“Problem Car” Alert ⚠️ Chevrolet Equinox & GMC Terrain

This month’s Problem Car Alert on More Cash For Scrap’s blog post is actually 2 separate vehicles but made by the same company; the GMC Terrain and the Chevy Equinox. While they are different brands, and different vehicles, the same automaker produces them. Which is why we’ve decided to feature them together as this month’s Problem Car Alert.

If you own a Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain that has been giving you nothing but problems, give us a call. Even if they have simply given you only one mechanical problem, but it’s a major one, More Cash For Scrap can help.

We offer MORE cash for cars with mechanical problems than any other scrap car removal company in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Plus, we always provide free towing and same day auto scrap pickup from anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Aside from simple features, practical styling, decent fuel-economy, and affordability, they have also always been known to have relatively cheap parts as far as vehicles go.

However, while the parts may be more affordable than others, the list of problems that the Equinox is known for makes it not as practical as it initially appears. One of the biggest known issues that the Chevrolet Equinox has is engine failure.

As a professional scrap car removal company that has been buying vehicles with dead engines throughout the Lower Mainland, both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are two of the most common vehicles that come through our doors with dead engines. Typically, it’s due to timing belt failure.

Luckily, Vancouver residents don’t have to worry about forking out more money on towing bills, because we offer free towing for every scrap car removal service that we provide. Plus, we always pay MORE cash for scrap cars than anyone in Metro Vancouver!

Chevy Equinox Bad Engines – What Years Were Affected?

Not every single Equinox that was produced by Chevrolet had a bad engine. And although Chevy did issue a recall on the 2005, 2006, 2010-2013, and 2023 models. Additionally, there were many more that were affected and not included in the recall.

The years most likely to have engine problems 2005 – 2008, the 2023 models, and any second-generation models (2010 – 2017) that have a 2.4 L Ecotec engine. The issue was so predominant that there was actually a class action lawsuit involving consumers and Chevrolet/GMC because of the various engine issues.

Consumers frequently reported timing chain failure, leaking or burning oil, intermittent stalling, electrical failures resulting in stalling or an inability to start the vehicle, just to name a few. This is why we see more Equinox owners using our scrap car removal services in the Lower Mainland.

GMC Terrain Bad Engines – What Years Were Affected?

Much like its sister vehicle, the GMC Terrain has had virtually countless consumer reports stating that there were major timing belt issues, engine issues, and excessive oil consumption. Knowing which years to avoid when considering buying a new or even used GMC Terrain will not only save you a headache, but it will also potentially save you thousands of dollars.

The GMC Terrain years that you should try to avoid due to engine issues and failures are the 2010-2014 models, as well as the 2018 models. Additionally, anything with the Ecotec 2.4L engine has also had numerous reports of a wide variety of issues.

If you currently own one of the affected models, give us a call if you’d like to sell it. Whether your vehicle already has a dead engine and is parked, or if your vehicle is just starting to have engine problems, we can help. We are happy to buy vehicles with ANY kind of mechanical failure, including any model of the GMC Terrain.

How Do I Know If I Need a New Engine on My Car?

Just like with any sort of mechanical malfunction or failure on a vehicle, there will be signs when your car’s engine is on its way out. Knowing which signs to look out for (or listen for) is the key to getting on top of however you decide to deal with it. Whether that means replacing your engine or scrapping your car with a scrap car removal company like More Cash For Scrap.

Your engine might need replacing if it has the following signs or symptoms:

• Check engine light is on
• Rougher than usual while idling or accelerating
• Unusual smoke coming from the tail pipe
• Decreased fuel economy
• Engine knocking
• Burning or leaking excessive amounts of oil
• Stuttering or stalling while idling
• Worsening performance

If you think that your engine might need replacing, have a professional mechanic like the ones at Apel Auto in Port Coquitlam take a look at it. They can tell you whether you need a new engine, some minor repairs, or if there is something else going on that is affecting your vehicle’s performance.

Chevrolet Equinox & GMC Terrain Timing Belt Failure

This is exactly what has happened to many Lower Mainland Chevrolet Equinox and Terrain owners. Perhaps not specifically on the freeway, but in various other circumstances. All of which pose a HUGE safety risk for the occupants of the vehicle.

This is why we buy so many Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs in Metro Vancouver.

When you buy a vehicle based off of its practicality, fuel-economy, and perceived safety rating, only to find out that the most critical trait isn’t a reality, you’re quick to scrap it once it needs major repairs, like a new engine.

Most Common Problems on Chevy Equinox & GMC Terrain

While the Chevrolet Equinox may have a name for having a bad engine, there are many other common consumer reports that have led to Chevy & GMC owners scrapping their SUV for MORE cash here at More Cash For Scrap. No matter what issues your vehicle is having, you’ll get MORE cash for cars in any condition when you choose our scrap car removal services.

1. Excessive Oil Consumption

This may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience. However, excessive oil consumption can be caused by leaks or your vehicle’s engine burning oil. This, in turn, can lead to engine failure. When your engine doesn’t have enough oil to properly lubricate moving components, it can seize up. A vehicle engine seizing is a catastrophic failure. One that takes thousands of dollars to repair.

Moreover, if your engine is in fact burning or leaking oil, it usually signals engine problems that are already present. Whether it’s leaky seals, bad gaskets or pistons, or simply an aging engine that’s indicating that it needs replacement.

We see more vehicles get scrapped because of engine problems, and the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are two of them. The following list is in no particular order but happens to be the most common problems with the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox.

