So first of all, I'm not exactly sure what's wrong with my car, but whatever it is is definitely not good. I was driving the other day when the engine started making this very loud clanking/grinding noise. Apparently I hadn't checked my oil level and it was basically gone. After filling it up with Oil, the noise is still there, but much quieter. So I'm thinking I might need a whole new engine. The thing is, I found a nearly identical car on Craigslist for $1750, which would probably be just a few hundred more then a new engine, and I could just drive the thing until I get around to repairing my old one. On the other hand, I don't really want to spend that much in a panic. The car is a 1997 Toyota Tercel. [more inside]
posted by delmoi on Aug 21, 2009 - 41 answers

Help Me find out what wrong with my car, or find a mechanic i can trust in Laguna Niguel, CA. [more inside]
posted by unsurmountable on Jul 6, 2009 - 9 answers

What is causing the whining sound in my car engine? [more inside]
posted by markblasco on Apr 27, 2009 - 12 answers

What are the pros and cons of trying to switch heating systems from a traditional furnace to a waste oil heater that burns used gasoline engine oil, particularly for an automobile repair garage? [more inside]
posted by franklen on Feb 27, 2009 - 10 answers

Is too much oil in a car engine something to worry about? [more inside]
posted by ghost of a past number on Feb 11, 2009 - 6 answers

Buying a new car: Is it reasonable to spend 1500$ on a more powerful engine? [more inside]
posted by mitocan on Jan 31, 2009 - 33 answers

Why does my uncle's 1998 V6 Toyota 4-Runner misfire at highway speeds? Last month we drove from Los Angeles to Tucson and back, and at what seemed to be random points while we were driving the engine would buck repeatedly. Once it started, it would continue at all speeds, with the engine running particularly rough at low/idle RPM. We took it in to 3 different Toyota dealerships along the way, and to it's home dealership once we got back. They were all happy to service the vehicle, but none were able to fix it and two insisted they couldn't find any problems with the vehicle. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Jan 12, 2009 - 10 answers

What would you charge to diagnose a check engine light and replace the thermostat in a 2003 Toyota Highlander? [more inside]
posted by fogster on Dec 30, 2008 - 13 answers

What caused my engine to shut off? [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas on Nov 24, 2008 - 10 answers

I now have a car with a seized engine. If I can get the engine unseized, what are the potential consequences of not rebuilding it? [more inside]
posted by rossmik on Nov 10, 2008 - 12 answers

What do I do with our broken car? (Long explanation) We have a 2001 S40 Turbo. Despite following the standard maintenance schedule and ensuring oil/water, etc is always good, it's been a pain in then neck since we bought it in 2003. I think I've put more into it for repairs than I paid for it. The last 18 months it's had a problem with the temp gauge spiking and then dropping down to normal. We've had it in a half a dozen times and each time the mechanics replace the themostat and the heat sensor. That fixes it for a while and then 3 months later, boom ... it happens again. No one has ever found the problem, until now. [more inside]
posted by damiano99 on Jul 30, 2008 - 13 answers

Is there a precursor to Moore's Law for internal combustion engines? If so, can you provide details, please?
posted by Exchequer on Apr 24, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm looking for a reasonably neutral comparison of various brands of spark plug wires (ignition wires). Specifically, I want to know if there are strong advantages over name brands vs Autozone's house brand (Duralast). [more inside]
posted by zippy on Mar 4, 2008 - 8 answers

CarFilter: identify this part from my car (highlighted in red) -- It started smoking on the way home, and I'm wondering how scared my wallet is feeling. [more inside]
posted by Static Vagabond on Feb 27, 2008 - 15 answers

I am in need of a replacement engine for my 1995 Mazda MX5 (Mata). I have found one online, but I'm possibly being overly cautious.... [more inside]
posted by lemonfridge on Dec 24, 2007 - 7 answers

What is going on with my 1998 Mercury Sable? [more inside]
posted by ForeverDcember on Oct 5, 2007 - 8 answers

After having the A/C compressor replaced in our VW Golf, the engine idle speed drops way down to near-stalling whenever the clutch is released while driving. It pops right back up, but it's a bit unnerving. [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Sep 8, 2007 - 9 answers

For about a week, I've noticed a "hot" smell coming from my engine. I don't know how to describe it except that it smells like an iron that has been left on. What is it? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy on Aug 21, 2007 - 13 answers

BuickFilter: I have an '86 Buick Century 4-cylinder (it's the "Iron Duke" motor). Yes, I know, hot. I think I need a new starter. What do you think? [more inside]
posted by Mister_A on Apr 2, 2007 - 8 answers

What is causing my engine to cut out when I come to a stop? [more inside]
posted by jaybeans on Mar 21, 2007 - 16 answers

I'm having car troubles and curious if this is a problem familiar to anyone: [more inside]
posted by KevinSkomsvold on Mar 9, 2007 - 16 answers

Twice in 2 months rats have chewed the transmission cable in my girlfriend's car, how do we get them to stop! [more inside]
posted by zaphod on Mar 5, 2007 - 14 answers

What's rattling under the hood of my car? [more inside]
posted by one_bean on Oct 20, 2006 - 6 answers

Short story: I got a tune up including an oil change. That night, the car died, and now they say the engine needs to be replaced? [more inside]
posted by Squid Voltaire on Sep 21, 2006 - 18 answers

Runaway cars: After reading this recent story about a BMW that got stuck in gear with the accelerator jammed down, I don't understand why he didn't just turn the ignition off. Is it true that he'd have been left unable to steer? [more inside]
posted by chrismear on Mar 13, 2006 - 46 answers

What are the advantages (if any) of letting your car engine run idle to warm up before driving? [more inside]
posted by xoe26 on Jan 11, 2006 - 18 answers

I have a 1991 Honda Civic DX hatchback with ~125k miles on it. It runs like a champ, except when it doesn't start.... [more inside]
posted by nitsuj on Sep 28, 2005 - 16 answers

Have you used a low cost ($20-$50) Cold Air Intake on your car? [more inside]
posted by skyguy14 on Jul 12, 2005 - 7 answers

MotorFilter: My wife's car's starter is haunted! Twice now, when turning the key to start the car, the engine starts but the starter keeps going, as if I just held the key in the start position. [MI] [more inside]
posted by pzarquon on Jan 20, 2005 - 6 answers