Like most of the automobile owner, you probably don’t give the cost of replacing your engine too much thought. But knowing what to expect can help you budget for this major expense.
So how much does it cost to replace an engine? The answer may surprise you!
I’m going to share with you the average cost of replacing an engine, as well as some things you can do to help keep the cost down. I hope you find this information helpful!
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Engine?
Replacing an engine is a major repair that can be quite costly. The cost will vary on the vehicle model, as well as the type of engine that needs to be installed. In most cases, it is more expensive to replace an engine than it is to simply rebuild it.
On average, a new engine will cost $4,000 for a 4-cylinder, a V6 will cost about $5,500, and a V8 will cost around $7,000.
A used engine can be a more budget-friendly option, and they can typically be found for anywhere from $400 to $700. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the miles on the used engine, as well as shipping costs, can affect the price.
While you may be able to save some money upfront with a used engine, there’s no guarantee that the engine will be in good working order. If the engine is damaged or not properly maintained, it could end up costing you more money in the long run.
Additionally, used car engines may not come with a warranty, so you could be on the hook for any repairs that are needed.
Nevertheless, a rebuilt engine is an excellent option if you’re looking to save money. On average, a rebuilt engine costs around $2500, which is significantly less than the price of a new engine.
Furthermore, a rebuilt engine will usually come with a warranty, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
How Much Does the Engine Replacement Labor Cost?
When it comes to engine replacement, labor costs can vary quite a bit. For a typical engine, it will take 10-12 hours for a mechanic to complete the job.
However, for a skilled mechanic working on an easy engine, the job can be done in as little as 8 hours. For bigger jobs, such as replacing an engine in a larger vehicle, the labor time can increase to 15 hours or more.
The shop rate also has a big impact on labor costs. Rates can range from $90 to $150 per hour, with a low-end rate of $110 and a high of $150. As such, the labor cost for engine replacement can range from $1,100 to $1,800.
What are the Other Engine Replacement Costs?
Other engine replacement costs can include the price of other fluids, such as oil and coolant. In addition, other engine parts such as the water pump, hoses, fuel pump, belts, exhaust manifolds, pulleys, intake, and tensioners, may need to be replaced.
In some cases, the labor cost may greatly exceed the price of the parts. However, in most cases, the additional cost of an engine replacement should not exceed $100.
Is There Any Warranty Coverage?
If your vehicle is still under warranty, then you may be able to get the engine replacement cost covered by the warranty. However, it is important to check with your manufacturer or dealership to see what exactly is covered under your warranty.
In some cases, only certain parts of the engine may be covered, or there may be a deductible that you would need to pay. If your engine needs to be replaced and it is not covered by your warranty, then you can expect to pay a substantial amount of money for the replacement.
Is it worth rebuilding or replacing an engine?
There are a few things to consider when you are deciding whether to rebuild or replace your car’s engine.
The first is how long you plan to keep the car. If you are planning on keeping it for a long time, then rebuilding the engine may be the best option. This is because it will be less expensive in the long run and you will be able to get more life out of the engine.
However, if you are not planning on keeping the car for very long, then replacing the engine may be the better option.
The second thing to consider is how much your car is worth. If your car is not worth very much, then replacing the engine may not be worth the cost. However, if your car is worth a lot, then rebuilding the engine may be the best way to go.
FAQs
1. How long is an engine supposed to last?
The average engine should last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Factors such as driving habits and maintenance can also impact how long an engine will last.
For example, if a car is frequently driven in stop-and-go traffic or subjected to extreme temperatures, the engine may not last as long as one that is driven less frequently or in more moderate conditions.
2. Does car insurance cover engines?
Car insurance typically does not cover engine repairs. This is because engine repairs can be very expensive, and they are often caused by wear and tear that is not covered by insurance. However, some extended warranty plans do cover engine repairs, so it is important to check with your car insurance provider to see if they offer this coverage.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to replace an engine? It depends. If you’re lucky enough to have a friend who’s a mechanic, it might only set you back a few beers and some pizza.
But if you don’t have that kind of luck, or you just don’t want to bother your friends, then expect to pay anywhere from $500-$7,000 as the overall replacement cost.
Keep in mind though that this is just a ballpark estimate – the final price could be higher or lower depending on the specific make and model of your car.