How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine?
by David Hunt
Getting 150,000 or 200,000 miles out of a modern vehicle is increasingly common. When an engine starts to clunk out, motorists can be stumped by a decision to replace it or buy a new car.
Costs
Cost of replacement depends on the make and model of the car. Some high-performance engines can cost beyond $9,000, as of 2010. For many jobs, $1,000 to $2,000 is a decent benchmark expectation for a motorist to have before a mechanic gives the formal price quote.
Considerations
If an engine is worn out, more than likely the steering column and other structural elements are not far behind. Consumers should always factor in potential costs of everything before deciding to preserve the car's life with an engine replacement.
Engine Life
Most manufacturers have 100,000-mile warranties on new vehicles because modern engines are lasting longer with proper maintenance. Many replacement engines are guaranteed for between six and 12 months of use.
Examples
New York-based Action Auto Wreckers advertises a number of replacement engines. Many BMW engines are in the $3,000-range. Some mid-1990s Honda engines can be replaced for several hundred dollars. A 1990s-model Dodge pickup engine is listed for $1,200. All figures are as of 2010.
References
Writer Bio
David Hunt became a professional journalist in 2001. He's covered courts and politics for "The Florida Times-Union" and "The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review." He also was a copy editor at "The Meadville Tribune" in northern Pennsylvania. Hunt received his Bachelor of Arts in literature from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2001.
