Hi Everyone,

I have a 2009 Suburban LTZ with 208,000 miles and the engine needs to be replaced. I've been quoted $7,800 from the Chevrolet dealership and $6,800 from a local mechanic. However, there's a 2015 Suburban LTZ with 100,000 miles at a price I'm comfortable taking a loan at.

My question is: Should I replace the engine or should I buy a used 2015 Suburban LTZ with 100,000 miles instead? Is it worth the upgrade or is it really just a money thing and the engine is the cheaper option?

I'm at a loss as to what to do and I don't know how much longer this engine is going to hold up.

Thanks.

Edit: The 2009 Suburban is paid off, so I would be entering into a new loan. Also, the 2009 is 4WD and the 2015 is RWD.

 

That all depends on the condition of the 2009 and how happy you are with it. if everything is in great condition then stay with it because it is paid for. You have to make that decision.

 

Here's some easy maths: (that doesn't take into account a lot, but really, it could be that easy)
what's the monthly car loan on the new?

If it's say $500, and your old truck takes $7k to repair.. it would need to last 14 months to break 'even'... (not to mention interest on the loan)

Of course, all cars (ok, fine 99.9999% of cars) are depreciating assets... so you lose money no matter what you do.

Me? I'd be replacing the engine myself if I had another car to drive mean time. I can't do it in a weekend myself...

does the 2015 have any warranty? do you need 4x4?

what's the insurance price difference?
What's yours worth without an engine?
What's the warranty on the new engine + labor? is it at least a year?

 

I tend to agree with / use SabrToothSqrl's math, consider what you would be paying for several years vs a one time pmt for a repair, if you are going to keep it for 2-3 more years I say go for the new engine. Bear in mind that the transmission could be needing repair on either vehicle and that could be another 3k down the line

 

at 200+k miles the transmission may not be far behind the motor; I would consider that in your budget too

 

So, what did you decide to do & how did it work out?

I have the same dilemma with a 2010 suburban LTZ 4 x 4.

My 2010 suburban has 180,000 miles and the paint job & overall performance is pretty good. At $80-$90,000 for a new suburban, and my suburban being a third vehicle for me and my wife, it’s tough to justify laying out that kind of money.

 

Three years ago I had to deal with a similar situation. I was told that my 94 burb, with 370 k miles, was not worth pushing over a cliff; two transmission overhauls, an engine that couldn’t overtake a VW, and a paint job and interior that looked awful.
Three years later I have a vehicle with a new (crate) engine, a rebuilt tranny, and a serviceable interior. All for less than $5k. In spite of the paint job from hell, I have a vehicle that I know and continues to serve me well.