Used Engines

Buying a used engine can be one of the smartest decisions you make for your car–and for your wallet. Let’s take a closer look at why that is.

Used Engines

Buying a used engine can be one of the smartest decisions you make for your car–and for your wallet. Let’s take a closer look at why that is.

Do You Know Your Engine?

If you suspect that the much-dreaded (and unfortunately necessary) need for a replacement engine for your car is approaching, it may be tempting to go with denial for as long as possible. After all, who wants an unexpected four-figure car bill, right?

The unfortunate but undeniable reality of owning a car, though, is that the longer you put off a repair (or replacement) as important as an engine, the more likely it is to become a major headache once you can’t put it off any longer.

Sir Car Part is the best choice for getting your automobile back on-the-road. Our partnership connects the details of your request with our nationwide member network of recycling center. Our suppliers will compete to offer the best pricing on used engines, used transmission and used transfer cases.

An Unwelcome Visitor

Car engine troubles are unwelcome, but they don’t have to be financially devastating or a logistical nightmare. We’re going to explore how to pinpoint and address engine troubles in a way that makes sense for your wallet, your lifestyle, and your needs as a driver. Let’s start from the beginning: diagnosing the problem in the first place.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car’s Engine

Whether we want to admit it or not, broken engines rarely appear out of nowhere. Chances are that our cars spend weeks or even months alerting us to an underlying problem, and it’s important to be both attentive and receptive to these warning signs in order to avoid being left on the side of the road (literally). Below are some of the most common signs that your engine isn’t in the best condition.

You Smell Smoke

Was that smoky smell a side-of-the-highway fluke, potentially caused by a nearby factory or even an unseen car wreck, or is it coming from–wait for it–your own car? The answer is pretty easy to pinpoint within a few minutes of driving. If a smoky smell persists as you’re driving, or appears multiple times a week, it’s a sign that you should bring your wheels into the shop as soon as you can.

Or See Smoke

Sometimes smoke is easier seen than heard. In any case, if tons of smoke is being shot out of your exhaust pipe when you take off, start your car, or speed up, it’s not a great sign for your engine. When smoke is excessive enough to be visible to yourself or your passengers, it’s not just a sign that your engine is in bad shape–it’s also pretty hazardous. Try to limit driving more than absolutely necessary until you get it looked at.

You Hear Unusual Noises

Sure, a startup noise here and an aggressive breaking sound there is nothing to worry over. However, if your car is struggling to start, is wheezing as you drive, or is otherwise making noises that you or your passengers are noting as out-of-the-norm, it’s something that you should look into. These sounds could be a genuine cry for help from your engine.

You’re Experiencing Stalling

One of the most undeniable and urgent signs of a malfunctioning engine is the infamous stalling that happens when you try to start your car. Similarly, if your car is stuttering when you accelerate, it’s another sign that your engine is struggling–and not exactly succeeding–to keep up with the demands being put on it.

You’re Going Through Gas Faster Than Ever

With gas prices fluctuating pretty regularly, it’s normal to feel like you’re spending more money on gas than you used to. However, if a full tank now only gets you through a couple of days when it used to easily get you through a full week (and, of course, your driving habits haven’t significantly changed), it’s a silent but surefire sign that your engine is in need of some help.

You’re Overheating

Overheating once in a blue moon isn’t completely out of the norm; it can happen due to low oil levels, an issue with your car’s cooling system, or even a broken water pump. Frequent overheating, however, generally points to a more serious problem, and engine malfunctions are near the top of the list when it comes to those.

That Dreaded Light Has Come On

Of course, more often than not, your car will tell you outright that there are issues with your engine. When that sweat-inducing “Check Engine” light comes on, it may be tempting to ignore it (or to conveniently forget to see it on your dashboard). As tempting as it may be, do your best to address it–and quickly. Remember, though: all Check Engine lights point to underlying issues, but not all underlying issues lead to Check Engine lights! Stay vigilant and pay attention to all of the warning signs we listed above.

Where Do You Even Begin?

Once you’ve determined that your engine does need to be replaced altogether, actually going about a replacement can be tricky. This is where most people, in order to avoid the uncertainty and potential inconvenience of a long process, go with the obvious choice: leaving their mechanic to find them an engine or buying a brand-new one from their dealer.

Set Your Budget

Determine an amount you can realistically contribute to a new (or new to you) engine that won’t completely break the bank. This should include setting an absolute maximum that you can’t exceed, as well as a comfortable price range that you’d like to stay within. Setting these parameters will help you find the best possible engine within a budget that still makes sense for you.

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Determine Your Engine Needs

Do you drive long distances consistently, or are your main car-related needs as simple as getting to and from work? Depending on how much wear and tear you can expect to put on your car, you may be able to determine whether you really do need a brand-new engine (with a brand-new engine price tag) or whether you can manage just fine with a used one.

