I have a 2003 Kia Rio (POS) that doesn't run anymore (engine problems).... It has over 100,000 miles but most of the body and interior are in good conditions. So, the question is, should I sell the whole thing (probably only getting $100 at best) and get it off my property, strip certain parts and try to sell them, or sell it to a junkyard/scrap metal place.

I wouldn't be able to strip most parts except for simple things like taillights, etc...so that would be a pain in the ass...and the scrap metal place I can't imagine will pay too much for it.

So what should I do?

3/1/2009 12:11:33 PM

put it on Craigslist for a while and see what you come up with. Who knows, somebody out there might need a parts vehicle. Scrap prices are very low right now.

3/1/2009 12:35:34 PM

maybe you could sell it to a mechanic for a better than scrap price and he can put a junkyard engine in it to resell.

3/1/2009 12:40:03 PM

coming from a family that had a couple Kia's, you just need to get rid of that thing asap. they're worth practically nothing after two years, the depreciation is that bad.

3/1/2009 12:57:48 PM

part it out on ebay?

3/1/2009 2:42:37 PM

Let me guess, you didn't change the timing belt at 60,000. Well, it's amazing it lasted to 100,000. Here's the inside of another Rio engine:




The junkyard is paying about $4/100 lbs right now. On that car, that comes out to $84.



[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 6:20 PM. Reason : .]

3/1/2009 6:06:48 PM

i just had my engine taken out of my 1997 tahoe and i listed it on craig's list (the one without the engine) and it looks like i'll get $500-750 for it

3/1/2009 9:13:36 PM

That's because it's a vortec sbc, and fits in half the trucks/old camaros/hot rods on the road.

Be wary of parting it out too much. The less complete it is the less junkyards will want to take it as is. Eventually you'll have to strip it to metal and take it to scrap yard instead. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this, or knows for sure what the scrap yard's requirements are(crushed?).

Or, if the head is in good shape(ie not beat up like the photo above) and you're feeling industrious, you might can replace the valves/pistons/headgasket/timing belt for as little as $500 in ebay parts. It's not the easiest labor though, 15 hours at least I'd guess.

I second listing it as a mechanics special on craigslist. Start at $500 or best offer and who knows.

3/1/2009 9:30:45 PM

lkq might give you 110 for it

3/2/2009 11:00:03 AM

Sounds good I'll try craigslist first. Thanks!

3/2/2009 2:50:58 PM

lol that oil filter looks brand new

3/2/2009 3:05:47 PM

list it high on craigs list. a car parts place will buy it for at least $300 i'd bet.

3/11/2009 11:50:31 AM