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How to sell a car with a blown engine

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Discover How To Sell Your Car With A Blown Engine

Looking to sell your car with a blown engine? Are you wondering where to sell your car with bad engine?

DamagedCars pays cash for cars with engine problems.

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Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert

Can I Sell My Car With Blown Engine?

If your car needs a new engine, you can absolutely still sell it. Selling faulty cars is not something regular dealerships are good at, as it is a complex process. They will probably offer much less money for your car because they are not familiar with cars that have engine problems.

So, who buys cars with blown engine? Well, we do. So, if your engine is blown, keep reading to discover how you can obtain the best value for your vehicle and sell it without any hassle.

How Much Is A Car With A Blown Engine Worth?

A blown engine car’s value can range from under $500 to more than $5,000. It all depends on the condition that the vehicle is in otherwise. They can go for an average of $1000-$1,100 in 2024. You can typically expect the trade-in value of a car with a bad engine to drop at least $4,000 from what it would be worth with a running engine. That’s how much a new engine could cost you on average. Like the price? Sell it to us. Not sure or not ready to sell? Our free instant quotes are guaranteed for seven days, so you have time to think it over.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Engine?

Engine replacement costs for most cars can typically range between $3,000 and $5,000. Depending on the engine’s level of complexity, the costs can jump upwards to $6,000. Most four-cylinder vehicles, however, will need around $4,000 to complete a total engine replacement. If your vehicle is 15 years old or more, then $4,000 may be more than the car’s actually worth. That money would be better off put towards a new vehicle, but what do you do with your car without an engine?

Blown Engine Gasket symptoms

A blown engine gasket is one of the most critical issues a car can face, leading to significant damage and costly repairs. Understanding the symptoms of a blown engine gasket is essential for car owners, especially those considering selling their vehicle. Here are key indicators that your car might be suffering from this problem:

Overheating Engine:

One of the most common signs of a blown gasket is an engine that overheats quickly. The gasket acts as a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head; if it’s damaged, coolant can leak, causing the engine to overheat.

White Smoke from the Exhaust:

White smoke emitting from your exhaust could indicate coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, a classic symptom of a blown engine gasket.

Oil Contamination:

Also known as a ‘milkshake’, this occurs when coolant mixes with the engine oil, leading to a frothy substance under the oil cap or on the dipstick. This mixture can severely damage your engine’s internal components.

Poor Engine Performance:

A loss of power and rough engine operation can result from compression loss associated with a blown gasket.
Recognizing these symptoms early can save you from more severe engine damage. However, if your car is already exhibiting these signs, repairing a blown engine gasket can be expensive, and sometimes, the cost of repair can exceed the vehicle’s value.

Who Buys Cars With Blown Engines?

  • Junkyard/Scrap Yard: Fast sale. Lower payout.
  • Dealership: Fast sale. Lower payout.
    Private Buyer: Slow sale. Higher payout.
    DamagedCars: Fast sale. Higher payout.

Junkyards and Scrap yards specialize in taking unwanted, obsolete items off a customer’s hands. 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.

Dealerships will allow you to trade-in your car with its blown engine Keep in mind, however, that their focus is vehicles that are roadworthy and ready to be sold. An engineless car isn’t their specialization, 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).

Selling your car to a private individual is a viable way to get more money for your engineless car. However, it’s a slow process to sift through serious buyers willing to purchase a car that they have to repair before it can hit the road.

An online platform like DamagedCars is tailored to ensure that any vehicle you’re looking to sell is sold quickly and conveniently. DamagedCars also aims to provide you with a fair market value for your vehicle, regardless of the condition it is in. If you want to find out how much your car with a blown engine is worth, click here.

EXPERT EVALUATION

Our expert evaluators can help you get an accurate estimate for your cars value, FAST!

