Engines problems can range from a small problem fixed to a major hazard. As a result, you might have to replace your engine, which is costly.
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Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the cost to replace an engine can range from $3,000 to $4,000. However, that number can easily climb up to $10,000 or more if significant repairs are required.
This article provides you with all you need to know about The Average Cost To Replace A Car Engine.
Why are engine repairs expensive?
The cost to replace a car engine can be high because of how some engines are designed. For instance, some engines require the removal of the entire unit from the car before it can be replaced with another one.
Some models have an engine block made out of aluminum, which is more expensive than replacement units that use cast iron.
Automotive experts strongly recommend that you consult the company that manufactured the engine so they can determine if there's a recall on your model. This will help you find out if the problem with your car might be fixed by replacing a defective part instead of having to replace an entire unit.
The average cost to replace a car engine
average cost to replace a car engine can vary depending on what you plan to replace it with.
For instance, VW is known for having higher prices because of the labor cost in Germany, where most VW models are manufactured. The latest VW models can also be pricey because they have several security features that make them more difficult to work on.
Replacement engines on newer car models can cost as much as $4,000. However, if you own an older vehicle with more than 100,000 miles on it, the average price to replace a car engine can be between $1,500 and $2,000.
A new Hyundai Sonata 2.0T 4-cylinder engine with 155 hp costs around $1,000 to $1250. Other engines are more expensive because they have turbo units or V-type engines, which can cost up to $3,000.
There are also cars whose engine problem only requires the replacement of an accessory that can easily cost about $300+.
At times, the labor cost for engine replacement can be expensive because of the time it takes to perform the work. Therefore, you need to consult with your mechanic about how much they will charge for each hour that they spend on performing engine repairs.
Tips for reducing the cost of engine replacement
While the average cost to replace a car engine can be high, you can reduce it by investing in cars that have less expensive engines.
Here are ten simple tips to help you reduce the cost of engine replacement:
#1: Buy a vehicle based on an average price to replace the engine.
When looking for a new car, the first thing you should do is find an average price to replace the engine.
You can research online or check with your mechanic to find out what types of engines are most common in your area. This way, you'll avoid buying cars that have special engines, which may end up requiring you to pay more for an engine replacement.
#2: Fix any problem associated with engine failure before replacing it.
Before considering the cost of replacing a car engine, make sure that you repair any problems that might affect its performance.
For instance, if there's a leak in one of the oil seals, you need to fix it first because it will lead to other problems such as transmission fluid leaking from the transmission pan and ending up on axle boots which can cause the boot to break.
#3: Keep your car regularly maintained.
If you want to avoid paying for more expensive repairs on an engine, make sure that it's regularly maintained.
This way, you'll know if there are any issues with the gearbox or the power steering, which will allow you to take action before it becomes a serious problem. For example, a faulty power steering may result in too much pressure on the belts, leading to cracks and, potentially, belt failure.
#4: Buy cars with standard features with less complicated engines.
Cars with standard features such as air conditioning, ABS brakes, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), and fuel injection tend to have less complicated engines.
This means that you can save money if your car needs repairs in the future because you don't always have to pay for expensive replacement parts and labor costs.
#5: Ask your mechanic about replacing a defective part instead of an entire engine unit.
If your car has several issues with the engine, ask your mechanic about replacing one defective part instead of replacing the whole thing.
For instance, you might need to buy a rebuilt head gasket or get a valve job done on your car's cylinder head, which will cost much less than buying all-new engines. Of course, replacing individual parts can be costly, but it is better than buying more expensive models that come with standard features.
#6: Look for cars with between 40,000 and 50,000 miles on the engine.
Buying cars between 40,000 and 50,000 miles on their engines can be an effective way to save money because they are usually still under warranty.
This means you don't have to worry about any manufacturing defects after buying the car as long as it's less than six years old. Also, look for cars kept in a garage or regularly inspected by mechanics because this will help ensure that no problems develop over time.
#7: Buy your next car from a used lot instead of a new one if finding low-priced engines is difficult for you.
If you can't find average prices to replace engine units for common car models on the market, you can check out used car lots instead.
You'll find low-priced engines on some of these cars since they are no longer under warranty and require fewer repairs than new ones, plus they come with standard features, which means that replacement parts don't always have to be expensive.
#8: Find cars that don't need engine replacements regularly or those that rarely break down completely.
Your best bet is to buy a car that doesn't need an engine replacement regularly or one that rarely breaks down completely because this will save you money in the long run.
For instance, some cars only need their engines replaced every ten years, while others hardly ever develop problems unless driven through rough terrain regularly.
#9: Buy used cars with engine problems if looking for a cheap replacement unit.
Buying used cars with engine problems can be the way to go because they come at low prices and usually only require the replacement of one defective part instead of the whole system.
