Motor vs cosmetics

[teamJacob]

So I'm seriously torn.

I recently took my 4runner to a shop for a engine light, only to find out that I have a cylinder with only 30lbs of compression.
I don't want to get the valve job done, because I could buy a whole new motor for hundreds cheaper.
This is where I'm torn.

My motor runs like a champ for only running on 5 cylinders, and it could run for a while like this. The problem with this is, it could blow up tomorrow or in 5 years I just don't know.

I got my tax returns and with other bills I don't have enough to buy a motor yet but I have enough for cosmetic stuff (brush guard, roof rack, etc).

I know cosmetic things won't do me any good if my car isn't running so I'd just like some feedback.

Would you save up for a motor ($1400) or just buy cosmetics?

Thanks!

 

[JAC]

Motor

 

[galacticrunner1]

Motor.. What good are cosmetics on a broken down POS?

 

[the_dingman]

Wait... More that $1400 to have the valves adjusted?

Do you know *why* you have poor compression? It could be something simple to fix, or something really bad. Start there.

 

[elcidsurfer]

x2 with dingman, get a second and third mechanics oppinion

 

[Moustache]

I know cosmetic things won't do me any good if my car isn't running

I think you answered your own question there.

Take care of the motor