Can you sell a broken engine?

Asked by: Walton O'Hara II  |  Last update: December 8, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (50 votes)

Yes. Fortunately, there is no law saying that you can't sell a car with a blown engine.

Is a broken engine worth anything?

Compared to cars with a blown engine, you can expect a higher return for a vehicle in good condition and with a working engine. Plus, the market value of a blown engine car is much lower compared to similar vehicles in good working condition.

Can I sell my damaged engine?

No, you can't sell a car with a cracked engine block - that would be like trying to sell a broken watch, and expecting it to keep perfect time! However, you could still get parts for it from a scrap yard or another source.

Where can I sell a car with a broken engine?

your best bet is to sell it on craigslist as a mechanics special.

What to do with a broken engine?

What To do when your car engine blows
  1. Bring it in to a trust mechanic to see the extent of the damage. If it is worth it to fix it, pay to repair your engine.
  2. If your vehicle is totaled from a blown engine, research how to get the most value from it. Consider donating it or selling it.
  3. We've done the research for you!

How To Recycle An Engine For Money - Simple Motor Inspection - How Much Is A Scrap Engine Worth?

30 related questions found

What can I do if my car dies and I still owe money on it?

If you still have a car loan, and your car's value is higher than your loan balance, you can use the insurance payout to pay off your loan and have some money left to buy a new car. If you owe more on your loan than your car's value, you will have to pay the difference yourself.

How much can I sell my engine for?

The Engine - The heart of your vehicle, your engine retains some value even if your car is old. Even when they require repair, you can sell your engine to rebuilders and, if it can pass inspection, it can be resold. A used engine can run between $1000 - $3000 on average, after labor for the removal is factored in.

Is it illegal to sell a car with a bad engine?

No. You CAN sell a car with engine problems. It needs to be clearly detailed to the buyer.

Will CarMax buy a car with a blown engine?

The short answer to this question is yes, they do. CarMax buys cars in all types of shape. They buy cars with transmission trouble, engine trouble, blown head gaskets, bad clutches and more. CarMax will buy almost any vehicle.

How to get rid of a car with a bad engine?

Options for Getting Rid of a Car That Doesn't Run
  1. Trade-In at a dealership. Both new and used car dealerships buy used vehicles. ...
  2. Sell it independently. ...
  3. Find online buyers or traders. ...
  4. Consult mechanics and repair shops. ...
  5. Consider junkyards and scrap yards. ...
  6. Donate your car to charity.

Will a dealership buy a car with a bad engine?

Some dealerships may refuse to accept a car with problems, but many will. When demand for used vehicles is high, you may get a surprisingly good trade-in offer. Even with existing issues, a desirable vehicle may also be a great bargaining piece.

Can I scrap my old engine?

Yes, engines can be recycled. Engines are made up of many different types of materials that can all be separated and reused in other products. Additionally, engines also contain a number of hazardous chemicals and metals that must be disposed of properly to avoid any environmental contamination.

How do I sell my car with a replaced engine?

1. Be Transparent: Be honest and disclose all information about the car's engine repair history to potential buyers. 2. Have Documentation: Having documentation of when the engine was replaced, what type of parts were used, and a professional evaluation will go a long way in reassuring buyers.

Will insurance pay for engine damage?

When does car insurance cover engine repair? If you have comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, you're generally covered for engine repairs if the engine is damaged in an accident or due to an event outside of your control, such as a tree limb falling on your vehicle.

Is it worth fixing a blown engine?

Blown Engines

Your engine is a network of connected parts and systems. When an engine faces severe damage, it can quickly spread from one component to the next. Repairing your engine at this stage is often not an option. Instead, you will need to explore your replacement options—for your engine or your vehicle.

Is getting a new engine like getting a new car?

It depends on your vehicle's age and the wear and tear on other components, such as the transmission. A new engine, with proper maintenance, should last between 100,000 to 200,000 miles or more. So, it can be like getting a new car in certain situations.

Can I sell my blown engine?

Believe it or not, your car with a blown engine still has worth. Dealerships might take it as a trade-in. Even junkyards might see it as useful scrap.

What will CarMax not buy?

CarMax will even buy cars that they don't expect to sell, such as badly damaged vehicles, that they will sell to auction. There are exceptions to the vehicles that CarMax will buy. The retailer will not buy a salvage vehicle. It will also not buy one with frame damage or flood damage.

Where to sell a car with a bad engine?

Copart Direct makes it safe, easy and fast to sell a vehicle in any condition. We won't ask you to repair what's broken, which means you could have your car picked up and a check-in-hand in as little as 24 hours!

What to do if you bought a car with a bad engine?

You'll have options if the vehicle did come with a warranty. Try going back to the used car lot to see if they'll fix the problem. If you bought the vehicle as is outlined above, you don't have much recourse other than to look at your state's lemon laws if applicable or contact your state's attorney general office.

How much does it cost to repair a blown engine?

The cost of replacing a broken engine is frequently greater than the value of the vehicle. A four-cylinder engine costs between $4,000 and $5,000 to replace on average. V6 or V8 engines will cost between $5,000 and $8,000.

Can you sell a car with something wrong with it?

The important thing to know that in California, as is the case in most states, sales between individuals (that is, non-dealers) are presumed to be “as is.” This means that both parties understand that the car is being sold despite its faults and the seller is not liable for any further repairs and they are relieved ...

Can I trade in a financed car with a blown engine?

Trade In Car With Bad Engine

Most local dealers will give you very low trade-in values on a car with damage, and much lower if it isn't running. Since used car dealers sell cars in pristine condition, they will have to sink large amounts of money in order to flip your car.

Who will buy my old engine?

So to sell a used engine, be it a V6 engine, a 2l engine, a 3l engine, a 1l engine and anything in between, drop The Scrappers a line and they'll buy your engine and give you the best price for a used engine. Call them today on 01204 388488.

Do scrap yards buy engines?

There are automotive scrap places that have seperate categories for transmissions, steel block engines and aluminum block engines. If you don't have one of those near you then just take it in as shred.