Used Car Engine: How to Find a Reliable Unit and Not Overpay?

Buying a replacement car engine is like a game of Minesweeper — especially when you factor in reliability and your budget.

Maybe your current engine is completely shot. Maybe you are restoring an older car and need a new engine to get it running again. Regardless of the reason, a plethora of used car engines exists to help your cause. This poses the question: “How can I make sure the engine I have purchased is the right one and won’t break the bank and die shortly after it has been installed?” Here are some tips to ensure you have a good feeling in your belly after you have successfully made your purchase.

Start with the Right Type of Engine

Before you start looking, you need to know what kind of engine is right for your application. The first and most conservative option is to find one that matches the year, make, model and engine code of your current car. That engine code should be relatively easy to find on your registration and is sometimes scribed onto the block of a running engine.

The urge to get an “upgrade” is very real and often leads to a lot of compatibility problems and extra expenses in everything from mounting to wiring harnesses. In most cases, the best choice for any driver is to stick as close to their car’s original specifications as possible.

Choose a Reputable Supplier

Once you have found the part number and the specifications, the next step is to search for it and find the right supplier. And this is where many shoppers get it wrong — going for the first cheap listing they find. While sites like classified ads and others offer lucrative deals, in the event something goes wrong, it’s usually a dead end.

It’s best advised to look for the relevant subject matter expert who deals exclusively in used tested engines or remanufactured engines. Reputable sellers also send the detailed testing reports, odometer readings and a limited-time warranty. This warranty assures you that the engine has been tested and is good to go.

A reliable example of such a supplier is https://eccoparts.eu/en/352-complete-engines, which lists complete engines with clear specifications and origin details. Transparency is key — and reputable platforms make it easy for you to see what you’re buying before committing.

Understand What “Used” Really Means

Not all engines are created equal. Genuine used engines that have been pulled from vehicles that were in accidents with exceptionally low miles are usually going to be your best options. However, you might run into a motor that has been rebuilt or reconditioned with a combination of new and old parts.

Ask for records regarding the engine’s history: how many miles were on it, where it came from and if any tests were performed on it. If stumbling upon this opportunity locally, inspect it in person. Check for leaks, rust and signs of poor storage, such as rust on exposed metal surfaces.

Check the Warranty and Return Policy

A reputable seller will stand behind their engine with a warranty of a few months, most often three to six. This demonstrates confidence that the motor is in decent shape and provides you with protection if any hiccups occur right out of the gate.

Be wary of sellers who refuse to guarantee their product or only offer nebulous commitments of an “as-is” sale. More often than not, it means they haven’t conducted adequate checks on the engine.

Don’t Forget Installation Costs

Even if you score a great deal on a used engine, remember that installation costs can be substantial. Labour charges vary depending on the vehicle’s complexity and whether extra work — like replacing the clutch or coolant hoses — is needed.

The Bottom Line

Purchasing a used car engine can be a good idea if you do the research, find a reputable vendor and understand what you are getting. The alternative is to spend significantly more on a new engine. By shopping around, investigating your options and asking the right questions, you’ll get the precise engine you want at a rate that may be too good to pass up.

In the end, you might find a great used engine that will make your car as good as new, which is what good buyers do.