Blown Engine $10k still owed. What do I do??

Posted by perilbeats@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 367 comments

Long story short me and my fiancé reluctantly purchased a 2015 Chevy Equinox last year at just over 92,000 miles on it. Put 6,000 miles on it in the last year and now the timing chain has stretched and we are being quoted $11k for an engine replacement with 64,000 miles. The repair is more than what we owe on the vehicle. Are we screwed? What’s my next step another quote? Crash it into a tree? Cut my losses and roll over the negative equity into another vehicle?

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367 Comments

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jrileyy229@reddit

That's an insane quote for a new-used engine. That's the "we don't want to do it" price. Half that is more realistic... Which might make your decision different

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nu_pieds@reddit

I just checked. The 3.6l awd (what i assume is the worst case scenario, without checking all the options.) has a book time of 11.9 hours for an r/r, and you can get a reman long block for 3,500USD, a complete junkyard engine for 1,500USD. Assuming a shop rate of 150/hr, and budgeting 1-2 grand for "Well, shit, as long as we're here./shipping/incidentals/etc", I'd say 4300-5300USD...though I'd probably go with the reman for the extra 2 grand.

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Tzarius78@reddit

A lot of shops are now 200 to 300 range. Especially dealerships. They lose money on warranty so make up the cost with regular repairs.

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nu_pieds@reddit

I pay my Indy shop somewhere around 190/hr...but honestly, I don't know exactly, they keep raising their rates because they have more work than they want...and I keep paying them because when I get a vehicle back from them it's actually fixed. That being said, for something as straight forward (Though pain in the ass) as an engine r/r, I assume most everyone can find an Indy shop trustworthy at 150/hr. This causes me pain, as I used to pay 90/hr for a specialty shop I could trust (On the rare occasions I would admit I couldn't fix the problem myself.)

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Tzarius78@reddit

Yeah the prices are going to juat keep going up. It also depends on region you are in too.

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Specialist-Shirt-904@reddit

The 3.6 is very rare in those (i dont think it offered at all and the v6 option was the 2.8) but it almost certainly has the 2.4L. Those are very expensive because there are so few, but also the timing components should probably just be replaced and he needs to check his oil every fuel up.

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nu_pieds@reddit

Mitchell thinks it came with a 3.6 as an option, but I'm perfectly willing to believe they were wrong.

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Specialist-Shirt-904@reddit

Yeah, I may be wrong as well, but i would bet a bunch of money its a 2.4l with that issue he's describing.

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Solid-Tumbleweed-981@reddit

I thought they bought the 4cyl when I read the post. The previous owner must not have been taking care of the vehicle. The 3.6 after 2011 was pretty reliable. I've had 3 of them and they ran perfectly fine even at 150k. I wouldn't have kept my last car if it wasn't for work rules

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nu_pieds@reddit

No clue, OP doesn't specify, and I'm not familiar with the vehicle or engines. But I had to pick a vehicle to check the book time on, and I had to choose 2.4 or 3.6, and FWD or AWD, so I went with a 3.6 AWD on the assumption that it would be the most pessimistic answer.

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jrileyy229@reddit

This is excellent info for OP... I said "half of 11k" as a pure spitball guess.... pretty much in the ballpark.

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nu_pieds@reddit

Honestly, I didn't do the math until I was making the comment, I just wanted to attach actual numbers somewhere high enough up that OP would probably see it. I was pretty impressed at how close you were once I had numbers

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solbrothers@reddit

This period get two more quotes. For what it’s worth, I may not need an engine after all. They may just be thrown that at you to get you to leave.

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HalfBlindKing@reddit

You also don’t want to tell subsequent shops what the first one said was wrong, just go in with the original symptom and give them a clean slate.

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UnEstablishedViking@reddit

How much should the engine cost? And how many hours labor on a 15 equinox engine r&r?

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04limited@reddit

Used motors $2500-3k with 100k miles or less. Cheaper if it’s higher mileage. Maybe $1500-2500 for labor plus misc/incidentals like fluids, hoses, clamps etc. $4-6k should get a used motor installed if you can find a shop willing to do it. However lots of shops don’t want to deal with the headache of a come back if the used motor gives out 6 months later.

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Battle_Intense@reddit

That's why the quotes are so high now a days. Any decent shop is full on jobs and scarce on labor. Engine swap can just have so many issues.

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No_Durian_3444@reddit

Engine is about $3000 used low mileage i just priced it out.

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jrileyy229@reddit

Depends which engine it is. Depends on where you live, and how close the nearest used engine is available.

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Ambitious-Intern-928@reddit

Except these engines were known to have timing chain issues, so a used engine is a terrible choice anyways. Why I got rid of my GM with timing chain issues. It was paid for and perfect in every other way, but I wasn't putting a brand new engine in or gambling with a used one.

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cdsbigsby@reddit

Probably the stealership's quote

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

Sadly it was a local independent shop

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O_o-22@reddit

The that was the “we don’t want to do it” price prob because those cars are shit and just go bad again quickly.

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Shot-Swimming-9098@reddit

If you're in a city, look outside it. I had a new clutch put in, and I had a half dozen quotes all within a couple hundred dollars. On a recommendation, I found a guy an hour away out in the sticks who did it for $800 less than the other quotes. It even included a couple of items he thought were likely that he couldn't see until he ripped it apart that weren't on the other quotes, like the clutch fork and the sleeve.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

Did you see damaged pistons and or valves? Or did they take the scanner to it and say "Oops blown engine, timing chain went out and it's an interference engine. It must be done in. Surely."

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pimpbot666@reddit

Get more estimates from other shops. Is the car driveable for now, at least?

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Inconsequentialish@reddit

Yup, that's the "go away" price. That said, running used engines for these things do command a premium because there are so few of them... and guess what the used engine will do very soon as well? Shop around, and get an engine slapped in. Trade it ASAP.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

EBay usually tells the tale. It depends on the engine OP has, but pricing is all over the place. That said, I would like to see damage before committing to an engine swap. Who determined the engine is blown?

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Impossible_Penalty13@reddit

I put a remanufacture 5.3 in a Yukon for about $8k a year and a half ago and it came with a 3 year warranty. $11k for a junkyard engine is insane.

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

3 options 1. Pay to get it fixed 2. Sell/trade it in at a huge loss as is 3. Tree and delete this

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jd780613@reddit

4. get more quotes for engine replacement

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

Respectfully if he’s in the financial position it sounds like he’s in it’s not going to change anything. He had to finance a 2015 equinox with 92,000 miles. It’s not like a second or third opinion is going to come in at $500.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

There are shops/mechanics out there that don't beat people over the head, but it would still be $1500+ in labor, for even a casual mechanic to come by and swap it, and that would be a charitable number. That said, $3000-$4000 is a lot more attainable than $10k. What I want to know is if anyone actually saw bent valves or damaged pistons, or if this is just the shop saying a bad timing chain = destroyed engine. That's not always the case. Even on interference engines, they don't always go that far out of time when they go.

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fuzzybunnies1@reddit

Lot of cars with any kind of variable timing, chain stretch can result in the car running like shit or not running long before the engine is damaged. Stretched isn't broken.

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Tzarius78@reddit

They are quoting this because it is an interference motor. Sorry to say, but engine swap is usually cheaper. You may want to get a chilt9n and cherry picker.

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fuzzybunnies1@reddit

I understand its an interference motor, and maybe I don't have enough experience with them, that's probable. But if the chain hasn't broken or jumped a tooth I haven't heard of the chain stretching to a point that the engine can still self destruct. That seems like a very poor design.

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Tzarius78@reddit

If timeing is off enough then it can slip. Then smack. The valves are now dead and debris everywhere. Ends up cheaper to replace then try to fix and pray

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fuzzybunnies1@reddit

I get that, but OP doesn't say that it slipped or jumped a tooth, just that its stretched. There is a bit of a difference there.

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pimpbot666@reddit

VVT is handed elsewhere in the engine at the cams. There's usually a cam advance/retard device on the end of the camshaft (one or both) run by oil pressure regulated by an electronic servo.

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fuzzybunnies1@reddit

I know in my current cars the timing chain runs across the cam pulleys which have the variable timing built into pulleys and so as the chain stretches the cams adjust to compensate to a point. Much more advanced than the manually adjustable pulleys on my old volvo that let me advance or retard timing. Either way, if they can't adjust enough the car runs poorly or not at all.

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O_o-22@reddit

If it’s the stealership they always quote astronomically high and I’d be skeptical the engine is actually ruined till someone in the know gets a look at it. I’ve worked for a dealership and the one time I had a nap in the tire they said they couldn’t just plug it because it was too close to the edge, safety hazard yada yada. I took it to the independent tire warehouse, the plugged it for $10 and it never failed for several more years. And recently a co-worker had his Cherokee dumping oil out the bottom of the engine a couple day after he changed the oil. He has a warranty on it, took it in and got a list of several things wrong with it. All of them covered by warranty except for the part that was causing the oil leak. The had it for three weeks and only fixed the part he had to pay out of pocket for and none of the other stuff, one of which was a wheel speed sensor and would have been easy to fix. Dealerships are such a scam.

