SJR
09-27-2009, 09:47 AM
I have a 2001 Kia Sportage 4wd with a 2.0L engine.
On the way to a wedding (I'm a photographer) about 50 miles away from home I was heading off the highway and to a exit ramp
(going between 30 - 20mph) when my car got suddenly quiet. I could see the dash board lights had dimmed and though oh great it just died. When I tried to start it up again, the darn thing wouldn't start.
We moved it off the side of the road and a few days later when I had the money we towed it home. If I had the money for a mechanic I'd just take it in but I don't. My family and I are having a hard enough time just staying afloat right now. My warranty was up two years ago.
So we found out after finally getting it towed home and my husband and father got in to the hood that the timing belt had broken. We called Kia and they were quick to tell us that the engine was now shot because all Kia's engines go to heck when the timing belt breaks and that they can set us up with another car (that I can't afford).
I just need to know if my specific car has an interference engine or how I can find out myself rather than take it to a mechanic. Also if
by having the timing belt break, is my engine now ruined? I have had so many conflicting responses. One mechanic I call says yes, another I call says no, one Kia store says yes, another Kia store says no. I'm going back and forth and don't know what is true? I don't really have money to buy another used car but also don't want to waste big bucks I don't have getting the timing belt replaced if the engine is shot. We don't have CC's so there will be no charging any of this money to pay these people. We'll have to get a loan. So if anyone can give me some advice I'd appreciate it.
Thank you in advance if you respond to my post. I wish everyone luck with their Kia's. I love my little Kia and am heart broken to think that it may be ready for the junk yard
On the way to a wedding (I'm a photographer) about 50 miles away from home I was heading off the highway and to a exit ramp
(going between 30 - 20mph) when my car got suddenly quiet. I could see the dash board lights had dimmed and though oh great it just died. When I tried to start it up again, the darn thing wouldn't start.
We moved it off the side of the road and a few days later when I had the money we towed it home. If I had the money for a mechanic I'd just take it in but I don't. My family and I are having a hard enough time just staying afloat right now. My warranty was up two years ago.
So we found out after finally getting it towed home and my husband and father got in to the hood that the timing belt had broken. We called Kia and they were quick to tell us that the engine was now shot because all Kia's engines go to heck when the timing belt breaks and that they can set us up with another car (that I can't afford).
I just need to know if my specific car has an interference engine or how I can find out myself rather than take it to a mechanic. Also if
by having the timing belt break, is my engine now ruined? I have had so many conflicting responses. One mechanic I call says yes, another I call says no, one Kia store says yes, another Kia store says no. I'm going back and forth and don't know what is true? I don't really have money to buy another used car but also don't want to waste big bucks I don't have getting the timing belt replaced if the engine is shot. We don't have CC's so there will be no charging any of this money to pay these people. We'll have to get a loan. So if anyone can give me some advice I'd appreciate it.
Thank you in advance if you respond to my post. I wish everyone luck with their Kia's. I love my little Kia and am heart broken to think that it may be ready for the junk yard