Do you want the opportunity to practice your mechanics skills or repair an old vehicle and get it road worthy again?Maybe you have a drift car project or are looking to make some extra money by fixing up and selling salvaged vehicles.
Finding a used car with a blown engine that is for sale can be challenging. However, there are places that sell cars with blown engines, including eBay, Craigslist, junk yards, private sellers in forums, and even some second-hand vehicle dealerships.
Why Buy a Car With a Blown Engine?
Without a working engine, a car is basically worthless. You are not going to make it out of the garage if your car engine is not working.Well, you might, but you won’t get very far.
If a car engine is completely blown, your car is as good as a pile of scrap metal – or is it?Here are the most common reasons why someone will want to buy a car with a blown engine:
Budget Friendly
Assuming the rest of the car is in good working order, buying a car with a blown engine can be a good option for drivers on a budget.
If the price tag on the car is low enough, the overall cost for the vehicle and a new engine can work out cheaper than just buying a fully working second-hand car.
However, this is usually only the case if you have the knowledge and skills to fit the engine yourself, as professional labor costs can soon add up.
Need the Parts
Sometimes, drivers choose to buy cars with blown engines because they want the other parts.If the engine is not needed for a project but, for example, the transmission, tires, and electrical accessories, then buying a car with a blown engine may be a good idea.
To Practice Mechanic Skills
For a trainee mechanic or hobbyist, buying a car with a blown engine can be a useful tool to help them learn new skills.The engine doesn’t need to be working in order for someone to learn how it works or maintenance and repair skills.
Even without an engine, a used vehicle can be beneficial when learning mechanics skills.
To Repair and Sell
If you have the budget and the know-how, repairing a car with a blown engine and selling it can be an effective way to make a side income.
DIY Car Project
Some drivers want a car with a blown engine so they can transform the vehicle into something bigger and better.When fixing up cars for the track or as drift cars, the blown engine may be swapped with something more impressive and powerful.
5 Places to Find Cars For Sale With Blown Engines
As you can see, there are several reasons why someone may wish to buy a second-hand car with a blown engine.However, finding these cars is not always as easy as you may think.
Often, if a car engine has been blown and is beyond repair, it is either replaced or the car may be scrapped, depending on the extent of the damage.
If you are desperately searching for a car with a blown engine, do not despair!We have done the research and put together this list of 6 places to find cars for sale with blown engines.
1. eBay
You can buy anything on eBay, right?If you want a car with a blown engine, head to this popular online auction website and see what you can find.
Try being specific with your search keywords. For example, Chevy Silverado with a blown engine or VW with no engine.
Finding a car with a blown engine can be difficult, you need to be searching every day to make sure no great deals are snatched up before you can make a bid.
Pros
- You can get a good deal.
- You don’t need to leave the house.
- Easier to search for older/vintage models.
Cons
- Not always a high availability.
- May bid more than the vehicle is worth/not enough to win.
- Risk of being ripped off by the seller.
2. Dealership
This option is rare and only the luckiest of second-hand car hunters are likely to find the vehicle they are looking for from a dealership.
However, according to posters in some online forums, if you ring a dealership on a perfect day, they may have a trade-in second-hand car with a blown engine they are happy to sell on.
Pros
- You can get a good price.
- Less risk from an official dealership.
- Can see the vehicle before purchasing.
Cons
- Dealerships rarely sell on salvaged vehicles.
- Unlikely to be a large selection of vehicles with blown engines.
3. Car Owner Forums
Car enthusiasts can often be found hanging out in online forums.If you are looking for a certain vehicle with a blown engine, put a message in a forum and watch the comments section blow up.
In online forums, you can request a certain vehicle with a blown engine and potential sellers will come to you, more than happy to let you know they have a car for sale.
Pros
- Easy way to find any local sellers.
- Sellers comment on their deals.
- There are hundreds of forums to post in.
Cons
- You may get ripped off.
- You May struggle to find exactly what you are looking for.
4. Craigslist
You can find everything and anything on Craigslist.Like eBay, use the search bar to find exactly what you are looking for.
If you are willing to travel, you can search through various locations. There may be nothing in your city but the perfect used car could be waiting for you just upstate.
As with when you buy anything from Craigslist, there is always the chance that the goods are stolen or in a worse condition than the advertisement would have you believe.