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Janieray2@reddit

I was on the sales floor at a Ford dealership before I became a tech. Sold a used first gen Ford Focus, transmission quits on the way home. Service department throws in a new transmission without doing any diagnostics, bill came to $4,000, and I get blamed for it, boss just straight up bitches at me for several days straight over it. A week later, a service advisor asks why I approved a transmission when it was just a known issue with the shifter, normally a $300 fix. I told him I didn't approve shit, I'm just a salesman. Went to the service manager, and he straight up admitted he ripped off the sales department, then basically dared me to tell on him. Which I did, and got in more shit. Moral of the story: some dealers are so crooked they'll rip themselves off.

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O_o-22@reddit

Yeah I asked the used car manager once if the dealership at least cut him a break on the cost of repairs for auction or trade in cars they’d get in before they’d put them back on the lot to resell and he said nope, they actually charge us more since they just pass that cost on to the next buyer. I still work at that one doing car photos even tho this job has turned to shit every year a bit more since Covid. I keep thinking I should quit since it’s not really worth it anymore but it’s also an easy enough job and I keep hoping I’ll find a decent car to buy for myself before I leave. I can see what the dealership pays and the markup for the used cars and it’s sometimes insane especially for heavy duty trucks.

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Janieray2@reddit

Dealerships can be bad for your mental health, too many of them are run on weaponized incompetence and managed by psychopaths. Start looking and get out if it's bothering you now, it'll fuck you up really bad in the long run.

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O_o-22@reddit

I’m a contractor so not directly employed by them and I’ve been doing this job over 15 years but this job has about run its course. Covid made it not worth doing anymore, but since it is a little bit of money and super easy, I’ll hold onto it till I find something better. It’s not a great time to be looking for a job right now tho.

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EuroCanadian2@reddit

The 3.6 V6 in these is known for timimg chain guide wear, espcially if oil changes are not done on time. It's an engine-out repair. Op should search for any possible programs from GM to help woth the cost, maybe because you are under 100k miles you might get lucky?

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

Thankfully they fixed the timing set after 2013. I specifically swapped in a 2015 block to my 2010 Chevy Traverse, despite advice against it. They claimed it was incompatible, but besides three sensor pigtails, swapping the intakes, and leaving the oil level sensor bare (no pigtail in the harness for it in 2010) it went right in. The 3.6L VVT engine got used in a whole bunch of chassis. A few Cadillacs, the Acadia, Buick, Traverse, Saturn, the Camaro, Caddy sedan, etc. It makes a decent number for a 3.6L. Usually rated 290hp to 320hp depending on the model. In 2020 and up, the 3.6L VVT actually exceeds the industry standard on reliability by a significant amount. It's rated very high. The 2009 to 2013 models were a disaster by comparison, and yeah it was due to a bad timing kit design.

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RedneckStew@reddit

Very true on the question of does the engine require replacement? Lot's of shops will just try and screw you over. I doubt the timing chain has stretched enough to cause internal engine damage. It would have kicked on the check engine light and or thrown the computer into limp home mode before any engine damage would have occurred. After all, isn't what all those sensors, smog equipment, and on board computers are for? To protect the environment and the engine, thus protecting the environment from another engine in the junkyard.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

The sensors with a variable timing set will actually compensate for the chain stretching to a degree, but once it's beyond the scope of what the VVT or Vtec, etc, can accommodate, the check engine light comes on and starts flashing and maybe shutting off the car while driving to try to protect parts. Anyone who isnt a mechanic and just went through that would believe their engine is damaged. Except for my late wife, who complained AFTER she got home that the check engine light was "pissibg her off" flashing at her and she had to pull over 20+ times to cut the car off and gun it to get back up to speed to get home before it shut off again. 🤦 Please educate your loved ones that a flashing check engine light means pull over, shut it off, and call for a tow. The same with steam or smoke coming from under the hood or out the tailpipe. Always better to stop immediately than to drive until complete destruction. She cracked both heads and the block in a Vortec Escalade. I suspect it would have been a head gasket job, but turned into a complete replacement.

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Uxoandy@reddit

Mechanic put a low mileage engine in my daughters gmc terrain for $3800 so you are right I the ballpark.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

The painful part of that, I swapped my own and it cost me $3200 in parts, fluids, delivery, etc.

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Uxoandy@reddit

That’s $600 for a mechanic to do a straight up swap. I have no idea how long it would take to bolt it in.

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SirPlastic8529@reddit

He(mechanic) for sure got that replacement for less than this other commentor. Ain't nobody doing an engine swap for $600 in labor. Lowest id imagine is about $1000 for the labor. And that's if you have an honest mechanic, willing to do you a favor.

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unurbane@reddit

Engines come in all price ranges. You don’t have to put in a brand engine in a 12 year old car. In fact, I would offer that is a ‘bad’ idea.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

Agreed, but that said, I'd much rather stick to C/K's and cars I can throw any SBC at. I'm fed up with trying to deal with vehicles that have several computer modules and need to be programmed with a MIDI or equivalent. I can justify a Holley EFI and cam/heads at the beginning of a flip on a clean chassis. Plenty of trans/rear options from the junkyard for those.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

I don't doubt it. I bought a complete 2015 engine in 2019 to swap into a 2010 Traverse i picked up for $700. I will admit I figured on a $1200 engine and didn't do my diligence. Still it booked out for over $9k at the time. I also bought a new timing kit and new crank and cam sensors, plus the liftgate option on delivery was $250 to get it dropped into my driveway vs a shop with a dock to recieve one. Most shops I spoke to told me anything under 100k miles was viable and they wanted $1200-2500 to swap it. I opted for one with <50k miles. Convertor was $400 by itself, that with the lift gate, timing set, top end gaskets, and cam/crank sensors and all the fluids was over a grand. Engine was $2100 and change, delivery was a big chunk of it IIRC. Something like $300 plus the $250 for a lift gate. I figure they fudged the price there to make shipping work. Most the engines with similar mileage were hundreds more with a slightly lower shipping cost.

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Bright_Crazy1015@reddit

Pulling the engine, the service manual says to discharge the AC, but nobody is doing that unless they have to. Pull the compressor and hang it out of the way then start the process of removal. Column, electronics, plumbing, exhaust, starter all come loose, then pop the subframe loose and lift the car. Pull the engine free from the trans and swap in a new TC, dress the flywheel and bolt it up. Then reverse the process. Someone who knows the process implicitly can probably have it turned over in a day provided they have a lift and air tools. I don't have a lift so I had to jack it up on cribbing with a pair of floor jacks alternating a climb on concrete blocks. It was up about 5 feet in the front to clear the engine on the subframe and rolling it out on furniture dollies. (It was on pavement though, thankfully) I also kept the transmission, so the axles stayed in and brakes stayed on. Swapping the engine and trans as one unit might be faster, but you'd be pulling the axles vs swapping in a new torque converter and the hassle of bolting all that up. When I did it I was doing it in spare time and I did swap in a new timing kit and ran into 2010 vs 2015 engine compatibility. Ended up having to change over a few pigtails and the intake manifold because I went to a 2015 engine in a 2010 body. There were a few surprises, but it runs fine. I wanted that block because it has the improved timing set vs the 2009-2013 that was prone to failure. The intakes are significantly different though, 2010 being aluminum, 2015 being polymer, and the airborne and intake angle is swapped front to back. Throttle body carried over so the only real difference after the intake and few sensors got pigtails soldered in was the fact that the newer engine has an oil level sensor that the 2010 didnt. That just sits there without a connection. Not hurting anything. Transmission bolted up with no problems. I changed the hall effect sensors (crank/cam) since I was there also. All in it took me 8 days, putting in 2-4 hours most days. Definitely not profitable at a shop, but my labor cost was $0 in my spare time. I'd expect an experienced mechanic to handle it in 8-10 hours vs closer to 20 or 22 for me, even doing the new parts installs prior to the swap. I'll be the first to admit I researched a lot while the engine was out, and I was using a hoist and dollies vs a lift, which I think is the biggest difference. I was afraid of dropping it, so lifted it 2 inches at a time per side. Took a few hours to get it stood up on the rear bumper.

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jaymemaurice@reddit

Yeah this right here. It's very easy for a bad shop to say it's a bad engine even when it isn't. "We tested, it has low compression" will be enough to lubricate the cash from most people's wallet. It might just need the timing tensioner, guides or chain replaced

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professorfunkenpunk@reddit

Yeah, I’m curious about this too. I once blew a water pump that fucked up my timing chain. Knock on wood, it only needed a new water pump and chain and don’t actually damage anything else. Timing chain repair is expensive but I’d want confirmation the engine is actually broken

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Slovw3@reddit

The doo it yourself option might be about 1000 if he has friends with tools.

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thatcavdude@reddit

Go ahead and change that timing chain and reseal it and you're good to go.

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TealPotato@reddit

Are they interference motors? Also could a stretched chain damage guide or something to send debris through the motor?

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Wrong_Address4401@reddit

Yes,interference engine. The carnage I found in my Terrain 2.4L’s head and oil pickup screen was crazy

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thatcavdude@reddit

I'm honestly not familiar with this power plant but if it is not an interference motor you can absolutely just change the chain and set timing. I would check and change cam and crank seals at the same time.

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Happy_Kale888@reddit

Where is he getting friends who can swap a engine with tools. This is not ask a mechanic.

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Wrong_Address4401@reddit

I’m a friend like that with enough beer….

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Impossible_Grass6602@reddit

I got friends who would help me swap and engine. I'm sure lots of people do.

