Q I have an older car that needs some repair work. The shop I am going to

won’t put anything other than new parts in it. They claim they can’t properly
warranty the job without. It needs an engine, and I simply can’t afford a new
one. What should I do?

Nicole—Joliet,  Illinois

Nicole,

A Ask the shop to find you a good used engine with mid-mileage on it. If

they refuse, find another shop to do the work. Good salvage yards guarantee
their used auto parts. Make sure the shop person selecting the engine sees and
hears it run before buying it. If a right engine is selected for your year, make,
and model vehicle, there should not be too much modification required. Also,
if your car is equipped with computer controls, make sure you match up the
computer controls with the replacement engine, as this can be a nightmare if
not followed.

Tom