Maximize Value: Trade In Cars with Blown Engines for Cash
Who buys cars with blown engines? CarBrain does. And we’ll pick it up for FREE. Nationwide, guaranteed.
4.8 (2.816) Google reviews
Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
Curious if you can trade in a car with engine problems or one that doesn’t run? Repairs are costly and might not boost trade-in value. Surprisingly, your non-running car, van, or SUV still holds value. Discover who buys cars with blown engines. Will dealerships buy broken cars? Depends. Trade in your broken car for cash instead. Click here to get an instant value calculation to see how much your car with blown or broken engine is worth.
Real Success Stories: Satisfied Customers Who Sold Their Cars with Blown Engines to CarBrain
Real Success Stories: Satisfied Customers Who Sold Their Cars with Blown Engines to CarBrain
” Great follow up after posting. Good offer for a car with a blown engine. Cash on the spot when pickup happened. Would use again. ” ★★★★★ Verified Patti Ridgefield, CT Date: 09-22-2023
” The engine on my 2011 Toyota Camry was blown and I didn’t know what to is with the car. I reached out to Belkis at CarBrain and she walked me through the process. Great company, great experience. Collected a check for the exact amount that I was quoted. ” ★★★★★ Verified Bob Cloutier Easton, CT Date: 09-07-2023
Maximize Your 2024 Returns: Get Top Value for Cars with Blown Engines – Use CarBrain’s Advanced Value Tool
In 2024, dealing with engine problems in your car doesn’t necessarily spell doom, but it could be a sign of an impending blown engine. Understanding these warning signs is key to avoiding complete engine failure, and knowing the value of your car in this condition is crucial. Engine problems in your car don’t automatically mean you have a blown engine, but they are often signs of impending engine failure. If you neglect to address these signs of engine problems in your vehicle, it could likely lead to a blown engine.
Understanding Blown Engine Causes and Symptoms:
- White smoke coming from the engine
- Water or antifreeze in the oil chamber
- Grinding or metallic noises when the engine turns
- The engine refuses to turn
- Extremely low compression in the cylinders
Engine Replacement Costs in 2024:
Replacing an engine in 2024 can range between $3,000 and $5,000 for most vehicles, with more complex engines potentially reaching $6,000. Four-cylinder vehicles may require around $4,000 for a total replacement. Given these costs, older vehicles, particularly those over 15 years, may not justify such an investment.
The fastest and easiest way to determine the trade in value for car with bad engine is to use our CarBrain value tool. Even if you’re not planning to sell it right away, we’ll give you a guaranteed, top-dollar offer in just 90 seconds on practically any vehicle.
It doesn’t matter whether your car is totaled, has a salvage title, or major damage, we’ll give you an instant online quote to set your baseline price.
We’re committed to making it as easy as possible to get rid of your old clunker and put cash in your pocket.
Can You Trade In a Car With a Blown Head Gasket?
Selling a car with a bad head gasket can be tough, especially through traditional trade-in routes. Many car dealerships and local traders prefer vehicles in full working order, often undervaluing cars with significant issues like a blown head gasket. While a non-running car still holds value, trading it in becomes harder due to necessary repair work. However, options exist for owners facing engine troubles. These choices include selling to car dealerships, finding individual buyers, or utilizing specialized services like CarBrain. They offer a streamlined process for selling cars with mechanical issues, providing free towing, guaranteed price quotes, and prompt payment upon vehicle collection. Concerned about ‘How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Blown Head Gasket?’ Find out more about the repair costs associated with this common issue.
EXPERT EVALUATION
Our expert evaluators can help you get an accurate estimate for your cars value, FAST!
Trade In Car With Bad Engine
Once you’ve got a baseline idea of what your car is worth from CarBrain, selling it becomes much easier. 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. As a result, they won’t give you much value on a car trade-in.
And all those valuable parts and features we talked about before? They might try to tell you those parts are worthless since they’re just going to scrap your car anyway.
In reality, those parts are where many local junkyards make their biggest profits. Especially if they’re advertising themselves as “you-pick” junkyards. They’re almost certainly going to sell those parts for extra cash.
But if you’re in a hurry, and you decide to trade in a car that needs work to a local dealer, make sure they include towing.
Some junkyards try to charge for towing. But practically all of the cars they buy aren’t running, so they should be prepared to pick up your vehicle.
