Hi every one my girl friends 2009 Escape is leaking a small amount of oil through the oil pan and timing cover. It has close to 90.000 miles. Right now we can deal with it but if it get much worse we will have to fix it and it is a $1000 fix. My question is is it time to get a new vehicle?
Thx for any advice.

 

This may not be advice, but just may help make a decision.
How much is a small amount of oil ?
Is it causing any problem where it is dripping?
90,000 miles is not a lot of miles on a vehicle that has been well maintained.
If she is happy with the performance of the vehicle up to this time, does she desire a change to a newer vehicle? What other maintenance has been done up to this time?
If no other large expenses are anticipated, $1,000 paid once is a lot cheaper than say $250 every month for X number of months. What can she really afford has a lot to do with her decision. Certain expenses like tires, battery, oil changes, alignment,wheel bearings and other routine maintenance items can be expected. That is why history is so important. If those items have been overlooked or ignored it's a flip of the coin.

 

Agreed Hanky.


Without having more information on the maintenance records it is difficult to tell, it also depends on if the vehicle is paid off or not.

 

vehicle is paid off and has been well maintained. There isn't oil on garage floor every day but when there is its a very small amount.

 

You both are wise to notice the leak problem. The diagnosis and price you mention, can we ask how you rec'd them? The reason I ask is it may be a small leak higher up on the engine that appears lower down due to gravity and fan possibly blowing the oil around.
It is always better to have the leak corrected before it gets worse, however, a lot will depend on just where it is originating.

 

We had taken the car to a local shop to check the leak and they said that it needs timing cover gasket and lower oil pan gasket. Parts 219.06 Labor 823.39

 

With the mileage on the vehicle a timing belt/chain replacement would not be a bad idea, provided you haven't done it already. The labor sounds a little high but I am not a technician/service writer. I would call around, maybe even call the dealer, and get some more prices before taking it into that shop.

 

From an economic standpoint I would get rid of it. Sounds like it hasn't been well maintained and there could be some engine damage. Since its an 09 and still running you could still get some good money for it from a public auction.

 

Agreed Lakelandfordparts...!!