How much does it cost to replace an Engine?

Engine repair can be a simple matter such as an oil and filter change requiring $150 to $300. Unfortunately, engine repairs can run into the thousands. There are some problems that can’t be solved with a repair, and that’s when it’s time to consider a new engine.

You have the option of looking for a new engine or visiting a car junkyard for a second-hand engine. However, if you agree to a salvage engine, you can get one for $1,000 or more. A reconditioned one will cost you as much as $4,000.

As you can imagine, the major factors affecting engine replacement cost are age and brand. Beyond that, the cost will be tied to the extent of the damage. If a problem is caught right away, it will be a small engine repair that can be done with a minimum of labour costs.

Timely Repairs

If the car is regularly maintained and the problem has been short term, chances are that the repair will be less expensive. However, a long-time oil leak, broken radiator fan or electrical problem can result in damage to other vital parts, multiplying costs.

Vehicle Age

The age of a vehicle affects its repairs in several ways. If it is newer, but the warranty doesn’t apply, the repair probably will have to be carried out by a brand-certified mechanic with original manufacturer parts. This means higher costs for both the parts and labour.

If the vehicle is not too old, you have more options to visit mechanics that will charge lower rates. You can use less expensive generic-brand parts and still get good results. On the other hand, really old vehicles may be beyond repair due to a scarcity of parts.

Brand Considerations

Some brands are known for more expensive repairs. Sometimes that is due to a luxury brand that drives up the cost of parts and labour. Other times it is due to the fact that certain vehicles are tricky to fix and must go to a dealer workshop for repair. This means that higher labour costs will also apply.

There are a number of signs to watch for that may indicate the need for engine repair. If you have it serviced regularly, ask your mechanic to tell you what they observe about the condition of your engine.

• Oil Leaks – Check your oil regularly. Watch for oily substances in your parking space or garage.
• Engine Light – When you light comes on, this indicates a problem that could be diagnosed by a computer. It is essential not to turn off the code, but to find a reputable workshop that can read and interpret the code correctly.
• Cylinder – If this fails, it usually takes the rest of the engine with it, and a replacement will be necessary.
• Radiator – If your fan stops cooling your engine, particularly in our hot climate, it is very likely that your engine will smoke and burn. If caught quickly, it won’t require a replacement, but if allowed to fester, chances are good that the whole engine will need to be replaced.
• Leaking Head Gasket – If caught in time, the head gasket may be repaired. Otherwise, the engine will be damaged beyond repair.

Mechanic working on the engine of a luxury car. | Source: Makanzi Mobile Mechanics

• Head Gasket – Assuming the problem is recognised early, you may get away with an engine manifold repair cost of $900 to $2,500.
• Radiator – A relatively inexpensive repair, you can expect the fan to be replaced for as around $300 including parts.
• Camshaft – Your fuel injectors can clog and your camshaft can break. This job requires a lot of labour and can run you from $1,500 to $3,000. Every regular oil change helps you avoid this problem.
• Engine Light – Until diagnosed, there’s no way to know what this will cost. Usually, a workshop will absorb the diagnostic fee if your vehicle is repaired by them.
• Engine Mount Replacement Cost – The mounts hold the engine snugly inside the engine cavity. If broken, the engine starts bouncing within its frame. Repairs cost from $500 to $2,000 depending on the size of the vehicle.
• Engine Filter Cost – Replacing an engine filter can be inexpensive if it is outside of the fuel tank. If it is inside the tank, the cost of labour jumps considerably. You can expect to pay between $150 to $300 for an oil and filter change.
• Starter Motor Cost – The estimated cost for starter motor replacement cost can range from $300 to $650.

The difficulty of finding parts and the cost of labour are the two factors involved with pricing. If you can go to competing workshops and get a bid, you may have luck getting the cost down. Thus the cost in a rural area may actually be higher than the same repair in a populated area.

One of the main issues Oneflare customers have noticed in regards to their engine is when the engine warning light has come on. In this situation, businesses have sent Oneflare customers the following quotes to diagnose why their engine light is visible and perform the necessary repairs: 

Tip 1#: You can determine the engine restoration cost by getting personalised quotes from local workshops.

Tip 2#: Regularly service your car to understand its condition and be aware of any problems with your engine sooner.

As you look for the right mechanic, be open to those who will use salvaged or reconditioned parts if your car is old. Be strict about original manufacturer parts of your car is newer and you can afford them. Make sure your mechanic is certified to work on your vehicle brand.

Remember that labour costs can highly influence the end price when repairing or replacing your engine. Ask your mechanic their rates and their estimated time of completing your engine repairs.

Tip 1#: Once you have personalised quotes, you can talk to the mechanic about your particular problem. Try to find ways to maximise your service dollar. 

Tip 2#: If you have opted for the option of salvaging parts, ask your mechanic what else could be reconditioned from the parts that have been salvaged. 

Tip 3#: It may be time to replace hoses and do other key maintenance that could be combined into the service price. Ask your mechanic whether they can create a packaged price to save you money in the long term.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources