My friend was driving his 2004 avant 6 cyl at highway speed and lost the timing belt. It only had 17,000 miles on the belt kit. the car has 110,000 miles now. How much is it worth 'as is' (body is in great shape). He isn't mechanical so he won't change the heads himself and is trying to figure out the best route (new motor, extensive machining, etc, or just walk away). Why would a Tbelt break at 17,000 miles? Is that a sign that something internal locked up, or is it just **** happens? Thanks

 

That's the kind of car I buy. Since I don't know what damage is inside the motor, I assume it needs a new motor. I just figure the real value when it's fixed, and subtract the cost of a used motor and all the gasket stuff I'll need, plus some profit.

Most belts don't break because the rubber gives out. It's usually a water pump, idler pulley or the tensioner. Did they change all that with the last T-belt job?

 

He got quoted for a new 45,000 mile motor installed, about $4-5k (needs new cat, also), and I think he is just going to walk away as a buyer is offering him $2k as is.

What happens with a broken belt, other than the valve train? do the pistons banging up top cause bottom end problems, also?

I will assume that if you can't do the work yourself, you will not make any money on these projects.

 

Yea, if you have to buy a used motor and pay someone else to swap it, the numbers just aren't going to work.