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We have a 2000 Elantra GLS (auto) and have owned it since it had fewer than 10,000 miles on it. It now has about 130,000 miles on it. Here is a brief history: A few years after purchase we got in a minor fender bender. Nothing but aesthetic damage (as far as we know) and the hood hasn't quite fit right ever since (barely noticeable really). Shortly thereafter the car overheated which I think caused some of the rubber seals to melt because ever since then it's burned oil very slowly (about a quart every 2 or 3 months). At some point the engine also ran with almost no oil in it for a little while because we hadn't discovered the fact that the oil was burning off.

It's been 3 or 4 years since we've had any issues with the engine that wasn't minor (hoses being replaced, etc) but recently the engine has had a hard time starting. When I opened the oil compartment to put new oil in I saw a few ounces of white-yellow goo on the back of the oil cap. In my experience this means a blown head gasket or a cracked head.

Traditionally people would just replace the car in this condition, but I'm much more keen on the idea of just replacing the engine to get another 10 years out of the car. What engine replacement options do I have for this car? Are there new engines out there I can buy for it? Is there an engine I can buy that will give me more power and be fresh and new and good? Should I replace the transmission at the same time? As I stated above it is an auto. My father-in-law was all excited about us getting an Accord VTech engine but then said it wouldn't be possible since it's an automatic transmission. I don't really know why.

Also, what is the presiding wisdom on how long a car can run under these current conditions? Does a few ounces of white goo mean I have a few hours left before it will die, or do I have another 10,000 miles on it potentially? I realize there's no exact science here so guestimates work fine for me. I do think I noticed a tiny amount of goo in the same place 6 months ago or so.

Thanks for your help everyone!  

has the timing belt ever been changed.. you should have had it done twice by now..  60,000 is recommended.. change out.
according to the gates timing belt application book.. this is a motor that when the belt strip..  the valves MAY.. but USUALLY be bent by the pistons moving up and down in the cylinder..    a valve job will be needed.. along with what ever else it damages..



having a mechanic examine the engine. for compression leaks into the cooling system...  

having a compression test done...

overheating the engine.. is hard on it..    running it LOW on oil is also hard on it..

moisture in the valve cover is a problem..  but it depends..  some engines end up with moisture in the oil residue in the valve cover..  you have to understand.. the PCV system pulls a lot of filtered air into the crankcase.. this can contain moisture from the air..   if the engine does not get hot enough to turn it all to steam.. it will condense on the inside of the valve cover.. sometimes in the breather tube...

as for swapping in a DIfferent brand or style of  motor..  thats going to cost a LOT more than  an exact replacement..

these are complicated cars...

are you a AAA member... in some of their larger offices they offer vehicle inspection services.. where they will give you a written report on your car..

this might be significantly different than what a repair shop or dealer finds and estimates.. as the dealer or mechanic is looking to make money  as we all are..  

since these cars have only just come out from under the 10 year warrantee.. i have only seen a few..

i have seen other cars that make it well over 200K miles..