Pros
- Easy to search for what you want.
- Can find a good deal.
- Often plenty of choices.
Cons
- Risk of buying stolen goods.
- The vehicle condition may not match the description.
5. Junk Yard
Junk yards can be a great place to go if you are looking for a used car with a blown engine.It is important to note that cars that end up in junkyards are often beyond repair and not seen as anything more than scrap metal.
However, you may be able to find a car with a blown engine that still meets the requirements you need.For example, the bodywork may be smashed up but there could be several working parts in there that you can make good use of.
Depending on what you want the vehicle for, buying a car with a blown engine from a junkyard may be a great idea.
Pros
- Cheap way to buy a used car and car parts.
- May find a unique/rare vehicle.
- Easy to find local junkyards by searching online.
Cons
- Can take a long time searching through the junkyard to find what you want.
- There may not be the vehicle you are looking for.
- Will need a trailer/tow vehicle to get the vehicle home.
If you still can not find a car with a blown engine, it may also be worth looking in local Facebook selling groups, putting up a poster on a local noticeboard, or just keeping an eye for vehicles with for-sale signs when you are out and about.
When buying a car with a blown engine with the intention of doing it up and getting it back on the road, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller with all the necessary documentation.
The last thing you want is to spend time fixing up a second-hand car, just to find out the vehicle was stolen.
FAQs
How much is a car with a blown engine worth?
Cars with a blown engine are significantly less than their fully functioning counterparts. On average, the value of a vehicle that is otherwise in good condition will decrease by approximately $3000 if the engine is blown.
Is it worth replacing an engine?
Replacing the engine can be an effective way to keep your aging or malfunctioning vehicle on the road.However, if the faulty engine is just one of many problems, it may be more cost-effective to just trade your vehicle in and buy a new car.
Can you fix a car with a blown engine?
This will depend on the extent of the damage – if the damage is minimal, opting for repair work may be the wisest move. However, if major damage has been caused it makes sense to opt for replacing the engine altogether.
Can you trade in a car with a blown engine?
Yes, you can trade in a car with a blown engine. Dealerships will accept vehicles with a blown engine because there are still going to be several working parts that can be sold on.
Will a car run if the engine is blown?
Yes, a car may still run if the engine is blown but not if the damage is severe. ~If the engine has completely seized and key parts have melted due to extreme overheating, the car will not run.
Conclusion
Looking for a car with a blown engine? You may not be able to find what you are looking for on your local dealerships sales floor but there are plenty of places where you can buy a car with a blown engine.
If you are hoping to fix up an old banger or just want to get your hands on some good quality auto parts, you can find cars with a blown engine at your local junkyard, on eBay, or on Craigslist. Alternatively, you can find specific cars with a blown engine by searching through online forums.
Your car isn’t worthless if the engine is blown. In fact, there is a huge market for used cars with blown engines in 2022.
Here are some related articles you may enjoy:
How Long Does It Take To Replace An Engine?
How to Tell If Your Car Engine Is Seized
How Much Does It Cost to Swap an Engine?
FAQs
Will CarMax buy a car with a blown engine? ›
The short answer to this question is yes, they do. CarMax buys cars in all types of shape. They buy cars with transmission trouble, engine trouble, blown head gaskets, bad clutches and more. CarMax will buy almost any vehicle.
How can I buy a car with no hassle? ›...
Here's how to buy a car the smart way — without getting bumped.
- Focus on Loss Leaders. ...
- Use Discount Buying Programs. ...
- Try the Shotgun Method. ...
- Target Aged Inventory. ...
- Look at Executive or Demo Cars.
- Best online reputation: Kelley Blue Book.
- Best for consumer reviews: Cars.com.
- Best for deals on used cars: CarsDirect.com.
- Best for variety: Autolist.
- Best selection of inspected used vehicles: Carvana.com.
- Best for shopping around: CarGurus.
- Compare the Prices. When buying a car, you can do a few things to save money. ...
- Buy a Used Car. Another way to save money is to buy a used car. ...
- Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Car. ...
- Research Different Models. ...
- Search Online for Classifieds. ...
- Shop Around for Financing Options.
- Junkyard/Scrap Yard: Faster sale. Lower payout. Junkyards and scrap yards specialize in taking in undesirable vehicles. ...