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Happy_Kale888@reddit

I am sure you do as you hang out with fellow enthusiasts but I would say if you asked 10 random people I doubt many of them would answer sure I can.

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Pretend-Yard-2150@reddit

Not really but if you say so champ

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ItsASadBunny1@reddit

Where you getting an engine for 1k?

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ajoyce76@reddit

If its the 3.6 there is one 23 miles from me with 79,000 miles for $1100. I only looked for 8 seconds though.

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Skizze_94@reddit

Likely a 2.4 I saw very few 3.6 equinox’s working for gm. 2.4’s are wayyyy more common and also way more prone to timing issues. And PCV issues. And rear main seals. And VVT solenoids. And piston ring failure. And exhaust manifold cracks.

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Wrong_Address4401@reddit

I second all of those 2.4 issues. I discovered all of them when rebuilding my 2017 Terrain’s 2.4….

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Couple-Unlocked@reddit

Can confirm. Have one of them that has had almost all of those issues. Thankfully I can DIY all of it. 😂

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SirPlastic8529@reddit

The 2010-2015 equinox and traverse seem to have a whole slew of issues. Good reminder to stay away from them.

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Fire1777@reddit

LKQ has 3.6L engines starting @. ~$500

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O_o-22@reddit

The labor to swap is going to be a lot tho

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ajoyce76@reddit

Thats why its good to understand book hours. Every vehicle has a book time for every repair. R and R'ing an engine should be around 15 hours. Shops like to play games though by saying, "Well we have remove the radiator so that's more," (or some other nonsense). If its required to do the job its included in the book time. Find out from the internet before you even start to talk to a shop. Then multiply that time by their shop rate. If their quote is vastly different start asking real hard questions. It helps to have some idea what you're talking about.

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Impossible_Grass6602@reddit

That's why they suggested to diy it with some handy friends

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

Dudes trying anything to come up with a 4th option just so they can but there really isn’t one. That’s OP’s 3 options it just is what it is sadly

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Mister_Speedy@reddit

Option 4 is buying a cash car, changing the insurance to the cheapest allowable option that works for the state and bank the car was financed with and saving money to fix the engine and pay it off or just pay it off.

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chucchinchilla@reddit

This is why I’ve hated the Equinox since the first gen. Its lower price attracts people on a budget who somehow think it’ll be Corolla reliable. It’s not and these cars often shit the bed once the warranty period expires.

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TaylorSwiftScatPorn@reddit

Grandma left me a '24 or '25 Equinox with like 16 miles on it and I swear that was the only mean thing that sweet angel ever did in her life. I couldn't get that horrendous piece of shit to Carmax quickly enough once the paperwork was changed over. I couldn't come up with a single nice thing to say about that atrocious little turd of a vehicle if you paid me. God, I hated that pile of ass so much. Thank you for the ~~car~~ cash, grandma!

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StuffIanWrote@reddit

I dated someone with an Equinox she had named Jezebel. When I asked why she replied “because she’s a fucking money-sucking whore!” She was not fond of her Equinox.

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pimpbot666@reddit

Does worn timing chain gear completely ruin the entire engine? I mean, most cars, folks just replace the timing chain, sprockets, etc as normal high mileage service. I'm kinda surprised so sloppy at 94k miles that it bricked the engine without some catastrophic failure. Usually, the valves just get noisy, and it might throw CEL codes. Throwing the timing chain and trashing the valvetrain is often a reason to brick the engine.

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That70sShop@reddit

The first reasonable, knowledgeable comment. Regardless of whether this is an interference engine, a "stretched" timing belt (more likely jumped a tooth) is basic maintenance on an overhead cam engine. (Assuming.) Also, nowhere near $10K

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seajayacas@reddit

OP said it was a timing chain, not a timing belt.

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That70sShop@reddit

Good point. Not likely it needs more than a timing set (for now)

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Wrong_Address4401@reddit

They mentioned driving it into a bridge so if it runs a new timing set might work.

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pimpbot666@reddit

Both can wear out. A chain is less likely to completely fail and trash your engine. I remember the old VW VR6 engines with a timing chain had a habit of making a lot of noise when the chain guides and tensioners wore out. I had one that made a bunch of noise at around 150k miles on my 97 Jetta GLX before we sold the car.

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festeringequestrian@reddit

My guess is with the jump they found metal shavings scraped off and can’t guarantee it’s not going to be a bigger problem down the road?

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string_flickin@reddit

This is exactly what im saying

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1234-for-me@reddit

That was my question too.

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beer_foam@reddit

Or even just get a second opinion. OP didn't mention if the car is running good/bad, CEL on/off, codes, etc. Mechanic probably hasn't actually diagnosed if it's a "stretched chain", bad tensioner, or something else.

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Glad-Fuel2093@reddit

Does he really need a replacement? A stretched timing chain can be replaced with new tensioners and all that jazz for much less than this. However, a broken timing chain likely will destroy your motor. So is it stretched or broken? \-possably it's so streched that it skipped a few notches? That might cause a piston/valve contact but it would have to skip a lot and be driven even after the first symptom appeared. (power loss, extra exhaust noise, rough running, bad or no idle etc.)

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Specific-Ad-808@reddit

This one here. Also... 5. Replace it yourself.

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jd780613@reddit

That’s a bit of a stretch…diy oil changes is one thing. DIY engine swap is pretty advanced for most people

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jkjeeper06@reddit

2: you can roll negative equity. Not a good idea, but possibly only option. Only do this on something reliable and cheap like a corolla 3.5: park in bad neighborhood, keys and a $20 on the dash

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Nullifyxdr@reddit

Keys and an old iPhone charger should do the trick if you wanna save the 20

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ryangilliss@reddit

Gonna be really hard to steal a car with a blown engine. Let alone get it to the bad area.

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leftydog1961@reddit

if the po po discovers the keys and finds the car, insurance (assuming OP has collision on this old shitbox), would disclaim responsibility. Not a good plan, and most likely insurance fraud.

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jkjeeper06@reddit

Most cars stolen are done so because the keys are left in the car. You're telling me all those claims are denied?

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PoliticalVagabond@reddit

You could have your claim denied because of your negligence.

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thehomeyskater@reddit

But insurance is usually for covering negligence?

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PoliticalVagabond@reddit

Not every act of it, if your policy says it will cover theft of your car when you leave the keys in it, you are good, otherwise I wouldn't count on it. Your policy explicitly says what is covered, and any exceptions to those that aren't covered. If it's not listed you aren't covered for it. The more listed things, the higher tje risk amd therefore the higher your premium.

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RemoteVersion838@reddit

It is insurance fraud.

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TheBigMan1990@reddit

Not only is it insurance fraud… it’s bad insurance fraud, high chance that they’ll get caught.

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Alfa16430@reddit

Rolling negative equity in another vehicle is an awful idea.

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jkjeeper06@reddit

I acknowledged that it wasnt a good idea. It doesn't seem like OP has money for an engine replacement. He can't sell it outright because he is underwater so his options are roll negative equity or park it, keep paying, and walk. 2 bad choices

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Alfa16430@reddit

At least by parking it, OP will not set himself/herself up for an endless debt. OP should park it and take the bus until there is money saved for some decent used car. Horrible option

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jkjeeper06@reddit

And if he has no bus service where he lives and works?

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Alfa16430@reddit

What do you mean no bus? Then take a bicycle to the nearest bus station. Anything is better than debt where OP will be underwater in for the whole duration, which he then will roll into next 23% loan etc. The road to poverty

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jkjeeper06@reddit

There are plenty of areas in the country where that simply isn't possible. There may not be a bus route within bikeable distance. Where I grew up the nearest bus transportation was 15mi away and didn't even go near where I worked. No car= no work. I didnt even grow up in a po-dunk state. I grew up in MA not that far outside of boston. Rolling 5-10k in negative equity on something like corolla is a bad idea, but manageable on even a tight budget. We aren't talking huge dollars. The corolla will last plenty long to pay it off and then continue to run payment free for a long time. He won't need to take a 23% loan. If your credit isn't junk, he will have to carry gap insurance but his rate won't be much higher. You don't have to go to a buy-here-pay-here location to roll negative equity. Normal banking institutions will still do it.

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badpoetryabounds@reddit

Make sure you have Gap insurance.

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stchman@reddit

I wonder if it even starts?

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Dramatic-Season-2959@reddit

Leases are great to absorb negative equity. If they’re driving short distances an EV would be even better as they tend to have generous incentives. 3-4 years and you’re clear!

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Majestic-Home-7516@reddit

Did not expect to see you here lol

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

Haha a lot of people don’t realize I’m into cars too. If you look at my profile it’s just cars and guns

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jaymemaurice@reddit

4th option... learn what's involved and how to do the job yourself.

