yard.

 

It probably needs a valve job because the timing belt broke and the pistons "tagged" the valves. I would shop around and find out which shop has experience with doing a valve job on a 1.8 turbo (if that is the problem). If you know a little about what you are talking about with the mechanic it will go a long way. Don't say "please fix this engine that broke and how much can I pay you", because they will certainly know they can charge you any amount. The car is worth about $6000-8000 running and probably about $2000-3000 as is...this is just a guess. Also, you might find more help at www.newbeetle.org and ask the same question.
Good Luck!

 

shouldnt they automatically do that when you tell them its a different engine and it doesnt come in that year of car from factory