Tips for buying a used engine

Before buying an engine, you need to make sure you need an engine. It’s easy to think the worst but maybe there’s another problem with the car. Remember your changing the engine only so if the engine wasn’t the problem then you risk having the same issues after the engine is replaced.

 

Have your car diagnosed buy a trusted mechanic or dealership before hand. Paying to have it checked first could save you thousands in the long run. Finding a mechanic that specializes in your make of car is also a good idea. For example many garages will specialize in European cars and will be familiar with diagnosing them. Talk to the mechanic before hand and agree on a price to diagnose the problem, make sure you and him both know that no work is to be done until you okay it. This will eliminate unexpected or unexplained repair bills when you pick your car up.

 

Once your mechanic verifies that it is indeed your engine that needs replacing, ask him why. Find out as much as possible about the problem that caused it to go bad and what’s actually wrong with it. This will also save you some trouble in the future if there are any problems with your replacement.

 

 

So now you know you need an engine. The price the garage quoted you isn’t in your budget or maybe they can’t find the engine for you. What now? Before you start your hunt for an engine, make sure your mechanic does not have a problem installing a used engine you provide. Also check what his policies are about installing an engine you provide, every shop is different so its very important to know before hand. Ask your shop if you can have it shipped to them,

 

Once you have it narrowed down to the engines that will fit, compare the listings to see whats included with the engine. Most places will leave valve covers, manifolds and fuel injection on the engine but others may leave bolt on accessories on such as alternators and ac compressors. This may or may not be a good thing depending on your situation. Some may want to use what they already have which means you may encounter more labor fees to remove the old parts from the engine your buying. A very important thing to consider is that your buying an engine that may not be from the same exact year and model with the same options as yours so it's a very good idea to use the old intake, fuel system and harness from your car and not the one on the engine you buy. This will eliminate problems when the engines in the car and things don't match.

 

So you've found a couple great deals for engine that meet your requirements, it's time to take a look at the sellers. Some with negative reviews in regards to other engine sales may be someone to stay away from. This is a big purchase so It needs to be from somone your 100% comfortable buying from. Next check their terms. Idealy you'd like to buy something with a warranty so that if something does go wrong you can be covered. The longer the warranty the better. Now that you've narrowed it down even more and eliminated the sellers you don't want to buy from, it's time to commit and order that engine.