Cost to repair a 1996 plymouth voyager mini van?

Question

What would be the cheapest way to replace an engine in an Plymouth voyager mini van we need it for the kids. Your answer is appreciated.

Answer 1

Doing that would cost more than the car's Kelley Blue Books value (a few thousand).  When a car becomes more expensive to repair than what it's worth, you are at the point where the car is becoming a bottomless black hole that just keeps sucking your money for repairs.  Save the repair money, sell the car (or junk it if it's not sellable), and put the money towards another car that will give you a few more years of problem-free service.

Answer 2

The easiest way would be to replace everything at once. That whole engine/drivetrain assembly is mounted in a "cradle" that is attached with just a few bolts. After disconnecting all the wiring, plumbing and any suspension parts like struts and sway bars, remove the bolts holding the cradle to the uni-body and drop the whole thing out. Find a good used assembly in a salvage yard and reverse the whole process. The hardest part, if you are doing it yourself, will be getting the van high enough off the ground to get the cradle out from under it. A few concrete blocks will work, but, you still have to get it off the ground. If a shop does the work, they will have no problems since they will have it on a lift.

Answer 3

Expect to pay between $1000-1800 for parts and labor, depending on how far into the engine you want to go, even with a used engine, some parts should be replaced with new, like seals and gaskets, hoses, etc.

Cheap is a relative question. It is seldom the best approach. Most used engines can be purchased for under $500 , w/ a guarantee. but the labor is where you will incur the cost.Plan on an average of 8-10hrs to remove, swap parts and replace the engine.

A good mechanic will also clean all covers (oil pan, valve covers, oil pick-up) change out the secondary ignition components, replace the thermostat,  clean the throttle body, and replace all seals and gaskets,(front and rear main seals). this ensures no oil leaks and less trouble down the road.

Then there is the reason the engine needs to be replaced, did it overheat, is the radiator serviceable, injectors clean and functioning well? There is likely more than just the long block that needs attention.

Most reasons for unhappy owners is that they try to avoid paying out the appropriate money when it comes time to repair a vehicle, the mechanic can only advise you of the needed repairs, if something come up in the middle of the job, it's your responsibility to address it or take the chance that it will fail and cost you more down the road.

A new vehicle may not have any major problems right off, but that's not always the case.  

Answer 4

ck. with a junk yard for a motor and and locate a repair shop that will exchange it out.  Question? Is the motor blown? block damaged?

using a junk yard motor could be cheaper short term but expensive long term. if the block isn't damaged you may look into someone who specializes motor replacements in any event you could be looking at a couple thousand bucks. You may find a junk yard motor for a couple hundred but add labor all new fluids belts hoses plugs wires nuts and bolts and lines it will add up quick. Another option car-trader.com

Good Luck

Answer 5

6-25k when you replace it with a minivan that won't break down and leave you on the side of the road.  any chrysler minvan from 92-01 had TONS of issues, especially with the trans.