where can i buy new car engines

Question

SanEllie · Accepted Answer

You can buy a new car engine directly from a car dealership's parts department, through online auto parts retailers, or from specialized engine remanufacturers and wholesalers. For most people, the most straightforward and reliable source is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) via a dealership, ensuring a perfect fit for your specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). However, this is often the most expensive option. Online marketplaces and specialized engine sellers typically offer more competitive pricing, including both new OEM engines and new remanufactured engines—which are rebuilt to meet original specifications and often come with excellent warranties.

The best choice depends heavily on your vehicle's make, model, year, your budget, and whether you prioritize a guaranteed OEM fit or a more cost-effective solution. For older or rare models, finding a new engine might require sourcing from a salvage yard that specializes in low-mileage "new" used engines.

Source	Typical Cost Range	Pros	Cons	Best For
Dealership (OEM)	$4,000 - $10,000+	Perfect VIN match, full factory warranty	Highest cost, limited availability for old models	Newer vehicles under warranty, owners wanting guaranteed compatibility
Online Retailers (e.g., CarID, JEGS)	$3,000 - $7,000	Competitive pricing, wide selection, customer reviews	Shipping costs for heavy item, must verify compatibility	Cost-conscious buyers comfortable with online research
Engine Remanufacturers (e.g., Jasper, ATK)	$2,500 - $6,000	Professionally rebuilt to like-new, strong warranty	Not a brand-new OEM part, core charge required	Reliable, warranty-backed replacement for common engines
Specialty Engine Wholesalers	$3,500 - $8,000	Access to rare or performance engines	May require professional installation setup	Performance builds, classic cars, hard-to-find engines
Salvage Yards (Low-mileage used)	$1,500 - $4,000	Lowest cost, can find engines for discontinued models	No factory warranty, variable condition and history	Budget repairs on older cars where cost is primary factor

Before purchasing, always have your VIN ready to ensure compatibility. Also, factor in the significant cost of professional installation, which can easily add $1,500 to $2,500 to the total project.

JesseRose · Answer

Check the dealership first for a perfect match, but be ready for a high price. I found a great deal on a remanufactured engine online for my old F-150. Sites like eBay Motors or Car-Part.com let you search inventory nationwide. Just make sure you have your VIN handy to avoid buying the wrong thing. The core charge is a pain—you have to send your old engine back—but the warranty was worth it for me.

VanCody · Answer

As a technician, I steer my customers toward reputable remanufacturers like Jasper or ATK. You get an engine that's been completely disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt with new wear-and-tear parts like bearings and seals. They often come with a better warranty than a used engine from a junkyard and cost significantly less than a dealer OEM unit. The key is buying from a known brand that stands behind its work.

JeffreyFitz · Answer

Don't forget about the installation cost. That new engine isn't any good if you can't get it in your car. Call a few independent mechanics for quotes on the total job—parts and labor—before you buy anything. Some shops prefer to source the engine themselves because they have trusted suppliers and it simplifies the warranty process. This can save you a major headache down the road.

Vicki · Answer

If your car is a bit unusual or a classic, your best bet might be a specialty forum or a supplier that focuses on your specific brand. I needed an engine for a vintage Volvo and found a dedicated wholesaler through an owners' club website. These niche suppliers really know their stuff and can often provide parts and advice that the big box retailers can't. It’s worth the extra search for the right expertise.