Who Buys Cars With Blown Engines?
When it comes down to selling your unwanted car with a blown engine, you have a few options. However, which option you choose depends on your needs:
- Junkyard/Scrap Yard: Faster sale. Lower payout. Junkyards and scrap yards specialize in taking in undesirable vehicles. You’ll likely get the vehicle’s weight in scrap metal as payment, because these yards make their money off buying low and then selling the individual components for more profit.
- Dealership: Faster sale. Lower payout. Dealerships will allow you to trade-in your car with its blown engine. They specialize in vehicles that are roadworthy and ready to be sold. An engineless car isn’t their first choice, so they are likely to give you an extremely low offer. Furthermore, the offer might be in the form of credit on a new vehicle from that exact dealership (as opposed to cash you can spend anywhere).
- Private Buyer: Slow sale. Potential for higher payout. Selling your car to a private individual is a great way to get more money for your engineless car. Sifting through prospects in order to find a serious buyer can be a long and frustrating process.
As a final option, there’s us. CarBrain is one of the most trusted names in the industry, with a nationwide network of approved junk car buyers. We have a web-based pricing tool designed to get you the best possible offer on your car with mechanical issues within 90 seconds.
- FREE towing in 24-48 business hours
- Quotes that are guaranteed for seven days
- Top-quality customer service to help you through the process
- On-the-spot payment when we pick up your vehicle!
Rather than calling every junkyard in town and haggling for the best price on your car, you can just sell your vehicle directly online. Reach out to us today!
About Author
Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
Rudy brings 9 years of industry expertise to the table. From decoding salvage market nuances to steering CarBrain’s insights.
Can You Trade in Car with a Bad Engine?
If you are seriously considering getting rid of your car with a bad engine, this article is for you. There are many reasons why your engine might be bad.
From oil starvation, spun bearings, and leaking head gasket, these issues will cause your vehicle not to run correctly and possibly smoke like crazy.
So, can you trade in your car with a bad engine?
Yes, you can but expect little money. Most, if not all, dealerships will require the vehicle to be able to drive on their own power.
If you have a seized engine, you will be better off listing your vehicle on Craigslist or FB marketplace. You can find local buyers who will buy parts or attempt to repair themselves.
If your vehicle can be driven but has a ticking or knocking noise but can move on its own power, the dealership may take your trade-in. However, the dealership will lower its offer in order to leave room for profit.
For example, if the vehicle is worth $12k and in good condition but was diagnosed to need a new engine, the price might be 50% less to leave room for repair costs. Sometimes, a new engine really requires the engine to be rebuilt due to a timing chain guide or head gasket issue.
Key Takeaway
- Trading in a car with a bad engine is possible. Some dealerships will accept trade-ins even if the engine has significant issues. However, the trade-in value may be lower than if the engine were in good condition.
- Not all dealerships will take cars with major issues, so it is important to research and find a dealership that specializes in accepting trade-ins with problems like a blown engine.
- Advantages of trading in a car with issues, the convenience of trading in a car is often worth it. Additionally, dealerships are often willing to offer competitive prices for these types of vehicles.
Trading in a Car with a Bad Engine – What You Need to Know
If you plan to trade in, I will review everything you need to know about trading in a car with a bad engine.
From my experience, a bad engine or transmission replacement is the biggest high-ticket item for repairing a vehicle. Unfortunately, depending on the severity, you could spend thousands of dollars.
Let’s take a look at the underlying causes.
Causes of a Blown Engine
Engine failure can happen for many reasons. Inadequate upkeep, not enough oil changes, and coolant leaks, as well as too much heat, are common causes.
Factors like flood waters, bad fuel, failed belts and snapped timing belts can also be to blame. Belts and hoses can affect the engine, and parts breaking can affect the whole car.
A bad engine can cost thousands of dollars to replace or repair, depending on what is wrong with the car.
For example, it’s clear engine issues are more than the tailpipe smoke. However, a blown engine doesn’t have to mean you can’t trade in your car if you take action. Knowing what causes a blown engine and doing something to stop it can save money and keep your vehicle running well.
Symptom – Cause – Potential Costs
Can You Trade in a Car with a Blown Engine?