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

That option just lacks critical and practical thinking by the person recommending it. Yes OP that is struggling financially and in a hard spot. Go buy a motor, buy all the tools and equipment you need and as your first car project over swap a motor. Also chop chop you need that car to get to work so hopefully you can get it done over the weekend. Derp

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Guilty-Log6739@reddit

For real, what is this BS advice 😂 OP doesn’t even seem capable of changing his own oil. No judgement in that, but they’re clearly on the margins of owning this car. And the advice is, swap the motor yourself? Like even the mechanically inclined among us who don’t that for a living could knock it out in a weekend 😂

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

Yea no judgement on any of that. People don’t realize how hard the average American is struggling. The average American doesn’t have even a couple thousand dollars in the bank. Things are really bad. And a project like that is so far above 99% of peoples head even if they had an unlimited budget to DIY it. Just dumb

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jaymemaurice@reddit

Whatever. My first car (99 maxima) I bought the tools to drop the transmission and replace the clutch shortly after buying it. I also couldn’t afford to pay someone else to do it and used my line of credit. Was my only option. Was more cost effective to do it myself, buy the tools and miss work. Since I’ve done timing belts, alternators, cam tensioners and all kinds of work. If your local dealership can walk a kid just out of school through the process, a reasonable man or woman can do the same job. Also highly doubt it needs a full engine swap… but who knows… American cars are shit.

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Wise-Parsnip5803@reddit

At least now there's you tube and online manuals. Could you old school and get the Haynes. Probably just needs a new timing chain, guides and maybe tensioner.

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jaymemaurice@reddit

Yeah that's my guess. The Haynes manual and phone books are missed. This new generation has no clue what peak civilization was like.

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YouNeedStop@reddit

I know people that have left their cars parked in streets that flood, so #3 doesn't seem all that crazy

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OtterCreek_Andrew@reddit

Park it on the bad side of town with the keys on the dash. There’s more than one way to skin a cat lmao

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Zhombe@reddit

And next time change the oil more frequently; every 4k and don’t ignore changes in engine and mechanical noises. A chain doesn’t stretch in 6k miles. It was already stretched and probably sludged up from cheap oil and long oil change intervals. Prior owner probably sold it because it was already making weird noises and knew it needed a chain job. If you didn’t change oil for a solid year or more that certainly made it worse. Next vehicle get a full pre-purchase inspection. Engine was probably sick and dying over a year ago. An engine flush to get all the sludge out and a chain job then would have saved it from any damage.

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faroutman7246@reddit

Number 3

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smshah@reddit

Option 3 only if you have gap insurance!

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Stevecore444@reddit

I feel like seeing otter creek in a car guys subreddit is only making the company cooler somehow lol

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motorboather@reddit

Buddy did option 3 years ago and it worked out well for him. Steep driveway and manual transmission made it easy.

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Ragu773@reddit

Tree sounds GREAT

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ja9512@reddit

Timing chain stretch doesn't mean you need an engine. Depending upon what engine is in the car, the 2.4, 4 cylinder is notorious for chain problems. Normally they stretch and rattle but you just replace the chains and guides and it's fine. They typically don't damage any of the valves but I have seen that and normally it's only in the very extreme cases.

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Big-Pineapple1164@reddit

Yea, i thought the same thing. Mechanic probably doesn’t want to do the job or is most likely over charging to get them to go away. Me personally i would youtube the job and do it myself. If your engine is really blown, there isn’t anything to lose.

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

No bent valves were mentioned and shop would not show me photos from the borescope to see if there was any valve train damage but because of the oil consumption problem they suggested the engine replacement

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ktappe@reddit

If they wouldn’t show you the video, there’s a reason. Get that car taken to another shop immediately. And never go back to that one that is stonewalling you. There is a chance that your engine is not ruined. Find out what the second shop says. While your car does have an interference engine that will destroy the valves if the chain skips, “stretch” doesn’t necessarily mean that that has happened. You may be much better off than you thought when you made this original post. But no matter what, get that car to a different shop pronto. Good luck!

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ilovedrinkingoil@reddit

No one lies about an engine replacement, it's a massive pita job not easy gravy work.

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ktappe@reddit

LOL, they are trying to charge OP about three times what they should for an engine replacement. That’s not honesty. And please explain why they aren’t showing the damage they are claiming is there.

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ja9512@reddit

That seems odd they wouldn't show you the pictures. How much oil did it consume? Those engines are pretty common to have oil consumption issues.

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

At the worst point I lost almost 2 quarts in a 4000 mile span

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Syscrush@reddit

Do you know how much oil you can buy for 11,000 bucks?

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JCDU@reddit

Like, at least 3 oil?

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Kugaroo@reddit

*Laughs in ea888*

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Rokae@reddit

Most manufacturers consider 1 quart per 3000 acceptable which is crazy but 2 for 4000 isnt that much worse still manageable

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patchdadrummer@reddit

You need an intake manifold( the pcv valve is built into it and the port is about 1/16 of an inch, they clog very easily), and a primary timing chain kit if the car is still running the gm primary camshaft chain kit is under $150 with tax and shipping from rock auto. The oil consumption can be resolved a lot by getting the pcv system working correctly and changing the oil every 3000 miles. Most of these I have replaced the intake manifold, as well as cleaned the valve cover, air intake / emissions hose, and it has almost completely resolved the oil consumption in a 3000 mile oil change interval. As long as the rear main seal isn't leaking and it hasn't bent any valves It's not a bad fix and the engine doesn't have to come out. I've only had 1 out of 8 that had bent valves and some of them didn't even run from jumping time too far.

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Slovw3@reddit

That's brand new Volkswagen oil consumption.

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CautiousRice@reddit

bs

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Slovw3@reddit

Ok

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Impossible_Penalty13@reddit

That’s not enough to warrant a full replacement. Sure it’s a pain, but that’s only 1-2 quarts between oils changes.

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mondaymoderate@reddit

Just change the oil every 3,000 and you’d never have to worry about it

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ja9512@reddit

Yeah 2 quarts isn't too bad for one of those. As someone else suggested could be the pcv issue those have. I may be remembering wrong but they had an issue with the pcv system on those. If it just piston rings letting oil by, possibly trying that Valvoline Restore and Protect oil may not hurt anything. But I'd seek another opinion, if you came in as a customer we'd put chains and guides and send you on your way.

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pimpbot666@reddit

That's not timing chain. That's bad piston rings or some other internal or external leak. Bad rings is common in the Audi engine world. There were a lot of folks who had good luck with a Beryman Chemtool B12 upper piston soaking/cleaning... to clear out the coked oil around the rings so they start sealing again. Seems there is a problem with the piston ring grooves collecting junk and jamming up the rings.

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cryptolyme@reddit

sounds like a neglected engine. previous owner probably didn't do enough oil changes.

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mrkprsn@reddit

Not showing you pictures is a red flag.

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The_Carl_G@reddit

So does the engine still run? All the more reason to get a second opinion & see if you simply need to get the chain replaced. And probably get into the habit of checking your oil levels frequently & add a quart as needed.

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Original_Bicycle5696@reddit

Timing chains and a piston ring replacement used to be 5k at my local dealer. Check the pcv to make sure it iant clogged either. Get the engine hot and unclip the small hose on the left side of the intake tube. Pull on the hose to remove it off the valve cover. Stick your finger there and plug the hole. It should make noise, if it DOESNT, your pcv is clogged. Remove intake and clean the pcv orifice. It will probably still burn oil, but you can add as needed. We had a bad one in our loaner service for 30k miles. It was fine, just had to check it once a week.

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Mod8All@reddit

Who in their right mind buys an equinox for $10,000

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Wrong_Address4401@reddit

I have a 2017 Terrain with same engine and same issue. Parts to rebuild engine come in about $2-3k. I tore it down to bare block and had machine shop go over it then rebuilt it myself. All new bearings, rings, gaskets etc and remanufactured head so I am not low balling parts cost. Labor will likely double that. I found remanufactured long blocks about $3 ish. Dealer $10k sounds right, local shop can do it alot cheaper

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vwslayer1@reddit

Shouldn't have bought the car in the first place. Equinox is garbage on wheels

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pDub____@reddit

Tree, fire or river. Delete post asap and be smart about it.

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Vegetable_Cake_4681@reddit

Sounds suspicious. Chains don’t stretch. They break

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FormerLaugh3780@reddit

"Reluctantly" is an interesting word. If you were reluctant, what made you buy it despite you reluctance?

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

I was broke I could afford the payments and better than taking child on the bus

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wetPomegranateMoist@reddit

You need to start using ChatGPT. You’re poor/broke for a reason. So affording guidance isn’t an option and using your brain is probably not an option either since look what you got yourself into at your age. Use ChatGPT, it’s free. It is an incredible tool. I went from working for $20/hr and being broke and now I run 2 businesses and make over $100k/year and I work 80-120 hours/month. I have no friends and I neglect my family but I’m not fucking broke anymore and I have new vehicles and nice stuff and I can go on vacations with my son easily and buy whatever he says he wants. I am always thinking about how to make more money. That’s the downside of not expecting the same pay every day, every week, doing the same job for years and years and years only to get fired or let go. You’re always going to be on the go to making money.

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

Got it I’m dumb so I use AI to make me smart so I can flex on randoms on the internet. This guy is really putting me on game.

