Is a Car Still Valuable After an Engine Replacement?
3 Answers
Whether replacing the engine will depreciate the car's value depends on its condition post-replacement. If the engine operates well, the car naturally won't depreciate. However, if the engine was replaced due to a traffic accident, the car's market value will certainly drop significantly, as accident vehicles generally have lower safety ratings. Below are considerations for engine replacement: 1. Pay attention to the engine's documentation: This includes whether it has the corresponding certification, if the packaging is intact, and if the wooden crate is clearly labeled. 2. Complete the modification procedures: In principle, replacing the engine requires submitting modification paperwork to the vehicle management office. The engine number should be a new one; using the original number, if discovered during inspection, will result in the car failing the inspection.
My friend's ten-year-old Corolla had its engine completely replaced last year, but when selling the car, the buyer aggressively lowballed the price upon hearing about the engine swap. A mechanic told me that the engine is like the heart of a car, and a replacement record in the used car market is practically a discount sticker. The reason for replacement is crucial—if it was due to an accident, the depreciation is even worse, whereas upgrading to a high-performance engine might actually add value. Keeping complete maintenance records can help recover some losses, but overall, the value will still be significantly lower than that of an original, untouched car. It's advisable to carefully consider the future resale depreciation before deciding to replace an engine.
Used car dealers evaluate vehicles with replaced engines like examining patients after major surgery. First, they check if the replacement reason affects the chassis structure, then verify whether the engine source is legitimate. I once handled a Civic with an imported replacement engine that sold for 5,000 yuan above market price due to complete documentation. However, most buyers have reservations, often worrying about potential hidden risks from the disassembly and installation process. The professional approach is to obtain a third-party inspection report certifying the engine's good working condition, which can restore about 20% of the vehicle's value.
