Rep Power: 0

I have a 2003 civic LX with 111k miles and a manual 5 speed. Last week my engine suddenly started making a horrible metal shearing sound while on the freeway. No earlier sign or sound of any trouble. No warning lights. I pulled over, shut down the engine, and then it would not restart. I had it towed to my mechanic.

He is measuring 0 compression in two of the cylinders, but he can't explain what might have gone wrong, at least not without charging me $800 to tear down the engine and look inside.

He wants $3000 to put in a replacement engine. I just want to sell the car as is. New car dealers will give me $1000 on trade, site unseen, but i think it is worth more that that, even without an engine. It's a great car, and it's in great shape. Any advice on a good asking price?

 
Rep Power: 284

$3000 is silly.

A replacement engine can be purchased for $500 on craigslist and swapped in for another $800-1000.

 
Rep Power: 233

Yeah, they're pretty cheap right now. As an example: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/2713616200.html

If your near me I'll replace it for $500 (labor only). Same day service. Takes about 6-8 hrs if you don't help and would rather go watch my big screen, half that if you help. Hell, some of the guys around here are even cheaper and have about a 3 hr turnaround. AND they'll do swaps for that much too (as long as you have the parts).

Which leads to the next point- Find a local Honda club/group and see if one of those guys will help you. As long as you don't live out in the sticks there's a Honda club nearby.

What I'm saying with all this is that your car is worth $3000+ with a running engine.

Nationwide salvage listings: http://www.car-part.com/