Used Engines
Buying a used engine can be one of the smartest decisions you make for your car–and for your wallet. let’s take a closer look at why that is.
Do You Know Your Engine?
If you suspect that the much-dreaded (and unfortunately necessary) need for a replacement engine for your car is approaching, it may be tempting to go with denial for as long as possible. After all, who wants an unexpected four-figure car bill, right?
The unfortunate but undeniable reality of owning a car, though, is that the longer you put off a repair (or replacement) as important as an engine, the more likely it is to become a major headache once you can’t put it off any longer.
Sir Car Part is the best choice for getting your automobile back on-the-road. Our partnership connects the details of your request with our nationwide member network of recycling center. Our suppliers will compete to offer the best pricing on used engines, used transmission and used transfer cases.
AN UNWELCOME VISITOR
Car engine troubles are unwelcome, but they don’t have to be financially devastating or a logistical nightmare. We’re going to explore how to pinpoint and address engine troubles in a way that makes sense for your wallet, your lifestyle, and your needs as a driver. Let’s start from the beginning: diagnosing the problem in the first place.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car’s Engine
Whether we want to admit it or not, broken engines rarely appear out of nowhere. Chances are that our cars spend weeks or even months alerting us to an underlying problem, and it’s important to be both attentive and receptive to these warning signs in order to avoid being left on the side of the road (literally). Below are some of the most common signs that your engine isn’t in the best condition.
Was that smoky smell a side-of-the-highway fluke, potentially caused by a nearby factory or even an unseen car wreck, or is it coming from–wait for it–your own car? The answer is pretty easy to pinpoint within a few minutes of driving. If a smoky smell persists as you’re driving, or appears multiple times a week, it’s a sign that you should bring your wheels into the shop as soon as you can.
Sometimes smoke is easier seen than heard. In any case, if tons of smoke is being shot out of your exhaust pipe when you take off, start your car, or speed up, it’s not a great sign for your engine. When smoke is excessive enough to be visible to yourself or your passengers, it’s not just a sign that your engine is in bad shape–it’s also pretty hazardous. Try to limit driving more than absolutely necessary until you get it looked at.
Sure, a startup noise here and an aggressive breaking sound there is nothing to worry over. However, if your car is struggling to start, is wheezing as you drive, or is otherwise making noises that you or your passengers are noting as out-of-the-norm, it’s something that you should look into. These sounds could be a genuine cry for help from your engine.
One of the most undeniable and urgent signs of a malfunctioning engine is the infamous stalling that happens when you try to start your car. Similarly, if your car is stuttering when you accelerate, it’s another sign that your engine is struggling–and not exactly succeeding–to keep up with the demands being put on it.
Where Do You Even Begin?
Once you’ve determined that your engine does need to be replaced altogether, actually going about a replacement can be tricky. This is where most people, in order to avoid the uncertainty and potential inconvenience of a long process, go with the obvious choice: leaving their mechanic to find them an engine or buying a brand-new one from their dealer.
Set Your Budget
Determine an amount you can realistically contribute to a new (or new to you) engine that won’t completely break the bank. This should include setting an absolute maximum that you can’t exceed, as well as a comfortable price range that you’d like to stay within. Setting these parameters will help you find the best possible engine within a budget that still makes sense for you.
Determine Your Engine Needs
Do you drive long distances consistently, or are your main car-related needs as simple as getting to and from work? Depending on how much wear and tear you can expect to put on your car, you may be able to determine whether you really do need a brand-new engine (with a brand-new engine price tag) or whether you can manage just fine with a used one.
Get Reliable Information
There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to used car engines. As you research your potential solutions for an engine, look to reputable resources that aren’t trying to sell you anything, like the Automotive Recyclers Association.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
Getting a used engine for your car may be more affordable up front, but will it be worth it to you in the long run? The quality difference between used and brand-new engines is surprisingly small, and investing in a high-quality used engine can be a smart investment both in the short and long term.
The Truth About Used Engines
Used car engines can get a really bad rap, and it’s not necessarily deserved. The truth about used car engines is that they have a lot in common with used cars: if you understand what to look for and work with a reliable dealer, you’re likely to walk away with a fantastic option for a fraction of what you would have paid for a brand-new counterpart.
Set Your Budget
Protect Your Investment
Getting a used engine–especially a Grade A engine–is a great way to get like-new quality for a significantly more affordable price. To avoid having to go through this anytime soon, be sure to follow the best practices you can for keeping your new-to-you engine in great shape.
Manufacturing
Manufacturers typically give guidelines about how best to make any engine last to at least 100,000 miles. The highest-quality used engines are the ones whose owners have abided by these guidelines, leaving the engines themselves to show very little sign of damage or wear and tear. If you want to make sure that your engine, new or used, invest in high-quality fuel, get regular oil changes, and be sure to follow these manufacturer’s guidelines as closely as possible.
Maintenance
A driver’s best practices is only part of the deal when it comes to making sure that an engine’s lifetime is extended as possible. Always get your car regularly inspected and serviced by a trusted mechanic. Invest in full synthetic oil, get regular tune-ups, get your filters changed with every oil change, and keep an eye out for any early warning signs of engine damage in order to ensure that everything is in ship shape.
Manhandling
Healthy engines come from responsible driving. Whether you drive 5 miles on a regular day or over 50, avoid abrupt braking or acceleration. Stay attentive in order to avoid accidents, and be sure to drive your car regularly in order to avoid a stagnant engine.