How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine?

Replacing an engine can be expensive.

Getting 150,000 or 200,000 miles out of a modern vehicle is increasingly common. When an engine starts to clunk out, motorists can be stumped by a decision to replace it or buy a new car.

Costs

Cost of replacement depends on the make and model of the car. Some high-performance engines can cost beyond $9,000, as of 2010. For many jobs, $1,000 to $2,000 is a decent benchmark expectation for a motorist to have before a mechanic gives the formal price quote.

Considerations

If an engine is worn out, more than likely the steering column and other structural elements are not far behind. Consumers should always factor in potential costs of everything before deciding to preserve the car's life with an engine replacement.

Engine Life

Most manufacturers have 100,000-mile warranties on new vehicles because modern engines are lasting longer with proper maintenance. Many replacement engines are guaranteed for between six and 12 months of use.

Examples

New York-based Action Auto Wreckers advertises a number of replacement engines. Many BMW engines are in the $3,000-range. Some mid-1990s Honda engines can be replaced for several hundred dollars. A 1990s-model Dodge pickup engine is listed for $1,200. All figures are as of 2010.

References

• The Car Connection: Replacing Your Engine
• AA1Car: Replace Engine

Resources

• BMW Engines for Sale
• CarTech Autoparts: Engine Rebuild Kits
• Action Auto Wreckers