How to Choose Between Used Engines, Rebuilt Engines, & Remanufactured Engines

Is your vehicle requiring an engine replacement? Check out our guide to the pros and cons of used, rebuilt, & remanufactured engines today!

Transcript:

You get that dreaded call from the auto technician that your vehicle has been diagnosed with needing, ah an engine. It almost feels like you’re punched in the gut, especially if you still owe money on this vehicle.

Now, what are your options?

Hi, I’m Nancy at Kneble’s Auto Service Center.

You love the vehicle. So, do you move forward in having an engine installed? It is important to understand your choices. So, you make an educated decision. Let me help navigate you through these options.

Most of you may have the choice of a used, rebuilt, or remanufactured engine. Now there are differences, but before I start, don’t miss any of my newest videos, by subscribing, liking, and following our newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Used engines, they’re just that, they’re purchased from the junkyard. The history of the vehicle, where they came from, usually isn’t known and they may have high mileage on that vehicle or have had poor maintenance.
Quite often, those vehicles have been in an accident and there may be damaged, not readily known. So, when choosing a used part, know the warranty, if that used part fails and it needs to be replaced again.

Used engines definitely are the cheaper route with a shorter warranty, usually 30 days. But the biggest negative is if they fail, you may be paying labor to have it installed all over again. Junkyards usually warranty the part, but they do not pay for the labor for the re-install.

Rebuilt engines, refer to servicing or rebuilding the faulty component and replacing worn parts, such as pistons, seals, bearings, and rods, just to name a few. The engine is cleaned and inspected to make sure other parts are usable and acceptable to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

When having rebuilt parts installed, make sure you understand the warranty. If that rebuilt part fails and you must get it replaced again. Usually rebuilt engines and remanufactured engines have the same warranty covering the part and labor.

Remanufactured engines, maybe another option. Now during the remanufacturing process, all the parts are as close as possible to being new to the recommendation of the manufacturer to meet the highest specifications. Usually, vigorous testing is done, so the parts meet the manufactured standards.

Warranties for the remanufactured part maybe, have the same, or better warranty than the rebuilt, or that used part, such as three years, or a hundred thousand miles parts and labor. Now, if it’s financially feasible and if the engine is available, remanufactured may be the first choice. Now it’s an expensive repair. So make sure you understand exactly what you’re purchasing and ask yourself, is your vehicle worth making this investment?

Thank you for watching. Remember we do weekly videos every Wednesday at 12:30. Come see us for your next car care need at 5473 Somers Point Road in Mays Landing, or call us, 609-625-3286. Thank you.