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wetPomegranateMoist@reddit

You were broke, so you made decision that will 100% keep you broke and poor rather than making decisions to get you in a position to afford a decent car. This is why we have speed limits… Okay fr, you don’t have any real options other than staying broke for many more years before turning your life around. (Fixing the engine for $5-7k from a reputable local mechanic. Engine will be used and you also still run the risk the engine is also shit and needs work/maintenance. If you pay $10-11k, you’re more than likely getting a warranty and reassurance the used engine won’t be shit for such and such miles and then you’re on your own with an unreliable shit engine) here is the kicker… you can barley if even afford this shitty car. Now you’re talking taking out a loan for a payment that’s higher or just as high as your car payment, on top of paying thousands extra in interest making the total $10-12k anyways if you pay $5-7k, or $15-20k if you pay $10-11k. All in all, you’re paying roughly $25k for a Chevy equinox that’s old and not worth hardly $5k resale that may need another $10k in work to be reliable. Is that really what you want? Okay now that we have figured out the facts about how this works… You need to find somewhere without cameras or witnesses in a semi busy area. You need to make sure nothing has been actually recorded about your vehicle not running and having a failed engine. (If it has then you can’t do this without 50/50 chance of insurance fraud risk) Then get the car towed to a parking spot or that area. Then after a few days (try doing this on a busy day/week with drunk people like Super Bowl or something in the area) Go to your car, and vandalize it. Hit the quarter panel with a sledge, hit the roof with a sledge, hit the gas tank area, hit critical EXPENSIVE areas such as areas I mentioned. Throw a few key marks around it. Maybe write “Chevy is gay” on the side with your key. Then you call your insurance the next day and say “my car was vandalized while I had my car parked in this area while I had guests at my house so they could have parking for the event this week” or anything about your vehicle being vandalized that’s a real valid excuse. Within a week or max 2/3 weeks, you’ll have a check for the value of the vehicle. Get the fuck out of that loan. Now do research on how to not make shitty decisions when your broke. Go ride the fucking bus. You’re poor. That’s what poor people do. Dumb poor people go finance a Chevy equinox with 92k miles for $10k because they don’t want to ride the bus. Ridiculous man. Get your shit together.

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Frequent-Felcher@reddit

Tree and delete

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Green_Report_9503@reddit

fully insure it and wait about six months to have the cats "stolen" and the interior vandalized. that should total it and get you compensation for it's current value i assume it still starts but is giving you cam/crank correlation codes?

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AirBackground6702@reddit

That’s a tough situation. I don’t recommend the tree idea. Knew a guy years ago who paid someone to steal his car and crash it to get insurance to pay it off. The guy stole it, crashed it into a poll, insurance repaired the car and he had a $1,000 deductible to pay. I think walking or finding a used e-bike or electric scooter until you can either pay the car pay it down or pay to replace the engine.

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FrankJakeBake@reddit

A 2015 equinox with 92 thousand for more than 10k? Thats crazy. You didn’t even try to get a deal or a good car

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Legitimate_Mine_9881@reddit

That sucks. Can you make an insurance claim for something else and blame the damage on that? Or find a "backyard" mechanic who will do it cheaper? Also, if you're mechanically inclined at all, you can learn how to do it on YouTube and try and tackle it yourself.

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strife4454@reddit

LS Swap 🍻

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BeginningBowler5271@reddit

Buy a used engine and swap it out. Should be like 3-4k.

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NecessaryFly1996@reddit

Lol what? You bought a 92k mile Chevy? Financed it? Try foreign cars next time, particularly Japanese.

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string_flickin@reddit

Why is everyone instantly talking about engine replacement and not timing chain kit replacement.

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string_flickin@reddit

Why the hell would you need a new engine, just get a new timing chain kit should only cost around 1500cwith labor

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warped_gunwales@reddit

Car Wizard hates these engines

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TotalOriginal007@reddit

A "new" used engine is what I had to do. There is good, used and cheap when it comes to personal vehicles...BUT, you can only pick 2. That's the lesson I learned many years ago. Good luck 🌻

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thatecoboostguy@reddit

$11,000 is crazy. Ford dealership charged $9,000 installed after tax for a NEW engine in my 21 Mustang and that included over 2 weeks of driving a 2025 Bronco loaner.

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thatecoboostguy@reddit

$11,000 for a used Equinox engine is insane. My 2021 Mustang engine was that much NEW out the door and included 2 weeks worth of a loaner car.

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Plastic-Bluebird2491@reddit

that repair cost is crazy. Shop around, you shouldbe able to get it down for <5k or 6k

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Automatic-Peanut8114@reddit

You were screwed the moment you bought a used Equinox

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DaygloAbortion91@reddit

First mistake was buying a Chevy, especially an equinox. Besides that, you have two options. First, default on the loan, take the hit to your credit and slowly try to climb back or claim bankruptcy. Two, pay to get it fixed. I mean, I guess there's a third option, dont fix it and keep paying the loan.

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HuntGundown@reddit

If the timing has just stretched and not SNAPPED go somewhere else. Get the timing job done for like 2-3k else where

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subcision@reddit

I’m not a GM fan so I don’t own one. This is only relevant for what can happen if a shop doesn’t really diagnose the problem. My AC died. I took it to a local shop, they couldn’t get the compressor to engage so they quoted me $2100 to fix it but when I looked at the quote they were going to replace the whole system. I took it home, looked underneath it and saw that a high pressure hose ruptured. I replaced it and the dryer for $84 in parts myself and it’s been blowing ice cold air with no issues for over 6 years. Go somewhere else, if they refused to show you those images they don’t have any to show you. look online for reviews of shops in your area, ask friends where they go and how they feel about them. 11K for a used engine is insane, they are trying to chase you away.

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SadRaisin3560@reddit

If it does need a new engine, again, do it yourself and avoid turning anything into negative equity. None of this stuff is rocket surgury. If you got some common sense and can follow a recipe and are at least slightly better than average at getting information from written text, all entirely approachable tasks

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SadRaisin3560@reddit

I probably missed something but a stretched timing chain does not equal engine replacement. Depending on whats in it, Timing kit maybe as little as $200.00 and a weekend, maybe 2. Never done that kind of work? No worries, a couple of youtube videos, a haynes manual, and a hundred bucks worth of tools and viola. You fixed your own car. I wouldnt think as -100k that theres enough stretch to do anymore than make some noise. I dont think that gets it out of factory warranty for miles but maybe??If its a belt and it broke, could be a different story. But for a noisy chain, thats not getting a motor.

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deathandobscura@reddit

Do you have any mechanic friends? You'd be suprised how cheap you can find engines on ebay, pick n pull etc. Pull the engine and replace it.

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facticitytheorist@reddit

I know many of those Chevy motors had a recall because the check light would go off for stretched timing chain and it wasn't bad so a software change made the light go away

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facticitytheorist@reddit

Who is quoting the 11k? The dealer? Dealers will quote massive amounts so they can sell you another financed car....at worst buy a used motor and get it put in for not much (prob 5k) Your biggest mistake was buying a Chevy equinox without googling how utterly shit they are

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voyagertoo@reddit

did you get a second opinion? you can drive it currently?

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Big-Penalty-6897@reddit

Wonder what insurance would pay if it was stolen and not recovered? I did this back in the 80s with a shitbox I owned. A friend knew people that provided services like this. $100 bill and the spare key guaranteed no one would ever see it again. Pretty sure it is in the Detroit river or lake Erie.

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Fun-Ad-6554@reddit

Get a better mechanic, that's dealer pricing. A reman engine with warranty (assuming the V6 which is the most expensive) is $4,000. Figure 15 hours labor max @150/hour plus some new accessories while they're replacing the engine and that's $7,000.

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Upstairs-Result7401@reddit

https://www.car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi I don't know where you live, but used engines are cheap. Have a mechanic put new chains on, and install. You should be good for about 5000-7000 roughly. Or you could be less then $5000 easily if you have a friend or two who are willing to help.

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SameSimple6598@reddit

since its an equinox i'd just get rid of it. It's a huge loss whether or not you get it fixed but its 10 year old american car, how do you know the 11K fix will be the end of issues? Sorry but this is very low mileage for an engine to blow to the point of replacement. and the price theyre quoting you for a used common engine is crazy. I would cut my losses and finance a corolla or camry from a few years after.

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baddreamtilawaken@reddit

Stop making payments let the bank repo it.

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Dry_Ad687@reddit

Getting a used engine installed will run about $3-5000

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ilovedrinkingoil@reddit

No it won't. Do any of you actually work in shops?

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Dry_Ad687@reddit

For 15 years

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Square-Instance9677@reddit

Trade it in and roll the negative equity over into a lease for an electric car that you don't want. That's probably the only way. Having a stretched timing chain doesn't mean you need a new engine though.

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u700MHz@reddit

First, that engine quote is ridiculous - should be under $5K with engine swap. Ebay has the 2.4 for $3K for a replacement engine. Find a shop that won't screw you like this one is doing. Once repaired - SELL and go get a RAV4.

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ilovedrinkingoil@reddit

Fucking hell no reputable shop is using a eBay engine.

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jack-t-o-r-s@reddit

Fill in the details between "timing chain" stretched and "blown engine"?

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ilovedrinkingoil@reddit

It's a shitbox Chevy with an interference engine, I wouldn't want to do just a timing chain either on it.

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

The car stalled for the first time around 2-3 months ago when it got really cold. I took it to my regular mechanic he put in a vvt solenoid and did an oil change and code went away. Drove it until last week when I heard what sounded like slack in the chain and car started jerking and dying at stops. I limped it home and parked it until I could get it back in shop. It got lots of miles but never abused it. It’s a kid hauler and daily commuter driving maybe 15-20 miles a day. I let the shop do the inspection while I was at work and got the call on my lunch break :/

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SteevesMike@reddit

Shop around, get it running for the absolute lowest amount of dollars you physically can, and trade it in immediately. Roll the unfortunate negative equity into something that's actually reliable and take this as a lesson.