- Dealership: Faster sale. Lower payout. Dealerships will allow you to trade-in your car with its blown engine. ...
- Private Buyer: Slow sale. Potential for higher payout.
Are there any requirements my trade-in must meet to be accepted? Yes. Carvana will accept your vehicle if it is newer than 1992, the odometer is in working condition, and we are able to safely perform a test drive. We'll also accept vehicles where registration is expired (except for California).
What is the best time of the year to buy a car? ›End of the year, month and model year
In terms of the best time of the year, October, November and December are safe bets. Car dealerships have sales quotas, which typically break down into yearly, quarterly and monthly sales goals. All three goals begin to come together late in the year.
Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
What car dealerships don t negotiate? ›AutoNation, the largest automotive retailer in the U.S., recently introduced its One Price model, offering fixed pricing for its pre-owned cars. Nationwide used-car superstore CarMax has long been known for its no-haggle pricing.
What state is the cheapest to buy a car? ›Best State Overall: New Hampshire
New Hampshire wins the best state overall to purchase a vehicle due to low purchase prices and state sales tax exemption. New Hampshire does not levy additional fees and taxes on the purchase of a used vehicle, making it the best state for a new or used car purchase.
Which used car is best to buy? ›
Maruti Suzuki Swift is the best used car to buy in India due to its affordability, reliability, and practicality. Which used car brand is the most reliable? Maruti Suzuki is the most reliable used car brand due to its trust and legacy of more than four decades.
Which brand of vehicle is the most reliable? ›According to this trusted organization, the most reliable cars for 2021 are from brands such as Audi, Buick, Hyundai, and Toyota. The Consumer Reports study is based on surveying more than 400,000 people who own current-generation vehicles made within the last three years.
What time of month is best to buy a car? ›Seasonally, the best time to buy a car typically coincides with the ends of sales cycles — the last days of the month, quarter, or fiscal year. Most dealerships and salespeople work on commission and have quotas to meet each cycle (month, quarter, and year) to net big bonuses.
Can you afford a car without a job? ›It is possible to get a car loan without an employment history, but it may take a little longer. Anyone looking to secure car finance needs to be able to reassure a lender they can keep up with the repayments, so having employment – or an employment history – certainly helps.
How much is a truck worth with a blown motor? ›The value of a vehicle with engine problems depends on numerous factors including the year, make, model, mileage, condition, location, and more. If your engine blows up on you and you want to sell it, we can pay anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more depending on what kind of car you have.
Does insurance cover if your engine blows? ›If you have collision and comprehensive, then your vehicle may be covered if the engine is damaged in an accident or by an event outside of your control. A blown engine that's the result of a mechanical failure or wear and tear won't be covered by comprehensive or collision coverage.
Do we buy any car buy cars with engine problems? ›Yes, we buy damaged and cars in need of repair. We do recommend that you declare any faults or damage as they may affect your final valuation.
Who pays the most for used cars? ›Regardless of the age of the vehicle, we again found that Carmax is the best bet for a seller looking to get top dollar. The difference in offers is particularly pronounced for vehicles produced in the last six years, as well as those from 2009 and earlier.
Does Carvana actually check your car? ›Once Carvana buys the vehicle, it is sent to one of our inspection centers for reconditioning and a 150-point inspection. This vehicle quality inspection includes everything from a brake check to an oil change, as well as checking for any damage that may have occurred during transport.
Does Carvana overcharge on cars? ›Prices Are Higher
We've seen it many times. Carvana spikes up the cost of all cars in their inventory to make sure you're the one covering the costs of their business model. We guarantee you, you're much more likely to find great deals on used cars at one of our car dealerships under Prieto Automotive.
What is the cheapest month to buy a car? ›
According to Edmunds data, December has the year's highest discount off MSRP — 6.1% on average — and the highest incentives. Automakers and dealerships want to close the year with strong sales. They also want to get rid of the prior model-year cars that are taking up space, so they're motivated.
What day of the week should you buy a car? ›Best day to buy a car
Conventional wisdom suggests that weekdays are the best time of the week to buy a new car, but new research has found otherwise. Car buyers might be better off going to the dealership on Sundays, when they can save an average of 10% off MSRP, according to a 2020 study by TrueCar.
