Hello all, I've always wanted a Lancer and I just bought my first one. My second car and it too wasn't driveable when purchased. The seller told me it needed a new water pump however, I was told by someone else that it could be a head gasket repair. The oil color was white yesterday and today is a light brown. The engine has over 200K miles, so should I fix this or replace the engine?

 

would pretty much depend on your budget, local availability of a lower mileage, decent motor and what time frame you can afford to have the car down for.

 

The car is down as is, my budget is low and the engine has over 200K miles.

 

I would suggest find a new engine. The cost to overhaul yours after 200k miles would probably be more than the price of an engine somewhere if you can find it. I would also look into getting your transmission looked at with that kind of mileage.

 

for ease of getting back on the road, I'd look for a good used motor, especially if you can find one under or around 100k. shouldn't be that much. most salvage yards will do the swap for you for a labor fee. would be back on the road faster that way.