You can order a brand new replacement engine, or you can try a less expensive route: buying a used car engine. Used car engines are an affordable alternative. The first decision to make is whether or not you want to replace the entire engine. If you can nab the car engine of your dreams, you might want to bite the bullet on the entire part replacement. Take a look at this guide on used car engines and how you can put them to good use in your automobile. What is the process of purchasing and installing a replacement car engine? How does it work, and how much will it cost?
The Price of the Engine Itself
The bulk of the price is with the engine. Purchasing a brand-new engine from the manufacturer is the most expensive option and can run from a few thousand to more than 1000, depending on the make and model. With this, you will get a warranty and the knowledge that it hasn’t been tampered with and is fresh, but for the majority of car owners, it is simply too much!
Reconditioned engines are the in-between brand new and rebuilt units. They’ve been used, stripped down, cleaned up and rebuilt to meet or come close to the manufacturers’ conditions. They’re cheaper than new engines, but reinforcement is crucial to achieve the desired results (opt for a reliable seller to avoid horror stories).
Used car engines are best for budget-conscious individuals. Purchase this through trusted dismantlers and car parts dealers who take out engines from junked models that still have years to spend. These units usually cost half the price of a reconditioned engine and can keep you running.
Labour Costs: The Hidden Expense
What many car owners don’t realise is just how much work goes into fitting a new engine. Depending on the car, it can take a mechanic between 10 and 20 hours to remove the old engine and then swap it for a replacement. That’s not even taking into account the cost of preparing the replacement engine, cleaning it or painting anything that might need it. And when you consider that labour rates in the UK are typically between £50 and £100 per hour, that sort of work is going to cost you an additional £500-£2,000.
Additional Parts and Fluids
If you’re uninstalling an engine, there’s a good chance you’ll have to install it elsewhere, and that means needing more than just an engine. Gaskets, belts, hoses, and fluids are all commonly replaced when swapping an engine, and the cost can add hundreds of pounds on top of what you’ve already likely spent. If you don’t include these items, you run the risk of ruining your brand-new or used engine, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Vehicle Make and Model Matters
A regular engine swap out from a popular standard hatchback is going to cost much less than from a premium or high-performance vehicle. Some models may require specialist experience, specialist components and a longer completion time — all of which jack up the end cost.
The Full Cost Breakdown
When all is said and done, here’s what you might expect to pay in the UK:
- New engine replacement: £4,000 – £7,000+
- Reconditioned/remanufactured engine: £2,000 – £4,000
- Used engine: £1,000 – £3,000
- Labour and extras: £500 – £2,500
That means a full engine replacement could set you back anywhere between £1,500 and £9,000, depending on the route you take.
Driving Away with the Right Choice
Replacing an engine is not a decision to make lightly, but it may be an affordable alternative to scrapping a car you already know and love. By comparing a new car engine, reconditioned or used ones at varying levels and also including labour and other certain costs, you can get a pretty close idea of the overall cost. Making the right investment in an affordable and feasible engine can give your car another lifetime, without breaking the bank in the meantime.
