In today’s automotive market, replacing your vehicle may not be feasible, but an engine may be. When your engine dies in your daily driver, it may not be the end of the road for your ride. If you’re driving a car worth fixing, it’s essential to know what to watch out for when buying used engines.
Why Pay Full Price for a Replacement Motor?
The world’s current economic state dictates that we put some thought into what we are buying before we spend thousands of dollars we may not be able to afford. A new, in the crate motor from the dealer or an aftermarket, will set you back a pretty penny. However, buying a quality used engine from a reputable junkyard may solve your bad motor problem and save you quite a bit of money.
Used engines can be found being sold by random strangers on Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Craigslist. These purchases may save money, but you’ll have no guarantee that the motor even runs. Without a warranty, there’s no refund or replacement. If for whatever reason, the motor doesn’t fulfill your requirements, there is no way to recoup what you’ve spent.
Only Buy From a Reputable Company
Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, do a quick online check. Look for any information you can find about the junkyard you are planning on doing business with. Use common sense. You don’t want to get scammed by someone selling parts out of his backyard shed, pretending to be an online junkyard. Check for reviews, awards, associations, social media presence, and certifications.
How Old is the Engine? What’s the Mileage?
You may be wondering why the age or mileage should be a concern. How much wear and tear on the vehicle speaks to the life expectancy of the engine (and other parts). Most drivers average about 15,000 miles per year. Whip out your calculator app and divide the total number of miles by its age. That will help you determine whether or not that particular motor is a high-risk buy.
Has the Engine Been Tested?
Many wrecked autos still have a good donor motor, even if the car itself took a beating. However, if the damage happened to the front of the car, SUV or truck, knowing if the engine is still running properly is important. A tested engine is an optimal purchase versus buying one and having to install it before you know if it’s any good or not.
How Do I Know It’s the Right Motor for My Vehicle?
You can rely on the junkyard to tell you what you need to know, or you can do some online research. A compatible engine does not need to be an exact match. However, you need to know which years and models offer a compatible replacement.
Is There a Warranty??
Often, customers assume that there is no warranty because the parts are used. That’s not always the case when dealing with a business with a rock-solid reputation. Typically, a warranty is offered anywhere from 30 days to 6 months. You may not get your money back, but you will get a working replacement. Make sure you know the policy and have a copy of it. Save your receipt or online invoice, so you don’t get stuck with a non-working motor.
Only Buy Used Motors From a Reputable Junkyard< /h2>
At Gardner Auto Parts, we understand that replacing an engine is a costly hassle. We do our best to ensure every engine we sell works reliably, so you don’t waste your time installing a failed motor. If you end up with a defective part, our warranty covers your purchase for 90 days. That means you have three months to figure out if the part was faulty or not. We will honor that warranty and exchange the part for another.
Our used replacement motors are available online or over the phone. For your convenience, we also ship most parts domestic and international. There may be additional expenses associated with shipping an engine due to its weight and shipping as freight. Before making an engine purchase online, call our shop to make sure we can get the motor to your location. Our friendly staff is available by phone Monday through Friday at 954-972-9407. We always welcome walk-ins at our store located 2090 NW 21st Street in Pompano Beach, Florida, just south of Copans Road on the east side of the road.