Dear Tom and Ray:

Would it be crazy to put a rebuilt engine in a 12-year-old car? I use my old Mazda wagon as a dogmobile for my dog-walking business. I've been looking at new cars, but I don't think I could stand it if the dogs scratched up the inside of my new car like they've done to this old one. Will a rebuilt engine give my Mazda a new lease on life? -- Sally

Ray: Absolutely. You're the perfect candidate for a rebuilt engine, Sally. In fact, the American Association of Engine Rebuilders will probably want you to star in their next TV commercial.

Tom: Here's your situation, Sally: You have a car which -- aside from a worn-out engine -- serves you perfectly well. So why spend a ton of money on a new, or newer, car that you don't even really want? Just throw an engine in it.

Ray: The one thing that you absolutely have to do, though, is have the rest of the old Mazda thoroughly checked out before you put the engine in. Have a mechanic you trust go over the old beast from headlight to tailpipe -- as if you were going to buy it as a used car. Find out everything that's wrong with it and factor that into your calculations.

Tom: So, for instance, if it needs new shocks, that's no big deal. You put in an engine and shocks, and you're happily toting the doggies around again.

Ray: But if you find out that you also need a new transmission and your frame is rusted, then you might want to reconsider.

Tom: I've got it. If it's not worth putting an engine in it, she could just rig up a harness and let the dogs pull HER. How many Pekingese does it take to pull a Mazda?

Ray: I'll have to look it up. But if the car checks out reasonably well, then by all means, toss in a new engine and keep driving, Sally.

Changing your oil regularly is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your car, but how often should you change it? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "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.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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