need advice, the dumb questions continue. Options

[Malhar95]

so by now i think most of u guys probably know my problem.
(my engine needs to be replaced)

1. i was just wondering, would it be better/cheaper for me to get a used engine for ~500-600 and then pay someone to install it?
2. just pay someone to take mine out, rebuild the engine again on my own, and then pay someone to install it back it?
3. or just get another used celica/camry which is working for about ~1500, and then pay someone to swap the motors?

the labor of swaping/taking the motor out and installing another one would be ~500

if i choose option 3, i have the advantage of parting it out, but disadvantage of paying tax tittle, and registration fees.

i just cant make up my mind,
alot of u guys have experience, and i just need some advice or suggestions.

ps: i saw this car on craiglist, could u guys also suggest what the problem could be (tranny or computer related) and if its worth 1800?http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/2386508388.html

thank you and sorry for another dumb question

This post has been edited by Malhar95: May 26, 2011 - 12:35 AM

[JasonTX]

so by now i think most of u guys probably know my problem.
(my engine needs to be replaced)

1. i was just wondering, would it be better/cheaper for me to get a used engine for ~500-600 and then pay someone to install it?
2. just pay someone to take mine out, rebuild the engine again on my own, and then pay someone to install it back it?
3. or just get another used celica/camry which is working for about ~1500, and then pay someone to swap the motors?

the labor of swaping/taking the motor out and installing another one would be ~500

if i choose option 3, i have the advantage of parting it out, but disadvantage of paying tax tittle, and registration fees.

i just cant make up my mind,
alot of u guys have experience, and i just need some advice or suggestions.

ps: i saw this car on craiglist, could u guys also suggest what the problem could be (tranny or computer related) and if its worth 1800?http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/2386508388.html

thank you and sorry for another dumb question

my friend said he went to go look at this car. said it seemed like a tranny problem. slight kicking under the floor boards when it shifted gears. other than that interior and exterior wsant bad for a 12 year old car . but needed some work.Not sure whats wrong with yours but If your just looking to save cash i'de see about rebuilding the motor. if your planning on keeping it for a while a second cars worth of parts isnt a terrible thing to have.and you may be able to part some of it out.but that car has to cost more than finding someone to r&r your motor. BTW if you have tools and some space you may consider the swap yourself. it was less work than i envisioned my first time, plus save you some serious coin