From private sellers to “U-pull-it” junkyards, there are tons of places where you can find used engines for sale. The key is finding a quality used engine, one that will last you for the life of your car without breaking down or causing problems.
The best quality used engines are:
While it may be tempting to save money and get an older, high-mileage engine, it’s not worth it in the long run. If you end up with a bad engine, you’ll have to pay to remove it and replace it a second time.
With all of this to think about, finding a high-quality used engine may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Reputable used auto parts stores, like My Auto Store, make it easy to find the exact engine you need and get it shipped directly to your repair shop, saving you a trip to the scrapyard.
Determining the quality of a used engine is difficult, even for expert mechanics. To be sure that you are getting the best quality used engine, make sure you buy one that meets the following four requirements:
If the engine doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s a risky move. You could end up with an engine that doesn’t work as soon as you get it put in the car, or one that leaves you stranded on the side of the road.
If cost wasn’t a factor, everyone would fix their car with brand new parts. However, new auto parts, especially engines, are very expensive. In many cases, replacing a broken engine with a brand new one costs more than the value of the vehicle.
Since most drivers can’t afford to upgrade or buy a new vehicle when their engine breaks, they’re left with three options when their engine stops working:
Usually, finding a used engine for sale is the most cost-effective way to get your car back on the road. Used engines are also the better option if your car is older or has high mileage. Putting a new engine in an older car is rarely worth it because it is only a matter of time before other components start to fail, making your new engine useless.
You can expect good quality used engines to last about 75,000 to 100,000 miles from the time of purchase.
Many factors determine how long a used engine will last, but you can get a rough estimate with a simple formula.
Keep in mind, mileage isn’t everything. Never buy an engine that hasn’t been quality tested and avoid sellers that don’t offer a warranty or won’t disclose where they got the engine.
While you may be able to find an occasional deal from a private seller, the best place to find consistently cheap prices on used engines is a used auto parts store. Auto recyclers, like My Auto Store, carefully remove working parts out of cars, test them to ensure quality, and safely store them in a climate-controlled environment until they are purchased.
Because it costs so much overhead, most private sellers usually skip these quality steps and what you see is what you get. If the engine doesn’t last, you are simply out of luck. It’s a much better idea to hold out for quality used engines that you know will last.
Yes, Craigslist has used engines for sale and every once in a while you can get a really great deal. However, buying a used engine from craigslist means that you’re buying it from a private seller, and that can be very risky.
If you’re searching “used engines near me” and you still can’t find what you need, you can always order one online and have it shipped directly to your repair shop. Online parts stores make it easy to find a part that will fit your car’s make, model and year. Plus, some auto parts stores, like My Auto Store, offer free shipping directly to your garage or your mechanic’s shop.
The best place to buy used engines online is through a reputable parts recycler, like My Auto Store.
Auto recyclers that have years of experience in the business know what they’re doing when it comes to removing the parts from the car, testing them for quality and safely storing them so they aren’t exposed to the elements. If you buy from a private seller, the condition and reliability of the engine are not guaranteed.
Fortunately, you can browse used engines for sale at My Auto Store with peace of mind. Every item, including engines, is inspected for quality and comes with a 6-month warranty. Check our online inventory and get your car, truck or SUV back on the road today.