What to Do With a Car With a Blown Engine: Repair or Sell?
You might be wondering: What should I do if my car's engine blows up? Should I replace it or sell the car? That's what we need to figure out.
Replacing an engine can be tough on the wallet. You might find it easier to sell your faulty car instead.
Believe it or not, your car with a blown engine still has worth. Dealerships might take it as a trade-in. Even junkyards might see it as useful scrap.
For a clear answer and peace of mind, try CarBrain. We specialize in unexpected problems like a blown engine. Our hassle-free service offers a straightforward solution for your car troubles.
We welcome you to read through this resource page and if you have a specific question please feel free to call us at 866.443.8530 and talk to us. We will be happy to give you our fair-market evaluation of your damaged car.
Our expert evaluators can help you get an accurate estimate for your cars value, FAST!
Should You Consider Engine Replacement for Your Car: Is It Worth It?
If your car still has better years ahead of it, then it might be worth the costs of replacing a bad engine. However, if your car’s glory days are in the past and its value is outweighed by the replacement costs, then it might not be in your best interests to replace that blown engine.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Blown Head Gasket?
Fixing a broken head gasket's cost can fluctuate. The car's type, damage level, and your local labor rate play key roles. Generally, mending a damaged head gasket could cost you from a handful of hundreds to beyond a thousand dollars. Expenses generally cover labor for taking out the cylinder head(s), replacing the gasket, and fixing any engine damage by the broken gasket.
Getting a hands-on review from a mechanic is vital to know the exact cost. Things like your car model, how badly it's damaged, and what your mechanic charges you per hour, hold a big sway in the total repair cost.
Fixing simple, small cars might set you back about $1,000 to $1,500.
But, with bulky, trickier vehicles and luxury cars, or ones with pretty bad damage, you could be looking at anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or even more.
Keep in mind, these prices are not set in stone. They can swing widely due to various elements previously talked about. Always a smart move - get a thorough price quote from a skilled mechanic who has taken a good look at your car's issues.
Engine Replacement Cost
Replacing a blown engine involves costs that depend on different things:
The kind and model of engine matters. Prices vary a lot based on what type and brand of engine is needed.New versus used engines. Brand new engines are more expensive than used or fixed up old ones.How much shops charge for work. How much mechanics charge to do the job is a big part of the total bill.Other repairs may be required too. Sometimes fixing the engine means fixing other parts too or replacing broken pieces.
Cost Estimates
Generally, the cost to swap an engine can be a few thousand dollars up to several thousand, based on the factors listed. For example:Installing a new engine for a mid-range car might run $3,300 to $6,000 and in some cases, the cost can even more than $15,000 depending to the model.the average labor cost at an auto repair shop in the United States ranged roughly between $80 to $160 per hour. However, this is a broad estimate and can vary significantly. Some specialized or dealer-affiliated shops might charge even higher rates.
Estimating Engine Replacement Costs for Popular Car Models (2016-2023) in the United States [Updated February 2024]
| Car Model | New Engine Range Price | Hours Range Labor | Range Total Price Estimated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang | $3000 - $6000 | 12-16h | $3,960 - $9,960 |
| Honda Civic | $2500 - $5000 | 10-14h | $3,300 - $8,300 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | $6000 - $12000 | 14-18h | $7,120 - $19,120 |
| Toyota Camry | $3000 - $6000 | 12-16h | $3,960 - $9,960 |
| Honda Accord | $3000 - $6000 | 12-16h | $3,960 - $9,960 |
| Toyota Corolla | $2500 - $5000 | 12-16h | $3,460 - $8,460 |
| Toyota Highlander | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Subaru Outback | $3500 - $7000 | 12-16h | $4,460 - $11,460 |
| Volkswagen Beetle | $2500 - $5000 | 10-14h | $3,300 - $8,300 |
| Toyota 4Runner | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Honda CR-V | $3500 - $7000 | 12-16h | $4,460 - $11,460 |
| Ford F-Series | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $3000 - $6000 | 12-16h | $3,960 - $9,960 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Dodge Charger | $3000 - $6000 | 12-16h | $3,960 - $9,960 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | $5000 - $10000 | 14-18h | $6,120 - $16,120 |
| Ford Model A | $8000 - $15000 | 18-24h | $9,440 - $24,440 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Cadillac Escalade | $6000 - $12000 | 14-18h | $7,120 - $19,120 |
| Nissan Altima | $3000 - $6000 | 12-16h | $3,960 - $9,960 |
| Lexus LX | $6000 - $12000 | 14-18h | $7,120 - $19,120 |
| BMW 5 Series | $5000 - $10000 | 14-18h | $6,120 - $16,120 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Toyota Tundra | $4000 - $8000 | 14-18h | $5,120 - $13,120 |
| Ford Ranger | $3000 - $6000 | 12-16h | $3,960 - $9,960 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | $5000 - $10000 | 14-18h | $6,120 - $16,120 |
| BMW X3 | $5000 - $10000 | 14-18h | $6,120 - $16,120 |
| Toyota Prius | $2500 - $5000 | 10-14h | $3,300 - $8,300 |
Understanding the cost to replace an engine in newer cars (2016-2023) means considering a few things. Newer engines tend to cost more, sure. But, they usually need less work to put in because the car's in good shape. Now, let's think about older engines. Yes, they might be cheaper. But, they take more time and work to install due to factors like the car's age and condition.
