where can i buy a used car engine

[DiCourtney]

You can buy a used car engine from several types of sellers, including online marketplaces, local salvage yards, specialized engine retailers, and through private sellers. The best choice depends on your priorities: online retailers often offer warranties and shipping convenience, while local salvage yards allow for in-person inspection and potential cost savings on core exchanges.

When purchasing, the engine's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is critical. Matching the VIN from the donor car to your vehicle ensures compatibility with your transmission and engine control systems. Always ask for the engine's compression test results and mileage to gauge its health. A reputable seller should provide this data.

Here’s a comparison of common sources to help you decide:

Source	Average Price Range	Warranty Options	Key Considerations
Online Retailers (e.g., Car-Part.com, LKQ)	$500 - $3,000+	Often 6 months to 1 year	Convenient shipping; extensive inventory; verified quality.
Local Salvage Yards	$300 - $2,000	Often 30-90 days, if any	Potential for negotiation; inspect in-person; save on core charge.
Specialty Engine Importers (JDM)	$1,500 - $4,000	Varies widely	Source for high-performance Japanese engines; verify legality for your state.
eBay / Facebook Marketplace	$200 - $2,500	Typically "as-is"	Highest risk; requires thorough vetting of seller; buyer beware.
Dealerships	$2,500 - $5,000+	OEM warranty possible	Most expensive; guaranteed compatibility for specific models.

For most people, a national online parts locator or a large chain like LKQ offers the best balance of selection, price, and buyer protection. Before buying, factor in the cost of installation, which can range from $500 to $1,500 at an independent shop.

[LeEverly]

I always start my search on Car-Part.com. It's a massive database that searches inventories of thousands of salvage yards across the country all at once. You enter your car's info, and it spits out a list of engines with prices, mileage, and the yard's distance from you. It saves you from calling a dozen different places. I found a low-mileage engine for my old Camry there for half of what a dealer wanted.

[MariaFitz]

Don't overlook your local mechanic. They often have relationships with reliable engine suppliers and salvage yards that you, as a retail customer, can't access. They can source the engine for you, and because they're the installer, any warranty issues are handled directly through them. It streamlines the process and can prevent the headache of you being stuck between a bad engine and an unresponsive online seller. It might cost a bit more, but the peace of mind is worth it.