For some, the idea of an engine being rebuilt conjures up images of dealers trying to offload a shoddy second-hand car. And if things go wrong, it will be almost impossible to get a refund. That is why selling a used car with a rebuilt engine at a good value price is harder than it seems. A friend of mine has his Land Rover engine replacement, and he is still having trouble selling his car.
If you are considering selling a car with a rebuilt engine, there are many factors to consider before making your final decision.
Does Rebuilding an Engine Affect the Value of a Car?
What if everything you knew about rebuilding your car engine was wrong? It is. Today, a rebuilt engine does not necessarily devalue your car. Here are a few factors which may affect the resale value of your car.
Is the Replaced Engine Brand New?
Is your car worthless? It doesn’t have to be if you get your car rebuilt with a professionally fitted rebuilt engine installed. If you have just had a rebuild, then you may think that your car is not worth as much as it was before.
In fact, the opposite is true. A car where a new engine has been fitted will be worth more than if it had an old engine that hadn’t been rebuilt. In general, a car that’s been driven hard will never be worth as much as a car that has a low mileage and has been well maintained.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. One exception is where you’re looking at a car with an old engine. When a new engine is installed in place of an old one, the value of the car automatically increases.
Any Accident History?
Accident reports can make it difficult for you to sell a vehicle. Prospective buyers may not be willing to trust their safety under your hood.
Cars that are deemed ‘totaled’ by an insurance company can have the same value as a piece of junk lying on your front lawn. In the majority of cases, it doesn’t change anything for car owners who have had their vehicles repaired after an accident. However, in some cases, a damaged vehicle may lose value if it has been in a serious accident. Investing tens of thousands in a totaled vehicle only to rebuild the engine is not worth the money.
Was it Rebuilt by A Professional?
The quality of rebuilds depends on who performs the service, and whether they are certified by car manufacturers. After-market rebuilt engines may seem tempting, but this is a risky option as it provides no warranty. This may affect the overall value of your car.
Bottom Line
Engine rebuild affects the value of the vehicle. Also, replacing an original engine may be accompanied by additional expenses for spare parts and service as well as increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is very important to understand all advantages and drawbacks before making a decision. Whatever you do, please consult a qualified professional before rebuilding your engine.