Your mechanic gives you the bad news: your car’s engine is on its last legs. The prognosis, he warns, could be major repairs. Visions of a shiny new car soon are replaced by the pleasant memory of your car payment book burning ceremony.

Time to explore other alternatives. Beyond trading in the car for a new or later model used one, your technician suggests they might be able to find a good replacement engine in a junk yard, or they can overhaul the one you have.

Best bet, install a rebuilt engine. That would be the most intelligent option, according to a brochure he hands you. The rebuilt engine is one that has been remanufactured to prescribed standards and specifications. During this process, which is performed by highly skilled technicians, many new components are installed, thereby meeting or exceeding performance standards.

Frequently a rebuilt engine is better than the engine originally installed at the factory. It is dependable, reliable and backed by an excellent warranty.

“The best part is this,” explains the mechanic, “your faithful old car can show its appreciation for remaining in the family by giving back several hundred dollars each month for the next four or more years, which is what you might have spent on car payments.

Don’t Trade, Upgrade

Even with low finance rates and enticing rebates, many consumers are taking a long look at trading vehicles. There’s more to it than just the cost of the vehicle, according to the Automotive Repower Council. Do the math. There are financing costs, higher insurance costs, sales tax and depreciation to consider.

These factors and other considerations are covered in the Council’s brochure, Sticker Shock! The illustrated publication explains the benefits of a rebuilt engine vs having the old one overhauled.

For more information on rebuilt engines visit Automotive Repower Council’s web site: www.repower,org. For your free copy of their brochure send a stamped, self addressed envelope to Sticker Shock!, 42 Park Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452 or call 1-866-4REPOWER.