I recently purchased a really clean 1989 Isuzu Trooper LS with 101,000 miles. I've since had what I think is a brainstorm. Instead of waiting around for inevitable major engine problems to develop, why not consider buying a remanufactured engine now, and avoid all that piece-by-piece fretting later? Plus, I'll have the luxury of driving what is essentially a good-as-new vehicle, since the rest of it is in great shape. Furthermore, I have two fine gents in Vermont who can do the entire job for me while we vacation there (at a hilltop cabin), and probably save us about $400 compared to the cost of the same job at home in New Jersey. Is this a good idea? -- Ed

Ray: It's a great idea, Ed. First of all, I hope you followed the advice in our How To Buy a Great Used Car pamphlet and had it thoroughly checked out from stem to stern.

Tom: In that case, the Trooper probably IS in great shape. And if you plan on keeping it for the long haul, then why not invest an extra few thousand dollars in a new engine and really live it up? Where else could you get a car that's almost as good as new for another few thousand bucks?

Ray: And you're right. With 100,000-plus miles, odds are that you will develop some serious engine problems in the not-too-distant future.

Tom: The only part of your plan I question is having Ben and Jerry up there in Vermont do the work. While they're probably honest and eager, there's always the possibility that they'll make a mistake. Or that the engine is defective.

Ray: And do you really want to get towed all the way back to that hillside cabin in Vermont -- in the middle of February -- to get Ben and Jerry to shrug their shoulders and say "We'll get to you as soon as we finish Fred's Snow Cat?"

Tom: If I were you, I'd spend the extra $400 and get it done close to home. That way, if your pistons start slapping around after 3,000 miles, you'll be able to walk over there and threaten them personally. Long distance is good, but in our experience, it just doesn't convey that same threat of imminent bodily harm that one needs to initiate voluntary warranty work. Good luck, Ed.

It's amazing how many bad driving habits and wacko theories have been passed down from generation to generation! Tom and Ray set the record straight in their booklet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Back to the December 1996 index