where can i find used car engines

[VonArabella]

You can find used car engines from several primary sources: specialized online marketplaces, local salvage yards, dealership service centers, and dedicated engine remanufacturers. The best choice depends on your budget, need for a warranty, and technical comfort level.

Online marketplaces like eBay Motors, Car-Part.com, and LKQ Online offer the widest selection. You can search by your car's VIN, make, model, and engine code to ensure a perfect fit. These platforms often include user ratings, detailed part histories, and shipping options. A reman engine (remanufactured) is a used engine completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt to meet original specifications, often coming with the best warranty.

Local salvage yards (also called junkyards or auto recyclers) allow you to see the engine and sometimes hear it run before purchase. This can be a cost-effective option, but warranties may be shorter. It's crucial to ask about the vehicle's history—why was it junked? A front-end collision is better than flood damage.

Dealerships sometimes sell used or remanufactured engines, which are typically the most expensive option but offer OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) quality and strong dealer support.

Here’s a quick comparison of what to expect from different sources:

Source Type	Average Price Range	Typical Warranty	Key Consideration
Online Marketplace (e.g., eBay)	$500 - $3,000	30 days to 1 year	Verify seller rating; confirm return policy.
National Recycler (e.g., LKQ)	$800 - $4,000	90 days to 3 years	Often offers standardized quality and warranty.
Local Salvage Yard	$400 - $2,500	30 to 90 days	Can inspect in person; good for negotiation.
Remanufacturer	$1,500 - $5,000+	1 to 3+ years	Highest reliability; includes new components like gaskets.
Dealership (Reman)	$2,500 - $6,000+	1 to 3 years	OEM parts; most expensive but premium option.

Before buying, always get the engine's specific information: mileage, service history, and the VIN of the donor car. A compression test report is a significant plus. For a balance of cost and peace of mind, a reputable online recycler or a local yard with a good reputation is often the sweet spot.

[SanEmilia]

Check online first. Sites like Car-Part.com search inventories of thousands of junkyards across the country. You put in your car's info, and it spits out a list with prices, mileage, and yard locations. It's the fastest way to see what's out there. I found a low-mileage engine for my old Civic this way, shipped right to my mechanic's shop. Just make sure you're comparing warranties—some are only 30 days, while others offer a year.

[KeiraAnn]

Don't overlook your local auto salvage yards. It’s a bit more hands-on, but you can sometimes talk to the owner and get the real story on why a car is there. If the engine is still in the car, you might be able to see it turn over. The prices are usually better than online, and you avoid shipping costs. Bring your phone to look up the engine code so you know you're getting the right one. It feels like a treasure hunt, but for car parts.