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Your diagnostic guess, please? Car ran over rocks, emits smoke


carproblems1
08-30-2013, 04:26 PM
I'm not a car person, and would be really interested in guesses from people knowledgeable about cars about what this problem might be. Thank you in advance.

The car is a Toyota Avalon 2002, not sure what engine size but probably the standard. Not too sure of mileage, has been used mostly for commuting to train station, less than 10 miles a day, since it was bought.

The accident was that at night I accidentally went off a road that suddenly went from two way to one way, and I went onto a curb that led to a wide grassy area that was also really rocky. I heard my car go over the rocks clunking. The car went all the way onto the grassy/rocky area and kept going several feet. Was going 20 or 30 mph when I hit the curb. After that I tried to start the car, and it wouldn't start. It would make a low grumbling sound when I tried to start it, but it wouldn't start. Also there was smoke coming from the front. It never had problems starting until this rocks incident.

As it was night, I just had it towed. Haven't taken it to a mechanic yet. I will, but I'm interested in your guess about what the problem is. Also, if you have guesses, any idea how much those things should cost?

Someone who didn't look a the car said it was probably an oil leak from the cover under the car getting bent and breaking something. Is that probably it?

Thanks!

maxwedge
08-30-2013, 06:40 PM
No way from here to tell you what damage occurred, must be inspected on a lift, makes sense no?

SleepyHead98
08-30-2013, 07:53 PM
Based on what you have written, my general assessment is the engine is trashed.
Have you ever had the timing belt replaced? I am assuming you have not.

What did the smoke smell like? Sweet? Like Oil burning? Something else?

Now with more information Or even pictures I could probably tell you a bit more.

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