2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
205,000 miles
Needs a new rear main seal.
Body is in great shape.
We will have a mechanic do the work.
At what point is it better to just replace the engine? It seems that we may be spending tons of money for repairs, only to need a replacement soon...

 

I'm quite certain you understand the answers you get to that question will all be opinion. My opinion would be to perform a compression test and assess the current condition of the engine. Replacing the rear main seal isn't that bad of a job (usually what you think AFTER you've finished replacing it). If the compression in your engine is good across all cylinders now, it will last upwards of another 100,000 miles or more if properly maintained.

 

look at the oil filter adapter - that may be what's leaking. Given the quality of seals available today, a rear main will be leaking again a year or so if you do replace it. demoe69 is right about doing a compression test - these engines are known to go over 300k - leaking all the way