2003 Jeep Liberty Engine Rebuild Question

[UCLAmoonwalker24]

Hello fellow Jeep enthusiasts. Yesterday, the third cylinder on my 3.7 liter Jeep Liberty engine went out and my mechanic says I have three options:

1. Take apart the engine and repair it at a cost of $2000.00.

2. Install a used engine at a cost of $3000.00 with a 2 month warranty.

3. install a new engine for $3700.00 with a 1 year warranty.

The Liberty has 116,000 miles on it and before the engine broke down was probably worth about $3800-4500.

I just spent $400.00 on new censors last week and have maintained the vehicle well. Is this common or rare for occurrence for the engines of Liberty's to break at 116,000 miles? I was completely blindsided by this and had no idea that the engine would break down so soon.

I would appreciate any feedback on my situation with this Jeep and would like to know what you would do if you were in my shoes. Is it worth repairing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[renegade 04]

If maintained you can get 250,000 miles on the original engine.

 

[UCLAmoonwalker24]

I meticulously maintained the engine and had it serviced regularly. It appears that this is a widespread problem for Liberty's.

 

[renegade 04]

What type of oil do you use in your engine?

 

[UCLAmoonwalker24]

5w-30 Full Synth Mobile One. 5 quarts.

 

[renegade 04]

What I would recommend is to have your machanic rebuild your motor because if you get another rebuilt motor you do not know how well the motor was taken care of and you also do not know what replacement parts were put into it.

 

[LibertyTC]

Doug when u say the 3rd cylinder went out what exactly does that mean? Is It seized up? or...Compression results?
Was the engine just not firing on cyl 3 that can be just a spark plug or coil pack.
A broken rocker can happen and I am curious just what was current condition of stored codes or engine sound may be. More info would be helpful....
Did u get a second opinion or quote from engine shop?

 

[tommudd]

For me I would install the rebuilt motor for 3700. They go completely through them and will be as good as new or better.
The 700 difference between used and rebuilt is a no brainer
Did they mention what company the motor was from?
Having them rebuild yours could be hit or miss, depends on what all they do to it, complete rebuild including the heads wouldn't be bad
Motors like everything else wear out, some sooner than later. How many times have you watched TV one evening and the next night its done for.