2. Failed or Malfunctioning Fuel Pump

A failing fuel pump is not only annoying, but also frustrating. It can leave you stranded on the side of the road suddenly, and without warning. Usually, when your fuel pump goes, it just goes. You’ll attempt to start your vehicle, but it won’t start. In other cases, your vehicle will suddenly stall and then not restart again.

A fuel pump replacement used to be a relatively inexpensive thing to replace. However, with current inflation, increased labour costs, and the downtime involved with not having a vehicle while yours is getting repaired, it can be quite costly. If you notice suddenly worsening gas mileage, along with difficult starts or intermittent stalling, your fuel pump may be failing.

3. Transmission Issues

Nothing says scrap your car like a vehicle with major transmission issues. And let’s face it, even if the transmission issues are minor, they are usually an indication that your vehicle’s age is starting to show throughout its components, including the transmission.

Vehicles that are 10 years old or more (and sometimes not even that old) usually need a transmission replacement. However, depending on what type of driving you do and how well you maintain your car, you may not need one until much later.

4. Engine Problems

As mentioned before, one of the most common problems amongst both of these vehicles is engine failure. With a replacement price tag of roughly $5,000, most people end up scrapping their Equinox or Terrain with the scrap car removal services of More Cash For Scrap instead of doing the repairs.

The engine issues start out small, but quickly escalate to complete engine breakdown. At first consumers noticed leaking oil, burning oil, rough shifting, and stalling. Then suddenly, their vehicle’s dashboard would have the Check Engine Light illuminated and their vehicle would not start.

If you’re noticing the tell-tale signs of engine failure, check to see if your engine has been recalled on the GMC or Chevrolet websites, which can be found HERE. You may be able to get an engine replacement at no charge to you.

However, if your vehicle doesn’t have an engine recall, give our team of scrap car buyers a call today. We offer MORE cash for scrap cars with dead engines than any other scrap car removal company in the Lower Mainland area.

5. Timing Belt Failure

Nothing totals your engine like a timing belt gone wrong because when it goes, it usually bends the valves right along with it. This makes an already big repair even bigger, which naturally comes with an even bigger repair bill.

Most vehicles’ timing belt has a certain life expectancy. Generally, a timing belt should be replaced on a vehicle between every 60,000kms – 100,000kms. However, some vehicles (particularly newer ones) have a timing chain instead of a timing belt.

The timing chain lasts as long as the vehicle’s engine, unless there is an issue with it. This is why a lot of newer vehicles use a timing chain instead of a timing belt, because it prevents additional maintenance to both the owner and the dealership (depending on what your warranty covers).

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine on a Car?

Every vehicle has an entirely different price tag when it comes to engine replacement. Different engines cost different amounts. Also, depending on what type of vehicle and engine you are working on, the labour involved in replacing an engine is completely different, car to car.

If we’re talking about a simple car engine, you’re typically looking at between $3,500 – $5,500 to replace your engine. Pick-up trucks or diesel vehicles can run upwards of $8,000. And SUVs always vary, but in general you’d be looking at approximately $5,000-$6,000 to replace your engine.

This is one of the main reasons that people choose to scrap a vehicle of any kind when an engine replacement is on the horizon. The cost outweighs whatever value currently remains in the vehicle, as well as whatever your initial investment was. When you’ve got a vehicle with a dead engine, More Cash For Scrap’s scrap car removal services are the way to go!

Cash for Cars with Dead Engines

Your vehicle doesn’t have to be a Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain in order to get the most cash for cars with dead engines in Metro Vancouver. We buy vehicles with any ailment, but late model vehicles of any kind with dead engines is our personal favourite.

If you’ve recently found out that you need to replace your engine to keep your car, truck, SUV, or minivan on the road, talk to our scrap car removal specialists today. We offer MORE cash for cars with dead engines than any other scrap car removal company in the Lower Mainland.

But don’t worry if it’s not a dead engine that ails your vehicle. We also love buying scrap cars that need a new transmission, have a blown head gasket, or even collision damage. Moreover, we pay the most cash for ICBC write-offs too! No matter what you’re scrapping or why, More Cash For Scrap will always pay MORE cash for scrap cars than the other guys!

Scrap Car Removal in Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley

If you’ve been considering scrap car removal for your old, unwanted vehicle that has mechanical issues, electrical problems, or collision damage, consider More Cash For Scrap. We offer free scrap car removal throughout the Lower Mainland and can usually provide same day junk car pickup.

Our scrap car removal services are available 7 days a week, from 7:00 AM-11:00 PM. Also, we provide instant cash offers right over the phone for every vehicle that we buy. Simply provide our scrap car removal team with a few basic details about the scrap car that you’re selling. Let us know the make, model, year, condition, mileage, and location of your car.

Then, provide us with any additional information like whether or not it has had recent repairs, or if it is in need of any. Additionally, let us know if the vehicle is still running because vehicles that are still running, regardless of how scrappy they are, are always worth MORE!

Once we’ve gathered all the information about the scrap car that you’re selling, we’ll make you an instant cash offer right over the phone. We don’t even need to see your vehicle to make you an offer on it! But rest assured, we always pay MORE cash for scrap cars in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Contact Our Scrap Car Removal Team Today!

We are always ready and willing to pick up your scrap car, truck, SUV, van, or bus and pay you the most cash for it. If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to get you or your family into a newer vehicle, scrap your old one with More Cash For Scrap.

Even a lengthy list of much needed repairs won’t deter us from paying MORE cash for scrap cars in Metro Vancouver. We love buying vehicles of every make, model, year, and condition. Simply give our team of scrap car removal specialists a quick call and they can provide you with an instant cash offer right over the phone.

If you want MORE customer service, MORE flexible auto scrap pickup times, and MORE cash for scrap cars, choose More Cash For Scrap. We always offer MORE!