Can you trade in a car with a blown engine? Yes, you can! Most dealerships are willing to accept vehicles with engine troubles. They determine the value based on the make, model, age, and how bad the damage is.
From a recent survey, it depends on the dealership. Vehicles with engine troubles that are apparent would typically be sent to auction. Dealerships normally only keep cars that they can easily recondition and sell on their lot.
No dealership would want to risk its reputation by reselling vehicles with bad engines. It’s bad for businesses and would damage their image.
Ari from NegotiationGuides.com suggests that if your car is in this category of an auction vehicle, then you are better off trying to sell locally, as mentioned previously.
Advantages of Trading in a Car
Trading in a car with issues might seem daunting, but did you know there are advantages to doing so?
If you prefer to avoid listing your vehicle locally for sale, then there are real benefits to trading in your car with problems.
As they say, time is money; in this case, you will be trading potential profits for the easy convenience of trading at the dealership.
Competitive Offer from the Dealership
Of course, when trading in a car with issues, you want a competitive offer from the dealership. Most dealerships will indeed consider the trade-in. Even a vehicle in poor condition can still fetch between $500-$1,000.
This data was compiled from several dealerships that will take a trade-in to make a deal on the vehicle on the lot.
They can take on this risk because they can assess the car’s marketability and decide if it can be resold or used for parts.
Remember, trading in with a dealership is faster than selling to third-party buyers. A big benefit of getting a competitive offer from the dealership is that consumers can avoid time delays and costly repairs.
In summary, trading in your car with a dealership may be simpler than finding someone on Craigslist wanting a broken-down vehicle.
Pro tip: shop around multiple dealerships to see which values your car better. Negotiate for a better price.
Another tip is to ensure your car is in as good of a condition as possible. Check out the other article about how to maximize trade-in value.
My friend tried to trade in his car with a blown engine at various dealerships but was turned down due to its condition. But he eventually found a dealer who recognized the car’s value and gave him a reasonable price.
Other Common Car Issues for Trade-In
In addition to engine problems, I will review some of the most common car issues that may lead consumers to believe that a dealership won’t accept their trade-in vehicles.
Consider trading it in when vehicle repairs continue to rack up month after month. I will review the top issues you should consider if your vehicle hurts your wallet.
Blown Engine
A blown or bad engine means your car needs a new engine to run optimally. Causes can be lack of maintenance, overheating, low oil, leaking head gasket, or piston issues.
Broken Transmission
Another repair that will have you consider trading in is a bad transmission. A broken transmission typically has a symptom of slipping between shifting or no reverse gear. This causes the car to be difficult to drive. Consumers may think the dealership won’t accept their vehicle. But, a dealer might accept that trade, especially if it’s the same car brand.
They have experienced technicians who can understand the issue and fix it or use parts from the car.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is NOT a serious issue. Commonly if a battery does not charge, it is frequently associated with a bad alternator. The alternator charges the battery as the engine is running. So, don’t be discouraged if your car has a dead battery or other minor issues.
If you replaced your battery, which always seems dead, have your alternator checked.
The other issue for a dead battery is a parasitic drain. This happens when an accessory like a charger or aftermarket radio drains the battery overnight. Remove any third-party items and see if that resolves your issue.
For example, Carfax reports that dealerships typically accept cars older than five years with no problems since these cars have little demand at auction.
Electrical Issues
A car with electrical issues can affect its trade-in value. To increase the value of a good trade-in offer, prioritize repairs, if possible, before trading in.
Electrical problems may be difficult to trace if the wiring harness is damaged, but most dealerships will be able to address this.
However, water intrusion that may have caused electrical issues are more difficult to repair and may require modules to be replaced and recoded. But, experienced dealers who specialize in fixing these issues may still see its value.
Bad or Broken Brakes
Bad or broken brakes can be a major safety risk. However, if it’s just a seized caliper or warns pads, it’s an easy fix.
Bigger braking issues like no stopping power or broken brake lines are more expensive. It may require running a new brake line and routing them in the proper position.
Remember, dealerships may be reluctant to accept cars with major mechanical issues. But most of the time will take the trade-in as long as it runs and drives.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel system issues refer to any problems related to the mechanism that delivers fuel to the engine. These issues can make a car stall or not start at all. So, dealerships may not accept them for trade-in or sale. Most dealerships need the car to be running to accept.