For instance, some modern engines produce less carbon monoxide, which means that they last longer, which also increases their price. So if you're looking for an average cost to replace a car engine, look for one that's between 3,000 and 4,000 dollars since these are easier to maintain compared to modern engines.
Also, make sure to buy used models under six years old because older ones will need more expensive repairs in the future, especially if driven through rough terrains regularly.
#10: Don't buy cars that need engine replacements regularly if you are on a budget.
If you're on a very tight budget, avoid buying used models that need engine replacements regularly because this can set you back by more than 1,000 dollars each time it breaks down. Instead, to get the best value for your money, look for a new model under six years old and ask the dealer how much it will cost to replace their engine units.
How long does an engine replacement take?
Average engine replacement times range from 6-12 hours or more, depending on the model.
Can I replace my own vehicle's engine?
In most cases, doing an engine replacement is better left to a professional mechanic because it can be difficult and dangerous. In addition, you must have the right tools and equipment before starting the job.
many things could go wrong if you attempted to replace your engine, including:
#1: Damage to surrounding components.
One of the worst things that could go wrong while replacing your vehicle's engine is damaging surrounding components such as the air intake and cooling system.
#2: Damaging car wiring harnesses.
another problem you could face is damaging car wiring harnesses or even electrical cables by accidentally cutting them with a wrench or other tool.
#3: Failing to install the engine properly.
Failing to install the replacement engine properly might cause internal leaks and other structural problems that would need extensive repairs, which you could have prevented if done by a professional mechanic.
Do not replace your car's engine yourself simply because it's cheaper.
Just because replacing an engine is relatively cheaper than purchasing a newer model does not mean you should do it alone, especially if you don't have sufficient experience and training in these types of projects.
While some people may be comfortable doing this type of work, others usually do more damage than repairs, so make sure to do the research needed before starting any project like this one. Otherwise, let professionals handle it for you at all times.
What are the common car types associated with engine problems?
There are several vehicle brands known for their severe engine problems. Here's the list of 10 vehicles to avoid if you don't want to deal with engine issues:
#1: Land Rover
customers reported complaints about the cost of engine replacements for their Land Rovers.
Engine issues often require that vehicles be towed to dealerships to have them fixed, which is quite expensive in itself.
#2: Chevrolet Silverado
if you're looking for a relatively affordable model, avoid buying Chevy Silverado trucks because they are known for their high-cost engine replacements, which could cost more than $10,000.
#3: Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger trucks have problems in their engine wiring harnesses that can cause them to fail anytime, thus forcing owners to pay high prices to do repairs themselves.
#4: Suzuki Forenza (and other Suzuki models)
Suzuki engines are one of the most expensive parts of these vehicles to replace since they range from 2,500 to 4,000 dollars each time this is done when it's not even necessary.
It's also worth noting that many car dealerships working with Suzuki don't offer great deals on replacement parts because they usually buy them at regular retail stores instead of asking manufacturers for discounts.
#5: Jeep Wrangler
Jeep vehicles are also known for having issues with their engines, especially if they aren't properly maintained.
This model is quite expensive for replacement parts, so most owners buy used parts instead of spending thousands of dollars on new ones that might not even last long.
#6: GMC Safari (and other GMC models)
if you don't want engine problems, avoid buying GMC vehicles because they are one of the most likely cars to need extensive repairs are done rather than quick fixes.
For example, owners with GMCs reported spending at least $2,000 per repair when it came to engine replacement costs which adds up after a while.
On top of their high prices, replacement parts for these models also range from $1,000 to $3,000, which can get expensive after a while.
#7: Mercedes-Benz 300 (and other Mercedes models)
while we understand that Mercedes vehicles are expensive and should be because of the brand's level of expertise and quality, engine replacements for this type of car could easily cost owners around 10,000 dollars each time.
Even worse, owners who want to use used replacement parts have no choice but to spend at least $2,400 because new ones cannot be bought in retail stores.
#8: Lexus RX350 (and other Lexus models)
replacing an engine in a vehicle such as Lexus RX350 is another expensive task that might cost owners $7,000 or more each time.
We understand why this happens because of the parts involved, but it still doesn't make it right for manufacturers to charge their customers to replace something that breaks down due to normal wear and tear anyway.
#9: Toyota Highlander (and other Toyota models)
while not all repairs on Toyotas are expensive, engine replacements for this model can be very pricey if you don't know what you're doing when buying replacement parts.
For example, many retail stores sell them at prices similar to those found in OEM dealerships which makes no sense considering they aren't even new parts.
#10: Nissan Titan (and other Nissan models)
Nissan Titan owners reported that they paid around $7,000 for each engine replacement because of the brand's poor artistry.
On top of that, replacement parts for this model are very expensive and range from $1,000 to $4,000 each.
Conclusion
The average cost to replace a car engine is $3,000-$4,000. However, this number can easily climb up to $10,000 or more if extensive repairs need to be done. Therefore, it's important to stay on top of your car's maintenance to avoid these costly repairs.