What Are The Signs Leading Up To A Blown Engine?
A blown engine is an engine that has suffered catastrophic internal mechanical damage. Blown motor damage takes the form of a valve breaking and punching through the top of a piston, making a hole.
Engine problems in your car don’t automatically mean you have a blown engine, but the problems can get worse if you don’t address them right away. If you neglect to address signs of engine problems in your vehicle, it could eventually lead to a blown engine.
The most common cause of a blown engine is a loss of fluids, whether by a sudden loss or a gradual leak. However, anything that causes overheating in the engine could cause it to blow. Signs of a blown engine include:
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White smoke coming from the engine
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Water or antifreeze in the oil chamber
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Grinding or metallic noises when the engine turns
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The engine refuses to turn
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Extremely low compression in the cylinders
You can get a blown engine by driving your car without oil, pushing the engine excessively, and even design failures.
IMPORTANT: It is not likely that your car will drive with a bad engine, but if it does start, it will only get worse if you drive on a damaged engine. If your car engine has blown up, or you are in fear of it blowing up, don’t risk it.
In most cases, insurance does not cover engine failure. Nor will insurance cover the cost of replacing your car if it needs an engine.
Can I Trade In My Car With A Broken Engine To A Dealer?
Maybe. Some dealerships will accept a vehicle with a blown engine as a trade-in towards the purchase of a newer vehicle.
However, dealerships specialize in cars that they can put on the lot for sale as quickly as possible. Your car and its blown engine are not their target car, so they’ll likely lowball the trade-in value of your vehicle.
The major drawback of trading in your car with a blown engine to a local dealership is that most dealerships just don’t know the true value of your vehicle.
They are in the business of selling drivable cars, so expect low ball offers. They may believe that suggesting a trade-in value for cars with bad engines is simply doing you a favor, so negotiating a fair market price for the car can be impossible.
Additionally, not all dealerships will accept non-running vehicles. Some will only accept vehicles that they can easily fix up and put back on the lot to sell to new customers.
If you want to get the best price for your car with a blown engine, trading it in may not be the right choice for you.
Cars We Buy
CarBrain specializes in buying cars with problems, including cars with blown engines. We can make an offer on any of the following cars:
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Non-running cars
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Old vehicles
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Vehicles with body damage
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Cars with blown engines
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Cars with mechanical damage
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Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles
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Junk and scrap cars
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Cars for parts
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Wrecked or totaled cars
At CarBrain, we know how to help sellers like you get a top-dollar offer when you’re getting rid of a car with engine problems.
Click “Get an Offer” anywhere on our website and fill out our easy form to find out what you can get for your vehicle today.
Does Your Car Have A Blown Engine? Get A Quote To Sell It Now.
Receiving your fair market appraisal necessitates nothing more than listing basic details about the condition of your car. It takes just a couple of seconds! We will come to you to take your car for FREE wherever you are, across the nation.
Can You Fix A Car With A Blown Engine?
Yes, but it may not be reasonable.
An experienced mechanic at most repair shops would need to order many small replacement parts and spend a lot of time disassembling and repairing the engine. The parts and labor required can make this a very long and expensive process.
Is It Worth It To Replace The Engine In My Car?
Engine repair costs can add up, especially when you’re dealing with a blown engine. In most cases, the engine cannot be safely repaired, or it doesn’t make financial sense to try to repair it.
Instead, you will have to replace the engine completely. However, engine replacement costs can get pretty pricey pretty fast.
The cost of a new engine can be anything from $4,000 for a V4 engine to $7,000 or more for a V8 engine.
Luxury vehicles, sports cars, and other expensive vehicles’ engines may be even more costly to replace. You might be able to save some money by replacing your engine with a used engine, but that comes with risks of its own.
Can I Sell A Car With Engine Problems?
Yes. Fortunately, there is no law saying that you can’t sell a car with a blown engine. It isn’t illegal to sell a car with engine problems, but you have to find someone willing to buy an undriveable vehicle.
People usually default to selling a car with engine issues to a junkyard or a dealership, both of which will give you offers lower than your car’s actual cash value.
At CarBrain, we take the difficulty out of selling a damaged vehicle. You can sell your cars that need repairs, even if what it needs is a new engine.
We offer fast service and free pickups with no fees. Many junk car buyers can spend days, or even weeks, negotiating, sending pictures back and forth, and trying to determine what price they will pay for your car.
If your vehicle is a thorn in your side, you’ll want to sell it quickly and for a fair price. After all, the faster you can sell your car with a bad engine, the faster you can start searching for a replacement vehicle without the engine problems.