In the U.S., the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index — which measures the prices dealerships pay for used cars at auctions — hit a high of 257.7 in January 2022 and has since fallen to 222.5 in January 2023. Overall, J.P. Morgan Research predicts used car prices will decline by roughly 10% in 2023.
Can a car last 500 000 miles? ›Depending on how well you treat your car, you could potentially reach over 500,000 miles. In fact, there's a driver whose car reached even more than that.
Is a 10-year-old car too old? ›When buying a used car that's 10-years-old or older, your primary concerns are purchase price and reliability. Don't pay more than that 10-year-old car is worth. And, pick a car with a solid reputation for dependability. No car is really too old if you follow those rules.
How many miles should a 10-year-old car have? ›A wary buyer should use as a general rule of thumb that most cars are driven 12,000-15,000 miles per year. If a vehicle is 10 years of age, it should have between 120,000 miles and 150,000 miles on the odometer.
How do you ask for a lower price? ›Initiate bargaining by asking something like, "Is that your best price?" Take a polite, positive approach. Body language and facial expressions play a big part. Look interested, but not so eager they'll feel confident you'll buy regardless. Smile and be friendly, but be prepared to walk away if necessary.
What not to say to a car salesman? ›- “I'm ready to buy now.” ...
- “I can afford this much per month.” ...
- “Yes, I have a trade-in.” ...
- “I'm only buying the car with cash.” ...
- “I'm not sure…which model do you think I need?” ...
- “Oh, I've wanted one of these all my life.” ...
- “I'll take whatever the popular options are.”
Come to the showroom with a figure in mind and stick to it. Be polite, firm, and direct. Tell the sales guy your price and instruct them to get the paperwork ready if they can match it. Leave them your phone number, and walk away if they can't.
Where is the cheapest place to buy cars in USA? ›And the Cheapest State to Buy a Car is…
New Hampshire is the overall winner in the cheapest state to buy a car race because of the state's super low registration fees, and no sales tax. Florida slides into second place with a diverse inventory, and car prices that are 10% below the national average.
What is the easiest state to buy a car in? ›
New Hampshire is the best state to buy a car in general.
You can save money upfront because there are no state sales taxes, and the registration fees are low. The insurance premiums in the state are also pretty low. The average cost of having a car in New Hampshire is about $2,691 per year.
Rank | State | Total Score Out of 100 |
---|---|---|
1 | California (Tie) | 100.00 |
1 | Nevada (Tie) | 100.00 |
3 | Colorado | 96.53 |
Among the models with the greatest potential lifespan, Toyota Sequoia topped the list, with the ability to travel nearly 300,000 miles, followed by the Land Cruiser, according to a recent iSeeCars study, which analyzed more than 2 million cars over the past 20 years to see which vehicles could last the longest.
Which car is easy to drive for beginners? ›Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
Parts are cheap and the car is easy to maintain. It is small and powerful enough to zip in and out of traffic with the minimum of fuss. Parking is fuss free and very easy. The great fuel economy the Alto 800 offers makes it an automatic choice to our list of best cars for beginners.
Longest-Lasting Vehicles to Reach 200k Miles – iSeeCars Study | ||
---|---|---|
1 | Toyota Land Cruiser | 16.3% |
2 | Toyota Sequoia | 11.2% |
3 | Chevrolet Suburban | 5.1% |
4 | Ford Expedition | 4.9% |
RepairPal Most Reliable Car Brands for 2022-2023:
Toyota once again wins the top spot with Honda, Kia, Lexus, and Acura completing the rest of the top five.
Toyota earns the top spot as the best automaker for dependability. Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity, and they are proven to last longer than any other brand. Toyotas are built so well they have below-average maintenance and repair costs, which helps contribute to why they remain on the road for so long.
What time of year do the most cars break down? ›Contrary to what you might assume, it's the summer months that see the most cars break down. Over 25 percent of breakdowns occurred in July, August and September compared to 22.8 percent in January, February and March.
Will new cars be cheaper in 2023? ›Prices could drop up 5% for new vehicles and 10% to 20% for used vehicles in 2023, according to a report in November from J.P. Morgan. The basis for the prediction is that demand has stabilized and vehicle inventory is improving.
