Does replacing the engine at a 4S store cause vehicle depreciation?
2 Answers
Replacing the engine is considered a major overhaul for a vehicle, so cars that have had their engines replaced at a 4S store will experience some degree of depreciation. Detailed explanation: 1. Engine: An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines (reciprocating piston engines), external combustion engines (Stirling engines, steam engines, etc.), jet engines, electric motors, etc. 2. Major vehicle overhaul: A major vehicle overhaul refers to the comprehensive or near-comprehensive restoration of a vehicle's technical performance through repair or replacement of parts after a certain mileage or time of use, following diagnostic testing and technical evaluation. This applies to both new cars and those that have undergone previous major repairs.
I remember a few years ago when I had the engine replaced on my old car at the 4S dealership, depreciation was inevitable. A replaced engine makes potential buyers worry that the car has been in an accident or has underlying issues, reducing its value by about 10-15%, depending on the car's age and original condition. When I sold my car, the buyer carefully checked the 4S shop's maintenance records—fortunately, the paperwork was complete, which gave them some peace of mind. If the engine had been replaced at a small private shop, the depreciation would have been even greater. Older cars depreciate less because they aren’t worth much to begin with, but for newer cars, it’s a bigger hit. I recommend keeping all maintenance invoices—if you ever sell the car, they can prove it was routine upkeep rather than accident-related. Also, while the improved performance is a benefit, financially, it might not be as cost-effective as simply replacing the car. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons.