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endchat@reddit

if the chains have strecthed, change them? Why do you need a new engine. Also, dont buy equinox ffs, id even avoid GM cars, maybe a pickup at best from them.

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HighGlutenTolerance@reddit

Leave it somewhere sketchy with the keys in it and cross your fingers.

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Recent-Original-8809@reddit

Why do people keep buying these cars that suck. Like you don’t do any research before buying a car? Stick to what will last, like Toyotas or Hondas

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moviper1@reddit

And i have a toyota rav4 rod knocking and had to have the engine replaced. And also have a honda CRV that blew a headgasket and also getting an engi e this week. Equinox with 245k and Terrain with 155 both run great.

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Recent-Original-8809@reddit

Highly doubt your Toyota and Honda had those issues at 100k miles tho

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moviper1@reddit

No 130 on the toyota. Honda is close to 200. But...the GM cars both have more than that. Not saying normally honda and toyota are bad by any means...just found it interesting on 4 cars I recently bought.

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CapableClassic4461@reddit

First mistake was buying a equinox :/

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life_like_weeds@reddit

10 years old, with 100k and apparently it cost more than $10k

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ActuaryFew6884@reddit

That's an insane amount for such a tiny engine. I know you can get crate engines for a couple thousand and maybe another 1 to 2 thousand in labor. I'd ask local shops if they know of Jasper engines that could work

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Resident-Hawk2764@reddit

That cost for an instant replacement it seems extremely high, I'd shop around a little bit for making decision on what to do

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Sad_Knowledge_6090@reddit

Are you screwed? "Only" of 10k. Do not buy american vehicles ever again.

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Rottenwadd@reddit

Maybe you'll get lucky and some punk kids will steal it...so they beat the shit out of it filming their own low budget Gymkhana videos...and your insurance company total it out...Or maybe it could catch fire or something....shit happens.

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Couple-Unlocked@reddit

I have a 2011 with the 2.4 ecotech engine and they are a piece of shit that’s known for timing chain issues. The plastic guides will break and the tensioner will go bad causing the chain to be so loose it will saw holes in the timing cover but unless the chain actually breaks most of the time the engine isn’t actually ruined. I bought a kit that came with new cam phasers and solonoids, new idler sprockets, new crank sprocket, a new water pump, new tensioner, updated oil spray nozzle, new timing chain, new balance shaft chain, new gaskets, and a new torque to yield harmonic balancer bolt. I did the work myself because I’m sure a shop would charge quite a bit of labor but still way cheaper than a replacement engine.

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Blackiee_Chan@reddit

Buying a Chevy is WILD

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cleric3648@reddit

Get a second opinion, but you might be kinda screwed. You might need to roll in the negative equity on a new purchase. This is better than a repo but you will be hurt on the trade. You’ll get a little bit for the trade but the repair costs will hurt. And banks don’t like rolling over that much negative equity on a beater, there has to be room to swallow it. Talk to your credit union. If you don’t have one, join one and talk to them.

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Aberration1111@reddit

YouTube DIY

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upstatefoolin@reddit

Time for a second opinion friend

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JCDU@reddit

Can they not just replace the timing chain or is the engine somehow destroyed? Even then, 11k is insane money for swapping in a decent used engine unless it's a rare or expensive car. Get some quotes from other mechanics, and remember this episode next time you're taking out finance...

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Pretty-Ebb5339@reddit

This is why you don’t ignore the warning signs and follow maintenance intervals.

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jpttpj@reddit

Find another mechanic, 11k for a used engine installed is insane.

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mb-driver20@reddit

$11,000 for a used engine installed sounds high. Shop around or only that you say the timing belt stretched. Did it jump timing and damage other things?

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PinkGreen666@reddit

Get a second opinion at another shop. Not a dealership. If the chain really is stretched and there is no valve/piston damage, you should just replace the chain. It’ll be way cheaper. If the engine *is* bad and you do need a replacement. $11k is crazy. Car-part.com is where a lot of shops get their used engines. I’m seeing those 2.4Ls for about $3000-$3500 around that mileage. Labor for installation should be about $1500-$2500 depending on where you go. So it should cost you between $4500-$6000ish to have a used motor swapped in.

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SpermWhalen@reddit

I would never advocate burning it for the insurance .

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XKnights_Templar@reddit

Partner had a similar problem ,bought used engine that was taking out from another vehicle that was pretty much new, there is car lots locally where they dump cars ( it's a business)where anyone can go find the part they need and ask them to remove and pay for part, they also run a test to make sure it works. Good luck and remember it's temporary don't let things weight you down good luck!

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ScaryfatkidGT@reddit

Pistons hit the valves? A timing job wont fix it?

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Prize_Instance_1416@reddit

Is it ok to ask why he took a loan on a $5000 11-12 year old vehicle? Seems unwise.

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Ok_Quality2989@reddit

Park it in rough side of town and accidently leave the keys in it.

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Possum_Jenkinzz@reddit

Id get a second opinion on the motor being toast. You probably just need a new chain and associated parts. When you get the second opinion don't mention the first shop visit.

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Responsible-Dare4364@reddit

How exactly do you reluctantly purchase a 2015 equinox? More over how do you actually finance a 10 year old car with the resale value of a wet cardboard box?

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Master-Caregiver-912@reddit

Bro, there are used Equinox engines w/less than 100k miles on eBay for $2K. Find an independent mechanic who can do the swap for you. No way I'd spend more than $5K total on an engine swap. Not sure why you even owe $10K on an 11 year old Equinox. What was the purchase price?

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Responsible-Goat1079@reddit

A stretched timing chain is not 11k, maybe 4-5k. Even a junkyard engine installed is not 11k...

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Bizzzle80@reddit

Junkyard LS swap

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Temporary_Traffic622@reddit

Another option…. Learn to replace the engine yourself. Beggars can’t be choosers…. It’s not easy but totally doable. You can buy all the necessary tools and it would still be significantly cheaper

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RVtech101@reddit

You didn’t hear it from me, but report it stolen and put a match to it.

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No-Ask7516@reddit

GM things. Cut your loss and get away from it as best you can. You'll fix it and soon be back in for another major repair sadly.

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TheKingOfSwing777@reddit

Agreed. That equinox generation specifically is terrible. Get a used Toyota and call it a day.

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Yeetuficus@reddit

I’ll say, while I agree the equinox’s are generally pos, my dad had a brand new 2016 and he drove to about 270k miles before he got rid of it. The transmission and power steering had about given out at about 200k and my dad really didn’t care and had the transmission fixed and left the power steering screwed and put another 70k on the car.

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TheKingOfSwing777@reddit

There's always exceptions to the rule

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No-Ask7516@reddit

When my wife called and said she crashed her 2014 after asking if she was OK I asked if she thought it was totaled? Never been so happy to get rid of a vehicle.

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upsidedown-funnel@reddit

Lucky duck. (As long as she came out unscathed, of course).

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GothicPurpleSquirrel@reddit

Sometimes life gives us sweet crunchy apples instead of lemons. (assuming she was ok anyway)

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No-Ask7516@reddit

She was OK, I trailered it to the shop with a grin on my face the whole way.

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TheKingOfSwing777@reddit

Lol. Classic

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Ok-Frosting6810@reddit

Get another quote. That price is absurd

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jackedupfarmer@reddit

Do you like the car? Best option is to fix it, drive the piss out of it cause it has a new motor. I can’t imagine the vehicle being worth very much so pay the bill. Pay it off as soon as possible and enjoy it.

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DaddyWright05@reddit

If it's just a stretched chain, why not replace the timing components instead of a whole engine?

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Lordofpineapples@reddit

Gap insurance and total it

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scottwax@reddit

Look into getting a used low mileage engine. Be a lot less expensive.

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E39_CBX@reddit

Put a used motor in it, sell it and never buy an American car again.

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moviper1@reddit

I would normally agree but lately I've had way more problems out of toyotas and hondas.

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moviper1@reddit

Assuming it still runs find a good shop and have the timing chains replaced. Last one I had done on a 2.4 liter 4 cyl was about $800. Have the oil changed with GOOD oil and a good Wix Filter. I use Valvaline full syn. Add a 1/2 quart of lucas oil stabilizer. WATCH the oil level and top it off if it gets more than 1/2 quart low. Change it every 3000 miles. Drive it until you can get something else. They not bad cars but people done check/change their oil often enough. This streches the chains. The oil burning is the piston rings. Rememer!! Change it every 3000 miles!

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moviper1@reddit

By the way, I'm a small car dealer and don't think hondas and toyotas are without problems. I have one of each that had to have the engines replaced. Actually, the CRV is getting an engine this week. Interesting enough...i have a 2012 Equinox with 245k miles on it and it runs and drives great. It dioes have a v6 in it. Also have a 2012 Terrain with 155k that runs and drives great with the 2.4 liter 4 cyl. The nox just hangs around for an extra car. Son is driving it right now cause his truck broke down. We call it the brown turd and I paid $1750 for it last year.

