engine repair, replace or ??

[mepifro]

Hi, I just found this site and am looking for opinions. I have a 2000 Explorer Sport with 223,000 miles on it. I bought it practically new with less than 30,000 miles on it in 2001. It's held up pretty well, though I've had more and more little problems with it. I recently noticed a ticking sound from the engine, which turned into a clunking sound when on the highway a couple days ago. I took it to the dealer, who has serviced it since I bought it, and they say it's the lifters and my options are, replace the lifters (about $1,900 and no warranty) or replace the engine (about $5,000). Or, my other option, retire it and get a new vehicle.

I was hoping to get another year or so out of it before replacing it, but don't know whether it's worth putting that much money in, given that I have had a number of small problems (door locks, replaced the radiator, etc.) over the past couple of years. My husband thinks the dealer's estimate is a rip-off and that I should be able to get the engine replaced much cheaper.

Any thoughts on how reasonable those prices are, other good options for repair, or whether I should start shopping for a new vehicle?

Thanks!

 

[akarro]

You must have 4.0 SOHC engine. There the ticking sound maybe also be the broken timin chain tensioner. I dont know about failed lifters much, but the timing chain tensioners are very problematic with this engine.

Did my 98ex with sohc @ 350 000km full engine-transmission and transfer case rebuilt about 8000$. (parts/shipping/customs/...)
I think it is twice as much as for the same year car.(what will fail also in some time)

I you never have done transmission then it will propably the next thing to do, with that mileage. But never know it all depends how often you replace oil and filter. Towing or not?
You should locate the sound and be sure what it is. If you here it in the car then it can be also tensioner at the rear of the engine.

best!