My daughter has a 2003 Mazda 3 hatchback in white that has a blown engine so we brought an engine down from Canada. My son in laws were going to install it however that didn't go so well.
Question is do we scrap the car and keep the wheels and tires or sell it for like $1200 to a guy that can use the parts or perhaps rebuild it, sorta call it a handyman special. The car is straight and has a clean title and we put it up on Craigslist in St Louis but that seems to be an area where people don't fix their cars they just get new ones. She really liked the car when it was running however it's just taking up space in the garage right now. Any feedback welcomed.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.maz...5e7622f51.jpeg

 

Are you sure you have a 2003 Mazda3? My understanding is the Mazda3 didn't debut in North America until the 2004 model year.

As for what to do; what happened to the engine swap project? Did the new engine fail?

 

It may be a 2004. The guys used the crank bolt to rotate the engine however they loosened the bolt and ended up breaking some valves.

 

Stand corrected, car is a 2004.

 

Oy-vey. Your best bet at this point would be to buy a late model Ford 2.5 liter Duratec engine and put that in place of your broken mill. The 2.5 is a fairly common swap as it is the virtual twin of the 2.3 Mazda motor (which has a pretty crappy reputation for longevity), except it has some significant internal upgrades, it has more power, gets the same fuel economy, lasts a heck of a lot longer, and best of all, is plentiful and very inexpensive to buy.

 

Thank you for that. I've got a feeling she'll just want to move on from this car, but I'll ask. Kind of a shame, here in Ontario cars are so rusted, this thing has none. Wonder if I should try to sell it up here??? Long way to drag a broken car. Probably not worth it.

 

Looks like car is for sale, close to St Louis, whole car, spare engine, clean title. Pretty good time to pick up a car for cheap that can be rebuilt or for parts car.

 

Hello peoples, someone has got to need a project or a Lemons car or something.

 

Anyone interested in this car for $750?

 

Car is still available...make an offer.