If the engine goes on your car, or looks like it’s about to soon, you’ve got a big question to answer. Do you replace it, or do you cut your losses and start looking for a new car? You should be able to buy a second-hand or reconditioned engine relatively, but the cost of the engine alone isn’t the only factor to consider.
What Went Wrong
Some of the major faults that are likely to make it worth replacing are:
- Worn cylinders and rings
- Broken and failing valves
- Worn bearings
Total Costs
Although a ‘new’ (that is, used or reconditioned) engine should be fairly cheap, you’ve got a lot of other costs to think about. Number one is the labor that is going to be required. Replacing an engine is going to take a good few hours of a mechanic’s time. Of course, you can always do it yourself! But the bottom line is: unless you are an expert get someone who is to do it for you.
At the end of the day it’s going to be a judgement call. In most instances, your main aim is to save money. If that’s the case then you need to factor in:
- The cost of the new/second-hand engine
- Labor costs for installing it
- Likely future maintenance costs for other failing components
If these add up to a substantial amount compared to the value of the car, a better option is probably to sell it cheaply and put the money towards a new one. If not, a new engine will breathe a new lease of life into your old wheels.
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