Point me in the right direction

[MandaCHase]

I Need some tips, help, advice before I run this car through the dealer's garage.

I Have a 1995 Olds Cutlass Supreme Converti V6 3.4L, low mileage (apprx. 76,000), it really is a beautiful car that needs very minor body work on the driver's side because in 2002 it was totaled. Needless to say - I REFUSE to give up my car - but my husband is pushing me to do so unless I can prove otherwise that the car is salvageable. I took it to the shop yesterday to have a complete overview done - here's the list of problems I was given.. some I understand - some I don't.

Here's the list (I am writing just as he did)

1. Tranny Leak - Lines
2. Oil Leak - Seal
3. Power Steering Leak - Lines
4. Trac Bars Rear Need to be replaced
5. Re alighnment
6. Plug Wire Mis match (? What's this?)
7. Internal Codent Leak (?What's this?)
8. Loss of power in Cyl 4 (It's running at 76%)
9. Run's Rich (He told me that means it's not processing the fuel like it should be)
10. Need new exhaust system

He also said he did something with pressure in the engine - he put it up to 17 and it shot down to 14 in 30 seconds (?). I want to understand what's going on. Now this all explains the problems as far as the erratic revving of the engine above 4rpms, the idling up and down, ect.

What my MAIN question is - do YOU think it's worth fixing? What is an estimate on repairs? Should I rebuild the engine or just purchase a new one? The body isn't in MINT condition obviously because it was totaled - however for being totaled it is in EXCELLANT condition with no rust and the mechanic said it's solid. If I am to invest I do plan on keeping it as a summer car only....

Give me some back up to convince my husband otherwise PLEASE. LoL.

[maxwedge]

There is no clear diagnosis or pricing for any of those comments, so what is a priority and what isn't, what can you drive with and what can't you, what seal for the oil leak, are you loosing coolant, I see over a 1,000, if there is an internal coolant loss. Go to Nadaguides.com and see what the car is worth and get a dollar estimate to fix the car, then decide if it is worth it.

[MandaCHase]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

There is no clear diagnosis or pricing for any of those comments, so what is a priority and what isn't, what can you drive with and what can't you, what seal for the oil leak, are you loosing coolant, I see over a 1,000, if there is an internal coolant loss. Go to Nadaguides.com and see what the car is worth and get a dollar estimate to fix the car, then decide if it is worth it.

Thanks for the reply.
Here's the info I got but which category would the car fall in? As far as the body goes it's in excellant condition - no rust, bumps, dings, scratches, ect. But someone did tell me that's doesn't matter b/c it's been totaled it's only worth 1/2 the value of the Kelly Blue Book value...

Low Retail - $3875
Average Retail - $4875 (there's a star next to this)
High Retail - $5675

KBB Value for Retail on Excellant condition would be $6,385 - but I didn't include the modifications I've had installed such as the CD/DVD player, speakers, ect.

*Throws hands in the air*

If I was to purchase a new engine for the car V6 3.4L... where do I find the info on getting a new one? Best place?

[alphalanos]

Well it depends how long you want to keep the car. I think that repair bill would be quite high. You might be better off just getting a new car. How does it run now? A misfire is easy to fix, you just need new wires and plugs then make sure they are connected to the right cylinders. I would start with the small things then if you cant fix something on your own then you can take it in. They tend to overcharge and make things up. Example: My dad has a 2000 chrysler sebring convertible that has had a new transmission, countless brake problems, needed new intake manifold, misfire(caused by the shop putting the wires on the wrong plugs) the shop has also left out bolts for a motor mount. (bad) Hopefully he will be trading it in for a Nissan 350z

[MandaCHase]

To be quite honest, the car runs fine and I wouldn't have known any of the above without taking it to the shoppe. I had every intention of refurbishing the car to better condition as far as mechanical and body standards and I have every intetion of keeping the car for awhile. This is the cars first winter - and last.. next winter it will be put up. I guess I was just overwelmed when the mechanic kept repeating to me yesterday "This is going to be very expensive to fix".. but he's talking in the manner of rebuilding the whole engine - wouldn't it just be better to replace it?

[maxwedge]

Again what is wrong specifically with the engine that requires a rebuild, way to vague info to determine if in fact you need this done. If the engine has no knocks, no oil consumption, no coolant loss internally, why the rebuild?