Your vehicle relies on its engine for everything , so when the engine starts to go bad due to time, mileage, or mechanical failure , you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. There are several ways to go about doing this. Replacing it with a low-mileage used engine is usually the best and least expensive option. However, this option does not work in every case. It’s something that should definitely be explored, but it may not be the right solution.
Central Avenue Automotive has hundreds of sources for a good quality and low-mileage used engines. We often hear the question, “Should I just go out and buy another used car?” Well, in some cases this may be the best solution, but in most cases, we can install a low-mileage used engine for less than a used car would cost and provide a warranty on the engine at no extra charge. Used engines installed by us always come with a minimum 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty. New engines are available with a 100,000 mile warranty. That is better protection than you’ll get with most new cars. Used cars don’t come with any warranty at all.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on when to repair a car or when to get a new one instead, but you know your needs and your car’s history better than anyone else. Buying a new car might seem like the easy way out of a high repair bill, but it may not be the best financial decision . Occasionally, we will tell customers their car is not worth fixing and they should look for a good used car and let us inspect it before purchase, but in cases where the car is otherwise in good shape, it just makes sense to replace the engine of the car you’re familiar with instead of gambling on a used car. Generally, used engines on most passenger cars can be replaced for $3000-$4000 and new engines can be between $4000-$6000. Some will be more, some less. The average price of a used car is well over $8000, and if you’re looking for a model 3-4 years old, that number jumps to over $20,000.
When you bring your car in for regular service and inspections, we recommend you select a mechanic and not a “quick lube.” Due to the inexperience of quick lube employees, we can’t comfortably recommend this option. In our opinion, no one but an ASE technician should be working on your car. Quick lube employees just don’t have the knowledge that a trained technician does, and proper care will help ensure your car’s life and your own life. Most professional automotive technicians will notice the early signs of engine trouble and alert you about their recommended repairs before an engine replacement is required. The sooner you catch and fix engine issues, the better and the cheaper it is in the long run. In addition to taking your car to a mechanic regularly, you will also want to be on the lookout for some of the signs of engine trouble.
Signs of engine trouble include the following:
- Smoking tail pipe
- Fluid on the ground beneath your parked car
- Knocking, ticking, buzzing, squeaking or whining noises
If you’re experiencing any of the listed issues, stop the car and call a mechanic to make an appointment as soon as possible. Smoke is most likely to come from your tailpipe when you first start your vehicle or when you speed up suddenly. Issues like this are usually caused by lack of service, an engine that is worn out, or an engine that has been overheated. Don’t assume that the problem is so bad it’s not worth fixing, however.
Look at your parking spot when you pull out of your parking area and make sure that you don’t see any fluid on the ground. This is a great habit to get into. When you’re at the store walking to your car, just look underneath the car, and if you see any fluids, get it checked out early. While leaks can be signs of a variety of different problems, they almost always indicate the presence of an engine issue. This is especially true if your vehicle is leaking oil or coolant or transmission fluid.
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Listen to your car. Sometimes you can discover potential problems early if your car is making strange noises. Get it checked out immediately. It can be tempting to ignore weird sounds coming from your vehicle or to write them off, but it will cost you more money the longer you wait.
Some of the best candidates for engine replacements are Japanese cars. In Japan, the regulations are such that vehicles that are in what we would call “minor accidents” in the USA do not get fixed. These cars are totaled and the engines are removed and sold. These engines typically have less than 50,000 miles on them.
Try not to get emotionally attached to the decision. If your car is paid off, just figure out what a car payment for a new car would be and then do the math. If you have a $400 a month car payment, that’s $4800 over the course of 12 months. Also take the increase in insurance premiums on a new car into account. You have your answer. If your car isn’t paid off, this gets a little more complicated. You’re still making payments, but have the additional expense of a new engine. What would you get for a trade-in? Would it be worth it?
We can help you answer all these questions and more. Give us a call at (253) 854-6762 or fill out our online appointment form.
