What to Do with a Car with a Blown Engine?
Receiving those dreaded words from a mechanic that your engine is blown is one of the most deflating things a car owner can hear. It means that a catastrophic event has occurred within - it could be a thrown rod, a cracked block, a seized piston. It means that your engine has flat-lined, and you’re now looking at a 3,000-pound paperweight. If you're searching for a solution, you may want to consider nearby auto repair in Peoria, AZ.
Of course, this is a very stressful situation, but this is not the end of the story. You do have choices, although none of them will be free or painless. This happens to our customers sometimes, and we'd like to take you through this tough decision of whether to repair, sell, or junk your vehicle so you can make the financial move that will work best for you!
Evaluating the Damage and Value
Before you go off and make any rash decisions, you should consider the big picture. While a car engine blow up is a pretty big fix, it is a matter of whether or not the rest of the car is worth fixing. For instance, you may be driving a car that is three years old and is an SUV, and it's in mint condition, or you may be driving a car that is fifteen years old and is a sedan with rust spots around the tire wells.
We always suggest a complete check of the other systems on the car. If the transmission, suspension, and brakes are good, the car could be good to recover. If the car has other problems, then investing a lot of money in the engine may be a waste. You must compare the cost of the repair to the car with a blown engine to the “Blue Book” value in operating condition.
Repair or Replace the Engine?
When we discuss rebuilding a blown engine, what we are not typically talking about is rebuilding the same engine. This is usually not possible. What we are talking about is replacement. In this situation, you have three options. These include a crate engine, a used engine, and a remanufactured engine.
A brand-new engine provides the greatest reliability, but the price is the highest, which can be above the value of older models. The used engine provides the cheapest alternative, but the risk involved is high since the past life of the engine is not known. The remanufactured engine provides a middle alternative, which includes new parts and a guarantee but lacks the new car price tag. At Arrowhead Imports, we can assist in estimating the cost to determine if it fits into your budget.
Selling the Car As-Is
Other times, the math simply does not add up. Perhaps the price to fix the car is more than the car is worth, or maybe you had plans to upgrade your car soon anyway. It may be the best option to sell the car with a blown engine.
You could attempt to sell it to a private individual seeking a project car, such as mechanics or hobbyists who have the skills to repair it themselves. Or you could take it to a junkyard or a “cash for cars” business that will purchase it even if it has a blown engine. While you won’t get much money for it, you won’t have to store it either.
Other Alternatives
If you do not find selling attractive, there are other options. If you have some mechanical skills, you can strip the car yourself. Selling the various parts of the car, such as the transmission, seats, and electronics, may at times fetch you a higher price than selling the car, though it takes some time and space.
A second option would be to donate your vehicle. There are many organizations that accept donated cars that are not roadworthy. You won't get money, but a tax deduction can be significant, and it will free up space in your driveway.
The Right Call
Knowing what to do with an engine that blew is just simple math and how much you like the vehicle. You like the vehicle and want to keep it for the next five years? It is a good investment to replace the engine. You are ready for a new vehicle? It is time to cut your losses. In this case, you might consider whether to trade in a car with a blown engine for a more reliable option.
Whatever you decide to do, just don’t let it sit. If you’d like a true assessment of your engine or a quote for a replacement, we’d be happy to take a look at Arrowhead Imports!
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