Get Reliable Information

There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to used car engines. As you research your potential solutions for an engine, look to reputable resources that aren’t trying to sell you anything, like the Automotive Recyclers Association.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

Getting a used engine for your car may be more affordable up front, but will it be worth it to you in the long run? The quality difference between used and brand-new engines is surprisingly small, and investing in a high-quality used engine can be a smart investment both in the short and long term.

The Truth About Used Engines

Used car engines can get a really bad rap, and it’s not necessarily deserved. The truth about used car engines is that they have a lot in common with used cars: if you understand what to look for and work with a reliable dealer, you’re likely to walk away with a fantastic option for a fraction of what you would have paid for a brand-new counterpart.

Always Go with Grade A

A Grade A car part is the highest-quality used part you can get for your vehicle. If you decide to go with a used engine for your car, look only at Grade A options. These are the closest you can get to like-new performance (and the difference between the two is hardly even discernible) for a much lower price tag.
Used Engines

When a car part has Grade A status, here’s what it means:

Minimal damage

Damage totaling in less than a credit card-sized surface’s worth of damage or imperfections.

Little to no repair is needed.

Grade A parts require 1 unit or less of repairs, meaning that they are in near-perfect condition.

Minimal mileage.

Grade A car parts have less than 60,000 miles on them, or an average of less than 15,000 miles per year.

Protect Your Investment

Getting a used engine–especially a Grade A engine–is a great way to get like-new quality for a significantly more affordable price. To avoid having to go through this anytime soon, be sure to follow the best practices you can for keeping your new-to-you engine in great shape.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers typically give guidelines about how best to make any engine last to at least 100,000 miles. The highest-quality used engines are the ones whose owners have abided by these guidelines, leaving the engines themselves to show very little sign of damage or wear and tear. If you want to make sure that your engine, new or used, invest in high-quality fuel, get regular oil changes, and be sure to follow these manufacturer’s guidelines as closely as possible.

Maintenance

A driver’s best practices is only part of the deal when it comes to making sure that an engine’s lifetime is extended as possible. Always get your car regularly inspected and serviced by a trusted mechanic. Invest in full synthetic oil, get regular tune-ups, get your filters changed with every oil change, and keep an eye out for any early warning signs of engine damage in order to ensure that everything is in ship shape.

Manhandling

Healthy engines come from responsible driving. Whether you drive 5 miles on a regular day or over 50, avoid abrupt braking or acceleration. Stay attentive in order to avoid accidents, and be sure to drive your car regularly in order to avoid a stagnant engine.

Get a Used Engine You Can Count On

A quality engine starts with a quality dealer, and reliable service is exactly what Sir Car Part provides. By offering warranties on all of our used engines for at least one year, we help you make sure that your investment is protected. By price matching the best offer you find for the same part, we make sure that your investment is one you can make with peace of mind.

The Lowest Rates

Sir Car Part has competitive pricing and can beat any quote

Free Shipping

Free shipping on all used engines, used transmissions and used parts.

Free Warranty

1-3 year warranty on any used transmission, used engine or used part.

Grade A quality

Grade A quality transmissions, engines and parts, guaranteed.

Get a Free Quote

We want you to make the best possible decision, which is why we offer transparency at every turn. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to get a free quote on your top-quality used engine.

Top Selling Engines

Chevy Used Engine

Starting $699

Free Warranty

 

Grade A Quality

 

Free Shipping

 

More Details

Chevy used engines offer reliable mainstream performance. They drive the widest variety of vehicles of any manufacturer.

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Dodge Used Engine

Starting $699

Free Warranty

 

Grade A Quality

 

Free Shipping

 

More Details

Dodge used engines keep the spirit of Dodge living-on, as a Chrysler brand.

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Ford Used Engine

Starting $699

Free Warranty

 

Grade A Quality

 

Free Shipping

 

More Details

Ford has built a stable and solid brand and reputation for quality and performance.

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Only the best quality

Whether you’re searching for a transmissions or engine, SirCarPart.com has the exact auto equipment you need. We have a wide range of makes and models and can guaranty we can find you what you are looking for at the best possible price.

Needed an engine for my Ford. Sir Car Part came in clutch with the price and have not had an issue with it at all.

John

Transmission went out in my Chevy so I found out how to replace it myself. Searched online and found Sir Car Par and they delivered a transmission right to my door for a great price.

David

Got quotes from multiple companies and Sir Car Part had the best prices. My used engine came less than a week later and it is working great.

Jay

Our Mission & Passion

Mission

Locate the highest quality OEM engines, transmissions and auto parts from only the best automotive recycling centers. Providing the highest quality product available at the lowest possible price point with FREE Shipping and 1 – 3 Year Warranties.

Passion

Our passion is getting you back on the road. Sometimes this means back-to-work, to the store for groceries or to school. We connect you with live pricing quotes from our members so you can make a confident quality decision.