Engine constantly overheating?
Poor performance and abnormal sounds, too?
Your car engine is likely nearing the end of its lifespan — unfortunately, you’ll keep experiencing engine issues until you get a new one.
Anxious about how much it’ll cost?
We’ll address your concerns by breaking down the engine replacement cost and sharing some excellent tips for saving money on your purchase.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Engine Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Engine?
- 9 Signs You Need an Engine Replacement
- How Long Do Engine Replacements Last?
- How to Save and Manage Engine Replacement Costs
- How to Maintain Your Engine for a Longer Lifespan
How Much Does an Engine Replacement Cost?
Here’s how much you can expect to pay when replacing your engine:
A. Cost Range
An engine replacement typically costs between $2,000 and $13,000. This includes:
- Parts: $1,500 to $10,000
- Labor: $500 to $3,000
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Other factors affecting your average cost include:
- Vehicle type: Luxury cars like BMW or Mercedes typically have more expensive engines, and their installation often involves longer labor hours.
- Engine type and size: Gasoline engines are the cheapest, while diesel engines cost more. However, hybrid engines are the most expensive due to their advanced technology. Additionally, smaller engines tend to cost less than larger engines due to their simple designs.
- Repair complexity: More complex engines demand additional time to access, remove, and reassemble components, ultimately increasing labor hours and the overall cost.
- New vs rebuilt engine: New engines are the most expensive, used engines are the cheapest, and rebuilt engines offer a mid-pricing point (typically ranging between $2,500 and $4,000). A remanufactured engine normally costs more than a rebuilt one, as it undergoes a more comprehensive process to ensure optimal quality.
- Additional repairs: You may also need to address issues with your transmission, cooling system, electrical system, fuel system, engine mount, and drivetrain. For example, fixing a coolant leak may cost you around $150 to $400, while addressing a drivetrain issue can add an extra $500 to $1000 to your bill.
Note: Another factor that may influence the cost is the length of the warranty on the new engine. Generally, the longer the warranty, the more expensive the total price.
Is It Worth Replacing the Engine?
Yes, replacing your engine is essential for ensuring the functionality and longevity of your vehicle.
If your vehicle’s general condition is good, replacing the engine will extend its lifespan and save you money on buying a new car.
However, if your car is older and in poor condition, buying a new vehicle may be a better investment in the long run, as you’ll likely need to spend money fixing other components.
9 Signs You Need an Engine Replacement
The symptoms that indicate you might need a new engine include:
- Regular overheating: This could indicate a problem with the cooling system or a cracked engine block.
- Illuminated check engine light: This warning light illuminates whenever there is an issue affecting your engine’s functioning.
- Abnormal sounds: You may hear knocking or grinding sounds if your engine is failing, often due to poor lubrication.
- Poor engine performance: Reduced acceleration ability, constant stalling, and regular overheating are signs of a faulty engine.
- Oil and coolant leaks: A leak in the coolant or oil system results in the engine overheating or not having enough lubrication, both of which cause engine failure.
- Increased oil consumption: If there’s a leak, the engine loses oil more rapidly. However, excessive oil consumption also results from a worn-out oil pump.
- Excessive exhaust smoke: Black or blue smoke, in particular, indicates an internal engine problem causing either oil, fuel, or coolant to burn.
- Frequent repairs: Vehicles with a lot of mileage often need more repairs due to accumulated wear and tear.
- Blown engine: Seized, warped, or loose components may result in a total engine failure.
How Long Do Engine Replacements Last?
A newly replaced engine will last between 50,000 and 200,000 miles. However, its actual lifespan may vary depending on the engine type:
- New: Up to 200,000 miles
- Remanufactured: More than 100,000 miles
- Rebuilt: Around 100,000 miles
- Used: While a used engine’s total lifespan may reach 200,000 miles, its longevity depends on its accumulated mileage.
How to Save and Manage Engine Replacement Costs
When budgeting for an engine replacement, you should:
- Consult a mechanic about rebuilt or remanufactured engines: Rebuilt engines are often cheaper than remanufactured ones, whereas a remanufactured engine is more reliable. However, a new engine is always the best option for durability and performance.
- Check your insurance policy: If you have a newer vehicle and a comprehensive car insurance plan, it may cover some or all of the engine replacement costs.
- Get multiple quotes: Prices for a replacement engine vary significantly based on location and expertise, so compare quotes to find the best deal.
- Explore financing options: Some auto services provide options that allow you to pay for the replacement engine in fixed installments. Other financial institutions also offer loans for car repairs. You could also use a credit card or emergency funds.
How to Maintain Your Engine for a Longer Lifespan
To ensure the longevity of your vehicle:
- Change your engine oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure adequate lubrication.
- Keep your coolant topped up to the correct level to prevent overheating.
- Avoid aggressive driving to reduce strain on the engine.
- Clean your air filter to prevent debris from entering the engine.
- Replace your spark plugs for optimal combustion and fuel efficiency.
- Take your vehicle to a mechanic for routine maintenance to prevent minor issues from developing into a severe engine problem.
Bring Your Engine Back to Life with AutoNation Mobile Service
A dying car engine will continue giving you trouble until you replace it. While used, rebuilt, and remanufactured engines offer an affordable alternative, getting a new engine is the most reliable option.
Can’t get your engine started to drive to the auto repair shop?
Let AutoNation Mobile Service help you with engine woes. We’re available seven days a week, and our mechanics can drop by your location to check out your car. For your peace of mind, we offer a 12-month|12,000-mile warranty on all repairs and maintenance.
Contact us for all your engine replacement and auto repair needs.