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Viewing Buy a Used Engine, Not a New Car!Buy a Used Engine, Not a New Car!
By Ronnie Tanner
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Every day, people are purchasing either a new or used car to replace an older one that may have had previous problems with the engine. Buying a used engine is a great alternative to getting into a new car. This article provides some guidelines. Every day, people are purchasing either a new or used car to replace an older one that may have had previous problems with the engine. Buying a used engine is a great alternative to getting into a new car, but it can be risky business if you do not know what to look for. One of the things that makes it so risky is the fact that there is no legal requirement to maintain the engine to any standard, or to keep any kind of accurate log. The first thing to look for is some kind of service record on the engine or a Car-Fax statement showing the mileage as listed by the DMV. If it is not there, the engine might not be what you think you are getting. I see at least one engine every month that was bought used and was misrepresented as being much fresher than what it actually was. In nearly every such case, the buyer was told that the engine had just been 'rebuilt', or that it had only been 'broken in.' In actuality, the engine had over 100K miles, had been sitting in the rain for 2 years, and was rusted up solid. 'Rebuilt' is a relative term, and should not be relied on as an indication of quality unless there is a detailed service record describing exactly what was done with the engine and when it was done. The service records that are sent back with my rebuilds are usually about two to three pages single-spaced, and every little detail of the engine service is in there. Without that kind of records, 'rebuilt' could mean new seals and gaskets, or it could mean new crank, pistons, bearings, seals, and gaskets. That is a big difference. In other words, be sure to find out if paperwork comes with a rebuilt engine, find out who did the rebuild, and see if it is a reputable company. Something else to consider when buying a used or rebuilt engine: The age in years of the engine: If the engine is 10 years old, make sure you do not get a quote as if it had 20,000 miles on it, as this is highly unlikely. Consider the number of years old x 12K miles per year. Also, find out how long it has been sitting, compression tests if possible, and a Car-Fax certification on the VIN. If the engine has not been run for a while, be sure to ask them to start it before sending it. Even with such an engine, if it is not run a few miles per year, there is too much down time and pistons can lock up, etc. Additionally, do a check up of the company from which you are buying. I am not suggesting going on a witch-hunt to see if they have ever had a complaint, but check the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a satisfactory record. This just means that though they get complaints (what business doesn't) they handle them according to BBB standards, which are fairly stringent. You just cannot sell junk engines and get away with it for long. Overall, buying a used engine is definitely the way to go before you replace your car, unless the cost of the engine is more than the value of the car if sold. That is when I suggest that you purchase something new. About the Author: Ronnie Tanner has been in the used engine industry now for over five years, specializing in the sale of Chevy engines, Ford engines and used Honda engines. Learn more at http://www.swengines.com. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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