Used Car Engines: How to Choose the Right One for Your Vehicle

You’re looking at your car’s broken engine and possibly swearing under your breath, wondering what to do next. Engines stop working. What could be done in such case? Buying a brand-new engine isn’t really possible unless you have thousands of dollars laying around.

That’s when used engines with warranty and a guarantee come handy. But before you spend your hard-earned money, let’s speak about how to really choose the perfect one. It’s not enough to merely get the first engine you find online.

Why You Should Think About Buying a Used Engine?

New engines cost a lot of money. Depending on your automobile, it might cost thousands of dollars. And if your car is a few years old or not a collector, it may not make sense to spend that much money.

Used engines are fundamentally a compromise. You get a running engine for a lot less than a new one, and if you play your cards right, you could even obtain a used engines with warranty, which is a big deal since no one wants to take a chance on anything. Not all secondhand engines are the same, however. others are good, and others are not so good.

1. Get to know your car inside and out.

Before you even consider about choosing an engine, you need to know precisely what your automobile requires. Not only the brand and model, but also the year, mileage, and occasionally even the engine codes.

If you want to know, search in your owner’s handbook or beneath the hood. There is generally a little plate or sticker with the engine code on it. Put it down. Later, when you don’t have to look at a “compatible engine” that really belongs to a different automobile, you’ll be glad you did.

Also, think about how many miles your automobile has. It could seem okay to put in a somewhat used engine with 50,000 miles on it if your car has 200,000 miles on it, but keep in mind that the rest of your car has wear and tear too. An engine is part of a system, not a magic wand, so don’t anticipate a miracle.

2. Buy from trusted sources

Things become complicated here. You can get secondhand engines from a lot of locations, such as junkyards, internet marketplaces, and auto parts shops. But let’s be honest: some of these areas are not safe.

You should look for a company that sells car components and, if possible, gives a guarantee on secondhand engines. Your safety net is a warranty. No guarantee? You’re effectively purchasing a ticket to a lottery.

Good vendors will provide you the engine’s history, mileage, and occasionally even test results. They are also more likely to help you out if anything goes wrong with your engine after you install it. Now is not the time to be a hero and strive to save $200. Please believe me.

3. Learn about different types of engines

Even if they seem the same on paper, not all engines are the same and not all engines will fit every automobile.

• Short block engines: These engines just include the engine block, pistons, crankshaft, and occasionally the camshaft. You will need to move your current cylinder heads and other auto parts over.
• Long block engines: These engines have cylinder heads, camshafts, and occasionally even valves. In short, it’s more comprehensive than a small block.
• Complete engines: This is the whole package, including all the auto parts, and occasionally even the intake and exhaust manifolds. Just drop it out, you’re nearly done.

Here’s the thing: more comprehensive typically costs more. But it also implies that installation will be easier. Paying a little more up front might save you a lot of worry later on.

4. Check it out before you buy

If you can, go see the engine in person. Take a whiff. Take a look at it. Believe it or not, engines have their own personalities.

Look for clear evidence of wear or damage:

• Oil leaks or leftover oil on the block
• Any metal pieces that are corroded
• Auto Parts that are broken or missing
• Strange odors

Find information about the engine’s past. Was it from a vehicle that had an accident? Did it become too hot? How the engine was utilized is more important than how many miles it has. A 100,000-mile engine from a highway automobile is usually in better shape than a 50,000-mile engine that spent much of its life in stop-and-go traffic.

5. Compatibility is the most important thing

Even if an engine fits in your automobile, it may not operate well with the electronics or gearbox. Cars these days are picky. All of the sensors, ECUs, and wire harnesses need to work together.

Check the component numbers again. Find out whether the vendor has tested the engine in a vehicle previously. And if you’re not sure, bring a mechanic with you or at least call one. It’s worth taking the additional five minutes to avoid purchasing an engine that will simply sit in your garage and gather dust.

6. Think about the costs of installation

Remember that the engine is just one element of the struggle. It’s not inexpensive or simple to put it in. Some engines need special equipment or lifts to get in and out safely, even if you’re good at doing things yourself.

Get quotations ahead of time if you’re hiring a mechanic. Installing anything may sometimes cost more than the engine itself. If you don’t do this well, you might damage your new engine or other pieces of your automobile.

7. Inquire About Testing and Guarantees

A lot of folks mess up here. You see “used engine” online and it appears great, but there’s no way to know for sure if it works as promised.

A good seller will:

• Before delivery, test the engine
• Make the warranty term clear
• Give customers the opportunity to return the engine if it breaks down within the warranty period.

A used engine with warranty (for short period only) is still better than no warranty at all. It provides you a safety net in case anything goes wrong in the initial few weeks or months.

8. Make a realistic budget

It’s tempting to buy a used engine since it’s cheaper than a new one, but don’t cut corners too much. The cheapest choice could save you a few hundred dollars now, but it might cost you thousands of dollars to fix later.

Plan for:

• The engine itself
• Delivery or pickup
• Costs of installation
• Fluids, hoses, belts, and other tiny parts that you will undoubtedly require

You may think of it as a way to safely get your automobile back on the road.

9. Take your time with the decision

This isn’t something you get from a quick food place. Don’t rush. Compare engines, read reviews of merchants, ask questions, and get a second perspective. The more cautious you are today, the less trouble you’ll have later.

It’s easy to want to grab the first engine that looks fantastic, but engines are hard to work with. You might be looking at another dead engine in a few months if you make a mistake.

10. Listen to Your Gut

If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. Engines cost a lot of money, thus vendors should be honest. If a merchant is shady, unclear, or tries to get you to purchase quickly, leave. There’s always a different engine.

Keep in mind that you’re not simply purchasing metal. If you do it perfectly, you’ll have hours of worry-free driving.

Wrap up

It’s not fun to choose out a secondhand engine. It may be frustrating, messy, and costly if you make a mistake. But if you have some time, intelligence, and common sense, you can acquire a good engine, maybe even one with a guarantee, and get your vehicle going again.

Be smart when you buy. Look closely. Make sure they work together. Take into account the price of installation. And don’t hurry. That’s all there is to it.

FAQs