Is replacining the engine worth it?

[JohnnyDrama]

While out harvesting grapes today I was made an offer on a 2000 Nissan Xterra. Basically, it's mine if I want it but it needs a new engine. The timing belt broke and the engine is probably toast. The rig is in pretty good shape otherwise. The offer was made by the original owner who confessed that while it's been driven pretty hard it has been fairly well maintained. It has over 200,000 miles on it but looks good. These seem to sell between 3000 and 5000 dollars. Engines are under 2000 plus labor. I guess the main question is how much does a new engine fix it the rest of the vehicle seems sound?

[RonMexico]

Max I would buy it for is $400 and $700 for a used engine. By the time you invest a lot of work/labor you will be into it over 2k, better off buying a running xterra

[Great-Kazoo]

Driven hard with those miles, the trans is about to crap out. Look at the larger picture. Owner says it's been put away wet , figure brakes and cooling system will need work etc. That engine swap just got a little pricier.

[GunsRBadMMMMKay]

Am I the only one who gambles on replacing the timing belt before I write off an engine?

[2XS]

If it's free put an engine in it and drive personally if you need if your looking to flip get the hell away likely a money pit.

[2XS]

Well that depends on if it is interference engine which most engines then it is screwed if not then there is a chance but with 200000 engine is junk more likely then not. UOTE=GunsRBadMMMMKay;1729449]Am I the only one who gambles on replacing the timing belt before I write off an engine?[/QUOTE]

[Great-Kazoo]

Am I the only one who gambles on replacing the timing belt before I write off an engine?

NO. Some folks who think they're mechanics have no clue how to troubleshoot either. It's, we can replace the module and go from there.

[zteknik]

200k or more, leave it. Many other links in the chain ready to break..
All said and done it'll cost more than getting a lower mileage one.

[Wulf202]

when the timing chain breaks, valves get munched inside the engine. Just replacing the chain is not a solution.

[Irving]

when the timing chain breaks, valves get munched inside the engine. Just replacing the chain is not a solution.

I think very few engines are non-interference.