How does the installation of a used engine effect resale value?
I was about to sell my car (2001 Audi A4 1.8T) when I started having engine trouble and my mechanic told me I had to replace the engine. Sigh.
Obviously, I want to save money and go with a used engine, but I realize it won’t be as dependable as a new or rebuilt engine.
Questions:
1. Can a buyer (or his mechanic) detect a replaced engine?
2. Are there any guidelines on how such an engine replacement would effect resale value? In other words, if the car is worth $10,000 with the original engine, how much less with the a newly installed used engine?
Thank-you!
well, you can be considered the avg. buyer
Would you buy something that said “used engine”?
If it was properly installed, and had a legitamite milage, then I don’t think I’d care, but it would lower the price by a bit.
If there was a diff. car though, same price, i’d go for the other one.
Well there’s a few factors obviously:
To start with does the newly installed used engine have a warranty? How many miles are on it? was it in Mint-Used shape when it was installed?
If you know enough about cars and have the down time then yes you can tell if the engine is NOT in the car it was put into when built… each engine has a unique identification number. that number can be tracked back to the original car.
Be honest with those interested in buying the car.. tell them you just replaced the old engine with a new used engine that has only on it before added and now was on it now. Because engine’s tend to go before cars do.. its best to be honest with the buyer that way you don’t have to deal with any legal ramifications. You also might want to put a ” sold as is” clause into your bill of sale and note that it is being sold with a replaced used engine in it.
#1. Yes, if they know what to look for…numbers will be the first place to look.
#2 If you have a history on the new used engine, i.e. miles and maintenance that will help. If the engine you put in is comparable with the miles on thew car it should not have an affect on the value of the car. If you are honest with the buyer they will appreciate the fact that at least you placed a motor that was in better condition into the car before trying to sell it. Have a reputable technician do the work and you will be ok and get an engine the is below or near the mileage of the one you are replacing. If this was a collector type car, then you would be effecting the value as the numbers would not match and the car would no longer be original.