Q: Is it worth replacing a busted radiator

asked by on June 20, 2016

Car is not running; do I replace the radiator to stall time for buying a new car or just have the car junked and buy a new car without my Malibu as a trade-in?

My car has 150000 miles.

Radiator Replacement $353.55 - $1403.40 Get a Quote

If you can get more for the car as a trade in, after you replace the radiator, than what a junk yard will give you for junking it, then I’d recommend fixing or replacing the radiator and use it as a trade in.

If you can’t get at least $1000 for trading it in then sell it outright as is. You should get more than if you junked it. Junking will probably get you between $250 to $500.

If you do decide to fix the car, consider enlisting the service of a professional mechanic who can replace your radiator at your own convenience.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car overheating all of a sudden.
First I would check your coolant level. Let your vehicle cool down and look in your coolant pressure tank. It should have a mark that tells you where the full level is. If it is low you have a coolant...
Window off track
Typically, when a window comes off its track, it is a good indication that a component within the system has failed. When it comes to your Saturn Ion, it may be a matter of removing the door panel and using...
Just recently my car started not starting. It feels like it's trying to catch but won't turn over.
Many different items can cause the vehicle to have a no start condition (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-fix-a-car-that-won-t-start-by-rocco-lovetere). Replacing the battery was a great place to start as that is usually the cause. Now that the battery is new and the vehicle still won't...
brake light issues
Thanks for writing in about your 2006 Mitsubishi Galant. It is possible that there is a short in your electrical system or possibly a bad ground. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, perform electrical testing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electric-problems-inspection)...
Won't stay running
Hello, thanks for writing in. If the vehicle was just in an accident then the air bag module will most likely need to be replaced. If the air bags deployed then it is common for this to occur. The module...
Hearing clicking from wheel housing while turning
Hi. A clicking noise while turning in a front wheel drive car is usually caused by damaged or worn CV joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement). CV joints are mounted on each end of a front axle and they transfer power to the wheels...
Can a bad bearing mess up the brakes and rotors in the front?
If the wheel bearing is defective, that will not damage the brake rotor or the brake assembly. However, when installing the new bearing, the factory procedure must be carefully adhered to. In particular, the hub retaining nut has to be...
I have XJ8l 207. I have a ploblem, the battery died on me and the system whet down. I charge the battery, but keeps on loosing power.
Hi there. For the battery to be going dead on your vehicle, there could be a parasitic load on the battery (something on when the key is off). To check this condition, perform the following steps: Remove the negative battery...

Related articles

What Causes Hoses to Leak?
While While the largest part of your engine is mechanical, hydraulics plays a significant role. You’ll find fluids at work in a number of different areas. Your car's fluids include: Engine oil Transmission fluid Coolant Power steering fluid Brake fluid...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're an Undercover Cop
If If you're an undercover cop, when you choose a used vehicle, your main purpose is to look like anything but a cop. That means, of course, that an unmarked Crown Victoria is probably not the wisest choice. We’ve evaluated...
Industry News for Automotive Techs: October 8-14
50 MPG Chevrolet Cruz Diesel, Mazda's G-Vectoring drive system, Uber and Volvo collaborate on autonomous cars, and Hubb's new reusable oil filter.