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Alone_Photo_6944@reddit

Woa…… 11k for a USED 64k mile motor??? Tell that mechanic to hang themselves. 11k to rebuild the current motor HUGE MAYBE. But sounds like that mechanic has a line on a used motor from a junk yard or donor vehicle they got for 1k and are going to charge you 10k for labor lol. Fuck that. Does the engine start? Or did a valve kiss a piston? Timing chain jobs are not uncommon and can be replaced for a hell of a lot less than 11k.

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Any_Program_2113@reddit

Had one with the same issues. I was the first owner, and it was under warranty. It was fixed by Chevrolet. I contacted a lemon law attorney and got a $6500 settlement after attorney fees. Promptly traded in the POS on a used Toyota truck.

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J-Rag-@reddit

Go to an independent shop who does used engine swaps. They can find you a used decent mile engine and slap it in for you for half the price.

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Admirable-Berry59@reddit

These engines are notoriously terrible - used engines are a big gamble, likely to have oil consumption problems and internal wear even with pretty low miles. Whatever OP does, they should get rid of the car soon.

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J-Rag-@reddit

Oh dang. I didn't know thise engines were so shitty.

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Report_Last@reddit

ask the service department if a service or technical bulletin was released on that timing chain, that's premature failure and it's unlikely you are the only one this happened to, if they admit it, they should pony up 50% of the repair, or discount it

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Battle_Intense@reddit

GM would be bankrupt in 18 months if they paid for half the repairs on their crap products. Subaru will extend warranties for issues that are occurring across the board under 100k miles. But Subaru having early failure is the exception.

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PoopScootnBoogey@reddit

Replace engine.

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Ok_Rip_2119@reddit

This is why I buy used vehicle from places that offer warranty.

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Edumacated_Guess@reddit

Sure hope someone steals this thing before to long. Maybe get a third set of kegs cut and just leave it somewhere with the keys in the ignition running…

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Crazy_Judgment_4186@reddit

Start with a second opinion quote, timing chain/engine issues on a 2015 Equinox are common and can sometimes be fixed cheaper than a full engine replacement. If the repair truly costs more than the car is worth, cutting your losses or selling it as is is usually better than rolling huge negative equity into something else.

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Exact_Organization84@reddit

Does insurance not do anything in this situation ?

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lettelsnek@reddit

no

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sam56778@reddit

That’s for a 0 miles new engine. A less expensive option would be to get a salvage engine out of a wreck and have a new timing chain set put in it while it’s out.

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Yeetuficus@reddit

Delete this post and just hope you get into a total loss “accident”

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No_Telephone_8029@reddit

A new engine sounds extreme, ask other mechanics if they can fix the timing chain for a lesser price.

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Temporary-Entry3827@reddit

Source an engine from a yard with a reasonable price mechanic to swap it.

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AgonizingGasPains@reddit

Change out the old engine with a used one from a junkyard.

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Eskimo_Brothers17@reddit

Yea officer I hit the tree swerving to avoid the deer that just came out of nowhere!!

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CowboysFTWs@reddit

JUST chain? Replace that. Who quoted you $11k? The dealership.

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PlatinumGoon@reddit

Drive it into a pole at a decent speed so you know it’s totaled …. That is the only option. Obviously you have to tell insurance it was an accident

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Any_Screen_7141@reddit

Crate refurbished engine is 4k. Find a shade tree mechanic to install it for another 3k, you’re way ahead.

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SlowBurnTurtle@reddit

The most important info that is left out is which engine it is. The 2.4 uses oil, period. Check it every thousand and change it every 3k, and you'll be fine. As long as there aren't any bent valves, I chain those for like a grand. The 3.6 is a whole different abortion. They are pricey to chain or to replace, but not $11,000 pricey. Mind you, my price is doing it on the side as I moonlight and daylight as a professional tech. Seek out an independent shop for a second opinion.

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GoopDLOOP@reddit

11k is the "we don't want to do the job" "unless you want to pay us" price. I'd shop around and see what other quotes you get.

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Few-Raccoon7300@reddit

If your taking the tree route, delete this post, I work in insurance and the amount of fraud and how we uncover it is insane.

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RelativeAmazing8826@reddit

1. Different quotes to get it fixed 2. Trade it in and be upside down with a more reliable car. 3. The tree method or maybe it has a recall because they spontaneously combust. But just like that cod mission no witnesses 😂

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Training_Jello_7804@reddit

I bet if you shop around you can get it fixed for a lot less than 11k. Not sure on your location or vehicle specs but a very quick look on car-part dot com shows a lot of warranted engines in the 3500 range...

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Capita877@reddit

Transmission just went on my 2019 equinox....engines still strong but I got 248k miles on her

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poutine-eh@reddit

chain is stretched?? no bent valves ?? seems very suspicious

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Admirable-Berry59@reddit

I know of a reputable local shop that is awesome for everything else, but specifically on these gm 2.4s will not do anything other than a rebuilt engine install because it is then someone else's warranty. The number of times these have another major failure shortly after timing chain replacement is very high, and it's really tough to convince a customer that it isn't your fault when you just did a bunch of internal work on the engine.

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poutine-eh@reddit

sure. put a used engine with 64k into a 2015 for 11k!!! same work as fixing the 94k engine but you can charge 9k more. makes sense. cost me IK for a motor for my 2011 ranger and 1k for the installation. forgive me for being sceptical

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Admirable-Berry59@reddit

No its not a used engine, it's a certified remanufactured from a national rebuilder, so if/when it fails the shop doesn't have to eat the cost. And it is very specific to these 2.4 ecotecs - almost any other car they will happily just fix a worn timing chain. I ended up fixing a 2.4 ecotec timing chain for a friend, and in the end I swore never ever again. Once you get in there, the amount of parts to replace goes up real fast. OP said its rough idle and noisy, and burning oil. Same circumstance as the one I tore down, ended up it already had minor valve train damage, metal filings in the came phaser solenoids, needed piston rings, etc. etc. I got them running again for $900 in parts and soooo much time, and I would never warranty that work as a professional.

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poutine-eh@reddit

hope you see my confusion. stretched and we are being quoted $11k for an engine replacement with 64,000 miles. my ranger had 3 timing chains. Cost me $2k.

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Admirable-Berry59@reddit

Yep, I totally see the confusion. I'm just on a mission to steer everyone away from these engines and hopefully avoid someone paying 1500 for a timing job only to junk the car 2 weeks later when something else fails.

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poutine-eh@reddit

honestly i’d be more comfortable with the used one with 64k but $11k is tooooo much money. The garage should be arrested.

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xxInsanex@reddit

U still owe 10k? Damn how much did you pay for that? Those cars are only worth about 9-10k

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Last_Temperature_599@reddit

Financing a 10 year old car is crazy. And equinox at that dang .

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SubRosaSubway@reddit

Sorry for your predicament. It seems whatever you decide to do, your out $$ and maybe still have a bad vehicle waiting to fail again? I’ll suggest taking it to a credible auto auction, you may walk away with a couple thousand bucks but you’re free of it? Or trade it in as is? I’m no mechanic but I would try 3 or 4 shops for a second opinion before.

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Poodleape2@reddit

Find some Mexicans. They will do it for cheaper.

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Used-Chard658@reddit

11k is a lot. You should be able to find a shop, or a guy working out of his garage, to put a used engine from [car-part.com](http://car-part.com) or LKQ for half as much. Also does it still run? Did they even mention the possibility of just doing the timing? If it hasn't bent any valves yet they may be able to fix it. I wouldn't just sell it broken since its worth maybe $1500 right now.

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

It will run but very rough you can hear the slack in chain and will stall at low rpms. Shop skipped right past offering timing and went straight to engine replacement

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RLBeau1964@reddit

This is because most mechanics are now part replacers, not fixers. I provided a response below of your scenario. The best thing you can do right now is ask around for good independent mechanic who will replace that chain. If fixing the chain gets it tradable, you open a few more options.

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That70sShop@reddit

Get a new shop. This one is terrible.

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Used-Chard658@reddit

Ok I don't know a ton about the later echotecs in these. In the older ones you could actually just do the timing chain with the engine still in the car. Same engine family. So maybe you need to get a second opinion from somewhere looking to actually repair it. They may have to pull the motor still but hopefully that's in $1800-$3000 range. If its repairable. I would not run it any more now that the tensioner has failed.

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RLBeau1964@reddit

How does stretched timing chain = new engine? I’ll assume the engine jumped time and destroyed the interference engine? Otherwise why isn’t it just fix chain? Now, $11K for used engine, that’s nuts. New engine- maybe that much. Scary how much today’s vehicle and economy with rampant engine failures are hurting Americans. The failure that just occurred, can just occur again on the replacement used engine as well. Vehicle value is less than what you owe and less than the cost to fix it. Very difficult position to be in. I’ll assume the quote is from a stealership? Definitely look for another quote, you just will have to get fixed as cheap as possible to start getting out of this position. A used engine should be in the $2000 to $3000 range, not the value of the vehicle. Right now, you could dump and get, maybe $1000. So if you fix, you have a $21000 liability on a $9000 estimated value vehicle. Or you can get a $11000 used vehicle, add in your $10000 and still end up with $21000 liability. A different used vehicle has unknowns. You need a vehicle that can get you about 3 years without maintenance cost. I read on these forums, time after time, find a Corolla, Camry, or similar Honda to start the recovery process.

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Twokingz1975@reddit

If it still runs without noises, put a new chain in it

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nsfbr11@reddit

You bought a 10 year old Equinox with 92k on it for over $10k? Wow. Also, why would a bad timing chain require a new engine?