Dealerships have reported that they will not accept any towed or trailered car as a trade-in.
Final Thoughts
Trading in a car or vehicle is possible despite potential mechanical issues. It’s very common for owners to pass off vehicles to dealerships that need some reconditioning.
Depending on the dealership, it would be advantageous to trade in your vehicle at the same brand or at a mom-and-pop dealership that could tackle repairs to prepare it for resale.
Otherwise, most dealerships will send the vehicle to auction. A blown or bad engine will typically cost at least $1,500 – $2,000 starting to replace the engine in labor fees. This does not include the engine itself.
However, the trade-in value you are offered already considers the profit margins of selling the vehicle at retail. Commonly, the trade-in value is 60%-80% of the retail price. Dealerships normally aim for 20% profit for each trade-in.
FAQs
Can you trade in a car with a bad engine?
Yes, it is possible to trade in a car with a bad engine at a dealership. However, the dealership may only accept the vehicle for trade-in if they see value in broken-down cars. A blown engine is a serious problem that can cause catastrophic internal mechanical damage.
What are the common causes of a blown engine?
The four common causes of a blown engine are a valve punching through the top of a piston, a broken connecting rod, complete engine oil depletion, and depleted coolant. A broken valve or connecting rod can cause hot, pressurized oil and blue smoke to shoot out of the engine, and the car will stop running without a working engine. Losing oil or coolant can cause moving parts to seize up and cause tremendous damage to the engine.
What should I do if something goes wrong when attempting to sell my car with a bad engine?
If something goes wrong when attempting to sell your car with a bad engine, it is advised to wait a moment and try again. The issue could be related to technical difficulties or the wrong wait moment. Alternatively, consider trading in your old car at a dealership that may accept a vehicle with a bad engine.
Can I trade in a car with a broken connecting rod?
You can trade in a car with a broken connecting rod at a dealership. However, the dealership may only accept the vehicle for trade-in if they see value in broken-down cars. A broken connecting rod can cause hot, pressurized oil and blue smoke to shoot out of the engine, and the vehicle will stop running without a working engine.
Is it better to trade a car with a bad engine or sell it to a private party?
When trading in a car with a bad engine, a dealership may offer more convenience than selling it to a private party. However, selling privately typically yields more money since the right mechanic could sort out mechanical issues. Deciding to trade in or sell to a private party depends on individual circumstances.
More Articles Worth Checking Out:
Can you trade in a car with a seized engine
Can You Trade In a Car With a Seized Engine?
- Can You Trade In a Car With a Seized Engine?
- Yes, but it will be difficult.
- However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of trading in a car with a seized engine:
- In some cases, you may be able to trade in a car with a seized engine even if you don’t get it fixed.
- Ultimately, whether or not you can trade in a car with a seized engine depends on the dealership you’re working with and the condition of your car.
Can You Trade In a Car With a Seized Engine?
Yes, but it will be difficult.
A seized engine is a major mechanical failure that can render a car inoperable. This makes it very difficult to trade in, as dealerships are typically not interested in taking on vehicles with major problems.
However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of trading in a car with a seized engine:
- Get it fixed before you trade it in. This is the best option, but it can be expensive. The cost of repairing a seized engine will vary depending on the make and model of your car, but it can easily run into the thousands of dollars.
- Be honest with the dealership about the condition of the engine. Don’t try to hide the fact that the engine is seized, as this will only hurt your chances of getting a fair trade-in value. If you’re upfront about the problem, the dealership may be more willing to work with you.
- Be prepared to accept a lower trade-in value. Even if you get the engine fixed, you’re still likely to get less for your car than if it were in good condition. This is because a seized engine is a major red flag for dealerships, and they will factor that into their trade-in offer.
In some cases, you may be able to trade in a car with a seized engine even if you don’t get it fixed.
However, this will be difficult, and you’re likely to get even less for your car than if you had it repaired. If you’re considering this option, be sure to talk to the dealership first to see if they’re willing to take your car in its current condition.
Ultimately, whether or not you can trade in a car with a seized engine depends on the dealership you’re working with and the condition of your car.
If you’re honest about the problem and you’re willing to accept a lower trade-in value, you may be able to get rid of your car without having to pay for expensive repairs.
https://nodsauto.com/can-you-trade-in-a-car-with-a-seized-engine-2/
