It began with a knocking noise coming from under the hood. You brought your car to the mechanic, who told you it was time to replace the engine. It’s time to weigh your options.
Replacing an engine is expensive, and sometimes costs more than your vehicle is worth. But what if you were to have it rebuilt? What is an engine rebuild and how much does it cost? In this guide, we’ll take a look at replacing versus rebuilding your option to help you make your repair decision.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace an Engine?
As noted, it can sometimes cost more than your car or truck is worth to replace your engine. Imagine you bought a used car for $4,000 three years ago. Your mechanic has told you that it’s going to cost around $5,000 to replace it. Obviously, that’s probably pretty simple math for you to figure out it’s not worth it.
Depending upon the make and model of your car, it can cost, at a minimum, $4,000 for a 4-cylinder engine replacement. Have a truck with a V8? That’s going to cost significantly more, usually a minimum of $7,000.
Before you check your car into the mechanic, shop around. Just as you would with a doctor, get a second opinion. There’s a good chance that your vehicle’s engine can be rebuilt; this is particularly true for less complicated engines.
What is a Car Engine Rebuild?
Before you decide whether you’re going to replace or rebuild your engine, it’s important to understand the work that will be done. When your mechanic tells you it’s time for a new engine, it’s worth it to ask him if an engine rebuild is possible.
Rebuilding your engine entails taking the whole thing apart. From the fuel injectors to the gaskets and seals, the entire engine will be disassembled, inspected, and cleaned. Every part that needs replacement will be replaced with original factory parts or parts that are comparable.
There’s no getting around it, an engine rebuild is time-consuming. Be sure you factor the cost of the labor when deciding whether you’ll replace or rebuild your engine. The engine replacement labor cost isn’t anywhere near as expensive as the engine itself, but it’s certainly not cheap, and the cost can also vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle.
In some cases, your mechanic will determine that it’s impossible for your engine to be rebuilt. Maybe there’s a crack or other damage to the block. The price you pay for the engine replacement will be in addition to the labor you’ve already paid for.
How Much Does a Car Engine Rebuild Cost?
The price you’ll be quoted for an engine rebuild will vary depending upon the complexity of your vehicle’s engine and, obviously, what’s wrong with the car.
That said, however, you can expect a rebuild to cost approximately half of what you’ll pay for a replacement. For a typical car engine, you can bank on around $2,500 to $4,000, including parts and labor.
Be sure you get an estimate on both a rebuild and a replacement. It should go without saying that if it’s going to cost around as much to fully replace your engine, by all means, you should go with the new parts!
Signs You May Need an Engine Rebuild or Engine Replacement For Your Car
If you haven’t yet brought your car to the mechanic, you may be wondering if the vehicle problems you’re experiencing may indicate that you need an engine rebuild. Common signs that you’re having serious engine trouble include:
- A knocking sound, which can indicate improperly lubricated bearings. This can lead to engine seizure, so get this checked immediately!
- If you’re changing your vehicle’s oil and notice metal flakes, you may need an engine rebuild. Metal flakes indicate excessive friction in your engine; this should be checked out as it could be a problem anywhere from the oil flow to warped engine components. All can be serious and lead to engine failure.
- If your vehicle is producing too much smoke from the exhaust, this could be a sign of engine trouble. You could be burning oil, burning fuel, or experiencing trouble with your cooling system. Again, have this checked right away!
Generally speaking, the sooner you can find and diagnose engine trouble, the less expensive the repairs will be. While this isn’t always the case, it’s certainly a good idea to have your car evaluated before the situation gets worse.
Conclusion: Car Engine Rebuild Cost and Complications
When your engine is failing, the repair costs can be pricey. You can sometimes cut these costs by opting for an engine rebuild instead of an engine replacement. Have your mechanic assess your vehicle and, if necessary, get a second opinion. Opting for a rebuild instead of a replacement can save you thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs.
