FRUNKenstein

So what's wrong with the Vertex rebuilt engine? Basically $9,300 shipped to your mechanic. Figure $3,000 more to have it installed, fluids, etc. $12,000+/- and he's back on the road with probably 3 or 4 years of low maintenance driving ahead. Not cheap, but not exactly catastrophic.

Splitting Atoms

What are you capable of doing yourself? Do you have the tools, knowledge, and space to remove and install an engine? If you have to pay to get all the work done, no matter which option you choose, it will be hard to justify the numbers to repair your car.

I agree with Turbodan that the previous owner probably noticed metal particles in the oil filter, changed to oil, and sold it. The dealer you got it from my have purchased it at auction, so he may not have suspected anything was wrong. Then again, he may have known all about it. Since it has been three weeks, it would be difficult to go after him, it think.

The least expensive route would be if you search around for a used engine and are lucky enough to find a good one out of a wreck at a decent price. Remove the old engine yourself and install the new one. Sell the old engine for $1500 or $2000 to recoup some of your expenses. You will probably still be out at least $7000, net.

I feel bad for you. Good luck.

otterteeth

Yep. Real post. I appreciate all the advice you guys are giving. Trying to take it all in now, but wanted to throw a quick thanks out so you guys wouldn't think I'm a fake.

Ahsai

Not much to add...just want to post my moral support.

TonyTwoBags

If you keep an eye out on the forums and main web channels (ebay - LA Dismantler, searchTempest for aggregated Craigslist searches, etc.), you might be able to find a used engine with a good history behind it. I realize it's not ideal, but others have gone that route with good results. Good luck going forward-

Flat6 Innovations

This sucks.. Someone probably knew the Bearing was failing, after finding debris in a recent oil change.. They traded it in... New buyer gets the car without an invasive PPI, and BOOM! This is exactly why I helped PCA produce the videos that the Just released yesterday.

This plays out all the time these days.

According to the Miles on the car and etc, I have options for your that no one else has.

996AE

Help the forum out.

name of dealership who sold car and name of shop that diagnosed catastrophic failure.

I am sure this is legit...

texcwa

Everyone is assuming that the rebuilt motor is 9K +/- but what about the core charge of 4K? if the IMS went out then it is most likely that the damage to the motor is to an extent that the core charge will be non-refundable so expect the motor to be in the range of 13K +/-. Am I wrong? Just want the OP to know his realistic options.

FRUNKenstein

Good point. You want to clarify that with Vertex. Ask what percent of returned cores qualify for the full $4,000 refund. Please post the answer so we know.

dan_189

Jake was there an intense oil flush procedure as a very last resort I read that you mentioned once or did I make that up in my head?

From memory I think it was a series of oil changes and procedures to flush the oil several times to attempt to remove the material?

Or is this engine possibly past that point and the fact that a new bearing would be needed and couldn't be installed because of this MOF anyway?

Guess we can never really understand the MOF with an internet diagnosis.

AWDGuy

Thanks, tips.

996AE

Tips

"sell it as a roller"

AWDGuy

OP, that sucks, I had something similar happen to me but it was cored cylinders. Bought the car and not even two months later, I am ripping out the engine for a full rebuild.

You have lots of options, unfortunately, they all cost $10k +, and that includes selling the car as a roller.

996AE

Just say-in.

Based on OP posts he's a newbie and taking on a used 80k mi car, IMS failure in first few weeks of ownership, not not clear on what to do, turns to boards for help making simple decision led me to "sell it as a roller".

The decisions on a rebuild are many and the costs are high no matter which direction he takes. The math doesnt work. Sell it take your loss and move on. The horror stories on 996s are many and this story is not new. The only time it may work is when the P car owner can do much of the work himself.

If youre a P guy and have some basic knowledge and cash sure you have options. But this guy post tell us he is in over his head and that limits his options.

Not being harsh just trying to be realistic given the limited data supplied.

That and I am still skeptical of this entire post. Pictures? Names of shop and dealership?

Folks throwing out 10k numbers do realize thats a bare minimum. This is a 15-25k all in rebuild if his shop has confirmed a "catastrophic" failure and a huge undertaking for a guy that appears to be overwhelmed and under capitalized. 80k mi car. Now, while youre in there Clutch, AOS, water pump, etc... core no good so $$$$$$

I hope I am wrong and this is one of many toys and he is flush with cash.

AWDGuy

not being harsh? lmao. you're kicking him while he's down. very harsh. the last **** i want to hear after finding out my motor is gone is "worst car ever" "I dont feel sorry for the guy" .

everyone here has already mentioned the options. it's going to be $10k+ no matter what.

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