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enclavedzn@reddit

Anything past the 2010s from GM is hot garbage, ready to die.

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ryguymcsly@reddit

You misspelled 1980

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enclavedzn@reddit

No way, the early 2000s GMT800 era GM produced some of their most reliable vehicles ever.

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ryguymcsly@reddit

TIL. I abandoned GM entirely as a brand in the 90s when I was still a teenager. I had a 10 year old GM car as my first car and literally everything on it that could break without making the car completely unserviceable was broken, and the same was true for pretty much everyone I knew that had a GM product that wasn't a GMC built between 1985 and 1995. That said, the drivetrain and suspension of all of those cars were bulletproof. It's just everything else that sucked.

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dirtyforker@reddit

GMs run bad longer than most cars run at all

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lethargicbureaucrat@reddit

Not my dad's 1974 Chevy Vega.

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OldGeekWeirdo@reddit

>Crash it into a tree? What kind on insurance do you have? While you're supposed to have coverage for theft, not everyone has it. Or carries gap insurance. Without gap insurance, the insurance company will buy it at pre-crash value - not what you owe on it. This is assuming that no one figures out this was deliberate. Between the police and insurance investigators, you could slip up and be in an even worse position.

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Fire1777@reddit

Do you have the 2.4L or 3.6L engine ?

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Fire1777@reddit

Do not roll over. Buy a used engine or remanufactured engine. There is a huge used engine and transmission aftermarket. Most come with warranties check LQK on line

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External_Aardvark_68@reddit

Why not just go somewhere else and ask for a timing chain replacement quote ?

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Evening_sadness@reddit

YouTube diy them chains

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archiveofhim@reddit

Find a local area that gets flooded and leave your car their overnight. Have gap insurance.

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FarArea1814@reddit

Oh and you can find much cheaper engines lol they’re ripping you off big time, I highly doubt those engines go for over 5-6k$…. Retail fees are supposed to be 30% not fucking 90%

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FarArea1814@reddit

You’re getting ripped off, a timing kit is probably 300$ at best, I’m guessing the timing didn’t jump yet but if it did that’s 500ish$ on a head rebuild including the cost of valves, and everything else is labor, you’re looking at 2000$ max on that. And that’s expensive labor. Most people do this for 1000-1500$ anything over 2000$ is a rip off. So you’re looking at 1800$ (let’s round that up to 2,000$) to around 3800$ let’s round that up to 4k$. I just saved you 7 grand. Oh and get a new mechanic.

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Complex_Echidna3964@reddit

You lost me at 2015 Chevy Equinox with over 92,000 miles

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stchman@reddit

$11K for a used engine with 64K miles?!!!!! WTF? I would call around to other shops, that sounds insanely expensive. People always harp on me to buy a "good used car". I don't want other people's problems. There is no way of knowing what was done to that Equinox before they got it. I really feel for the OP and what was more than likely someone else's lack of taking care of their car.

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spades61307@reddit

Have someone who actually know what they are doing replace the timing chains and not swap in a used engine…

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Mister_Speedy@reddit

I was in this situation 5 years ago, I just bought a $900 400k mile 93' Mercedes 400E and stacked cash HARD for 14 months and fixed the engine, and paid the car off a year after that.

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protosnap@reddit

Those timing changes on those engines are known for stretching on bank one, probably just needs a new timing change kit. I did it on my 2012 Buick Enclave. Not sure what a shop would charge since I’ve always done my own work.

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Coroxxx@reddit

Go to a junkyard , buy an engine and swap , then sell it... small shops do those swaps cheaper

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stacksmasher@reddit

You need a new mechanic lol!

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uncleduddly@reddit

You can get a used engine for under $1000, pay a mechanic on the side and have the whole thing done for less than $5000

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Subject-Vermicelli52@reddit

How does one reluctantly buy an equinox?

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

Limited funds at time of purchase it was plus it was Saturday and I had to be to work Monday with no car 😐

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Top_Loan_3323@reddit

Honestly….fill up your oil, bring it somewhere to trade it in without diving into the issue and call it a day

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iAmAsword@reddit

Find a used engine for 1k, pay a shop to install it.

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ronj1983@reddit

When you do no research, Ecotec life is expensive 🤣😅😂. Got a customer with a 2015 right now with a light rod knock. Between these, Kia/Hyundai GDI's, and BMW turbo motors, my 21 month old daughter will live a life I could only fathom as a child 🤣😅😂

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

I was aware of the issues with this model when I bought it. Limited options at the time my family needed transportation. Did oil changes every 3k miles hoping this day wouldn’t come for a while longer

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ronj1983@reddit

Motor was not serviced properly before you got. 3K oil changes on these POS motors should be standard. My guess is the original owner was following the 7,500 mile interval. Started to drink oil since it is DIRECT INJECTED, intake valves and pistons are carboned up a little bit, and then they dumped it. You got it with poor maintenance and BOOM. A PPI (pre purchase inspection) is $100-$200. That that would have saved you from this nightmare.

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Teddyturntup@reddit

Find an independent shop that will swap in a junkyard motor

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cd29@reddit

Shop around. Is it the V6? You can get a used engine, have the timing chain replaced on the new one, and be under $7k where I am.

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AdLeast7721@reddit

I’m very confused. Did something catastrophic happen after the timing chain started slapping? There shouldn’t be any reason why you can’t just replace the timing chain unless you commented something else that happened and I just didn’t see it. Usually you just change it out and move on

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Radiant-Leadership92@reddit

10k is absurd. This is a 3k repair, not engine replacement.

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swiftie-42069@reddit

Find a smaller garage to rebuild it. It was still expensive, but I just paid $6900 to rebuild a Chevy V8.

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PolybiusChampion@reddit

You should be able to source and replace that engine with either a rebuilt or salvage engine for under 5K total. Shop around.

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CauliflowerTop2464@reddit

Why can’t they replace the chain?

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No_Durian_3444@reddit

Parts Manager here You're getting taken to the cleaners. I can get a 65,000 mile motor near me for an acquisition cost of $3000. Theyre selling that to you for 5k then charging you $180/hr to install it while offering the tech about $35/hr. I'd have it fixed for under 5k but you still have to decide what you want to do. Did the last motor grenade or do you just need a timing job?

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ProbablyNotaCar@reddit

You shouldn’t need a full engine replacement for a timing chain issue, it will likely need a new chain but that should be cheaper than a new engine.

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Omagasohe@reddit

Timing chain is a 4 hour repair, cost like $250 in tools and parts. Most people can do it in a weekend. Drain oil, pull passenger tire, remove side cover, valve cover. Either remove the cams, or pull the phasors, add chain and reverse. You'll need a specialized tool for cam phases, and new bolt, and the gasket for the side cover. It is a pain in the ass, so you got the FU price. Also there is a chance more damage happened. I just did a head on a '13. I've got 2k left on the loan and I can not wait until I can walk away from it. So you get new motor price

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LowEmergencyCaptain@reddit

Can you just replace the stretched belt?

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dwfmba@reddit

used engine \~$3-5K installed Jasper remanufactured engine \~$6-8,000 (4cyl) or $7500-10,000 V6 \- It has 92K on it, go with a used engine

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poutine-eh@reddit

In said it out loud. 11k for a used motor!!! run away. this is the wrong shop.

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Most-Inflation-4370@reddit

You paid more than 10k for that car?

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Creepy-Grape5311@reddit

Find a deer 🦌

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nedal8@reddit

get a second opinion

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Timewastinloser27@reddit

Oreillys sells a long block, shop cost is 3569.00 List is $6727.10. Find an independent shop to do the labor.

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The_Carl_G@reddit

Get a second opinion at an independent shop. Look into the costs of swapping in a used engine also.

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Timewastinloser27@reddit

The engine they quoted is a used 64k mile engine

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brik55@reddit

This. I got a used engine for my Chevy Cruze and had it installed for about $3000.

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Glop1701d@reddit

Look into an attorney those cars are know for multiple problems

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

Is lemon law even on the table? It’s a 2015 and the dealer offered no extended warranty.

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Glop1701d@reddit

Lemon law only on new car purchase I believe

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perilbeats@reddit (OP)

Yes I knew these cars had timing and oil consumption problems when I bought and I know I never should have bought it. I needed a way to get my lady and son to work and school just don’t wanna break the bank saving a car that’s worth $3k on a good day. I was prepared to spend $6k or less.

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Adventurous-Ease-259@reddit

The same thing you do when the engine is blown and $0 owed.

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bobqzzi@reddit

Why not just replace the timing chain?

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thatcarguyohh@reddit

Yeah man, I don’t know the deer just came out of no where

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Slumminwhitey@reddit

Are you sure the engine is blown and not just in need of a timing chain.

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reidft@reddit

Insurance fraud is a crime. But you can't control what other people do in the bad parts of town. Don't leave this post up

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Flashy_Possible37@reddit

Go get something new now in your name and take the credit hit

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NationalSpring3771@reddit

go to a small shop and parade it till you get a better budget, it can be done for cheap dont need a new engine just for that

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CephalonPhathom@reddit

As evergone else has said go to a shop. Get quotes and see who can do it cheaper and read the reviews. Otherwise im not going to name which comment I agree with. But yeah.

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