Yes, you can absolutely trade in a car with a blown engine, but you should expect a significantly reduced valuation. Dealerships view such vehicles as "mechanically totaled" or "project cars" because the cost to repair often exceeds the car's market value in good running condition. The offer you receive will be based on the car's wholesale auction value for parts and scrap metal, minus the dealership's estimated cost for reconditioning or disposal.
The final offer depends on several factors. The most critical is the overall condition of the rest of the vehicle. A car with a pristine interior, a rust-free body, and low mileage will be worth more for parts than a beaten-down model. The make and model also matter; popular vehicles like a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic have higher demand for used parts, increasing their salvage value. The dealership will also factor in the cost of towing the vehicle to their lot.
Your best strategy is to get quotes from multiple sources. Start with the dealership where you plan to buy your next car; they might offer a slightly higher trade-in value as an incentive to secure the new sale. Then, compare that offer to quotes from specialized junkyards, online car-buying services (like Carvana or Copart), and local scrap yards. Be completely transparent about the engine's condition upfront to avoid complications later. While trading it in is convenient, selling it for parts privately could yield more money, though it requires more time and effort on your part.
| Factor Influencing Value | High-Value Scenario | Low-Value Scenario |
|---|
| Vehicle Make/Model | Popular model (e.g., Honda Civic, Ford F-150) with high parts demand | Rare or discontinued model with low parts availability |
| Overall Condition | Low mileage, no rust, excellent interior and exterior | High mileage, significant body damage, rust, worn interior |
| Market Demand for Parts | High demand for engine, transmission, and electronic components | Low demand for salvageable parts |
| Scrap Metal Prices | Current market price for steel and aluminum is high | Scrap metal prices are low |
| Dealer's Cost to Dispose | Easy and cheap to transport and process | Requires special handling or has hazardous material fees |
