What to Do With a Car With a Blown Engine
Are you wondering what to do with your blown-out vehicle that is currently sitting in your garage and taking up space?
Having a totalled engine is not that common, but someone who’s experienced having one can tell you how much of a hassle it is to get rid of.
Engines are considered the soul of the vehicle and a car with a broken motor is pretty much worthless. But there are things you can do to get some value out of it.
In this article, we’ll talk about what to do with a car with a blown engine and how to get the most value from it.
Fix Your Engine
If you have recently bought a new second hand vehicle and it passed your checks, it is probably worth seeking repair.
Although fixing a car with a broken engine is not an easy job. Also, selling a vehicle with a relatively new body is not the best way to get the most out of your money.
Depending on the extent of the damage to the car’s engine, it may be reasonable to fix it. For example, a small crack in the engine can usually be repaired with a sealant or welding. Also, a few broken parts can be replaced.
A good mechanic can identify what’s wrong with the engine and find ways to fix it. However, note that it will take a lot of time to fix a broken engine. Furthermore, the engine may not be in the best condition once it is repaired.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Car’s Engine?
The cost of fixing a car’s engine depends on the type of engine, the availability of parts, and the labour complexity. It can run from a few hundred dollars to around $2,000.
For minor repairs, we recommend fixing the car’s engine. However, major repairs call for a different action.
Replace Your Engine
Another option you should consider is engine replacement. Depending on the availability of the engine, auto shops can offer an engine swap with reconditioned engines or get you a new one.
You can also opt for the cheaper option which is to buy an engine from car wreckers at a discount.
The cost of replacing your engine depends on the type of engine they’ll install but expect to pay at least $4,000 to as much as $10,000 if you decide to replace your engine. You can maybe pay less if you swap your engine or buy it from a scrapyard.
Sell The Vehicle
If your vehicle is old and you want to reduce your running costs, selling it might be the best option. But who would buy a car with a broken engine, you ask? Below are a few options.
Cash for Cars
Cash for cars, often run by wreckers, are companies in the business of buying cars and selling them for scraps. And they not only buy cars in running condition but also totalled cars.
The great thing about selling your cars to wreckers is they pay you cash upfront and you don’t have to worry about the condition of your vehicle. They often buy it by weight or by parts.
Furthermore, most local car wreckers pick your car up from wherever it is. All you have to do is contact them and agree on a price.
Dealerships
Believe it or not, some dealerships buy cars with a blown engine. However, keep in mind that, unlike wreckers, they would normally inspect it and make sure it’s repairable before they go ahead and buy it.
Sell it for Parts
Another great option for making the most out of your broken car is to sell it for parts.
With a little bit of handyman skills and knowledge of where to look, you can sell car parts at a top dollar on Craigslist, Facebook, eBay, or other similar platforms. Then, sell the rest of the vehicle for scraps.
The only downside with selling car parts yourself is that it might take a while to find a buyer. In addition, you’ll very much likely get your hands dirty in the process.
So, Should I Fix, Replace or Sell?
Whether you fix, replace, or sell your broken vehicle will depend on its current state and your situation. You will have to balance the cost and the work involved in fixing, replacing, and selling.
If this is your only car and you don’t have the budget to buy a new one, then you might be inclined to fix or replace your engine.
In contrast, multiple car owners who just want to get rid of the vehicle may very much decide to sell their broken car.
If you are still in doubt, use this guide to verify if it is time to sell you car and replace it.