What do car manufacturers do with unsold cars? ›A final resort for the dealer with vehicles that don't sell at the dealership is to sell them at an auto auction. Most areas have auto auctions that are frequented by new- and used-car dealers.
How to get a car without money? ›
Consider auto dealerships, local credit unions, banks, or alternative loan providers. Research current auto loan rates online, and look for specialized online lenders that offer low-rate auto loans without down payment requirements.
How can I get a car loan with no income? ›Find a Co-Signer
Getting a co-signer is one of the best ways to get an auto loan when you're unemployed. The co-signer agrees to take over your loan payments if you default on the loan. Choose a co-signer with a high credit score and good debt-to-income ratio to improve your chances of being approved for an auto loan.
- Get paid to test websites. Many companies aim to deliver an excellent customer experience through their websites. ...
- Become a crowdworker. ...
- Design and sell t-shirts. ...
- Work as a transcriber. ...
- Shop for others. ...
- Sell crafts online. ...
- Get paid to pet sit. ...
- Sell your photos online.
How Much Is My Car Worth With A Blown Engine? Without a functioning engine, you can expect to get at least $3,000 less for your car as a sales price than you would get for a functioning vehicle. So if your vehicle is worth $10,000 in good condition, you should expect to get something closer to $4,000 to $7,000 for it.
Will CarMax buy my car with damage? ›"Minor imperfections have little impact on our appraisal offer, but major defects like frame or flood damage do," says Tom Marcey, CarMax's vice president of regional merchandising. Once one of our appraisal team has looked at your car, they'll let you know what your car is worth and will make an offer.
Can you sell a blown engine? ›The short answer is 'YES'. You can sell a car with a blown engine. From a legal standpoint, your car has to be in the condition you describe it in. If your engine is blown and won't start, it's pretty clear to a buyer: they're going to need to do some engine work.
What can you do with a financed car with a blown engine? ›You can arrange to surrender the collateral (the car with the blown engine) to the bank. The little or nothing that they get from salvage value should then be deducted from the remaining balance owed, which you can expect them to sue you for.
How much does a blown up engine cost? ›Well, let's just say you will almost certainly require the help of an expert mechanic. A typical engine rebuild is between $2,500 and $4,000 in parts and labor costs. This type of engine repair might include simply replacing bearings and seals, and obviously taking the engine out and re-installing it.
How much is a used car engine worth? ›The Engine - The heart of your vehicle, your engine retains some value even if your car is old. Even when they require repair, you can sell your engine to rebuilders and, if it can pass inspection, it can be resold. A used engine can run between $1000 - $3000 on average, after labor for the removal is factored in.
What to do if CarMax sells you a bad car? ›File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau
File a complaint against CarMax with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB may be able to assist you. You can also review other complaints drivers made to the BBB about CarMax and learn whether the company responded to them.
How old of a car will CarMax buy? ›
The vehicles are generally five-years-old or newer though most of their cars are three-year-old off-lease vehicles. CarMax also offers a seven-day return policy and 90-day or 4,000-mile limited warranty on all vehicle purchases.
Does insurance cover an engine blowing? ›If you have collision and comprehensive, then your vehicle may be covered if the engine is damaged in an accident or by an event outside of your control. A blown engine that's the result of a mechanical failure or wear and tear won't be covered by comprehensive or collision coverage.
Can a blown engine be rebuilt? ›If you do have a blown engine, whether or not it can be fixed depends upon the extensiveness of the damage. If the damage is minimal, and a few parts can be replaced, the problem can be fixed. However, if the damage is great and impossible to repair, you may need a complete engine replacement.
How much is an engine worth? ›An average traditional gasoline engine will cost between $4,500 and $6,000 to replace with a new engine. Even a used engine may cost you around $3,000 to $4,000. In comparison, a new V8 engine will cost you about $7000.
What happens when your car dies and you still owe money? ›Auto loans don't disappear when the car owner passes away. Any debts the person owed in life will still need to be paid. Typically car loans have a death clause that details the repayment process if the borrower dies. If there's a will, the heir or heirs might inherit the loan along with the vehicle.
What happens if your car blows up and you still owe money on? ›If you purchased Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance when taking out your car loan, it should pay the difference between the value of the vehicle if it is totaled and the amount remaining on your loan. Many auto lenders require such coverage– so check your policy or contact your insurance agent.