Understanding Seized Engine Noise: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the critical warning signs of a seized engine through our informative video, ‘5 Worst Car Sounds Indicating Major Repairs Needed.’ This segment highlights the distinct sound of a seized engine, providing you with the knowledge to identify this serious issue before it’s too late. Our expert tips and insights will help you understand the potential causes and next steps if you suspect your engine is at risk. For those facing a seized engine, DamagedCars.com offers a convenient solution to sell your car hassle-free. Watch now to learn more about recognizing and addressing seized engine sounds.

How To Sell A Car With A Bad Engine

Selling a car with a bad engine can be straightforward if you break it down into a few clear steps. Here’s a simple process to follow:

  • Assess the Damage: Have a mechanic evaluate the engine’s condition to understand the extent of the damage. This helps in determining the car’s value and what you can realistically expect from a sale.
  • Gather Necessary Documents: Ensure you have all the essential paperwork ready, including the vehicle title, maintenance records, and any estimates for repair work. Transparency with potential buyers is crucial.
  • Set a Fair Price: Based on the damage, set a reasonable and competitive price. Research similar cars with engine problems to price yours appropriately.
  • Advertise Transparently: When listing the car, clearly state that the engine is faulty. Honesty in your ad will build trust and attract serious buyers.
  • Choose Your Selling Option: You can either sell privately, trade it in at a junkyard, or consider specialized services that buy damaged cars.
  • Negotiate and Finalize: Be prepared for negotiations and work with potential buyers to finalize the sale. Make sure the transaction includes proper documentation for a smooth transfer of ownership.

This process will help you sell a car with a bad engine while ensuring transparency and a fair price.

What To Do With A Car With A Blown Engine?

Consider selling your car online on a platform like DamagedCars. You can compare quotes and see what kind of prices you can get for your vehicle. At DamagedCars.com, we guarantee that we offer fair market values for your car based on its year, make model and your location.

We Buy and Pick Up Damaged Cars, Nationwide!

Before thinking about where to find a junk yard near me, you can see this list of areas where we serve to buy your junk car. We provide instant cash offers and free pick up for your damaged vehicle in as little as 24-48 hours.

Principal Cities:

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We Buy All Brands And Models, Such As:

YEARS: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

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.

Table Of Contents
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Do You Know The Value Of Your Car?

We Buy Less-Than-Perfect Cars In Your Area

Every Toyota Counts: We Buy Them All, No Exceptions, in Any Condition!

  • Collision-Damaged
  • Broken-Down
  • Blown Engine
  • Body Damage
  • Mechanical Problems
  • Salvage Cars
  • Rebuilt Cars
  • Cars for Parts
  • Totaled Cars
  • Non-Working Cars
  • Junk Cars
  • Scrap Cars

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Sell A Car With Mechanical Issues?

The best way to sell a car with a seized engine is to reach out to potential buyers in your area and compare your options. You might think a dealer would offer the most cash for your car with engine problems, but you could be disappointed by their trade-in offer suggestion.

Instead, contact junkyards and online junk car buyers near you. These buyers can help you determine what your car is worth, and they typically include free towing. DamagedCars includes free towing with every offer we make, and we can come to you and pay you on the spot for your car, truck, van or SUV in 24 to 48 hours.

How Much Is My Car Worth With A Blown Engine?

Without a functioning engine, you can expect to get at least $3,000 less for your car as a sales price than you would get for a functioning vehicle. So if your vehicle is worth $10,000 in good condition, you should expect to get something closer to $4,000 to $7,000 for it. If it has other problems, such as high mileage, old age or other mechanical problems, you can expect to get an even lower price for it.

Where Can I Sell A Car With A Blown Engine?

The best way to sell your car is to figure out who buys cars with blown engines, because not everyone does. For instance, some dealerships may not be interested in your vehicle.

If you want to sell your vehicle with engine problems, the best place to sell it is with an online junk car buyer like DamagedCars. DamagedCars will help you figure out the true market value of your vehicle in any condition, and we can pick up your vehicle and pay you in just 24 to 48 hours.

How Do I Sell A Car With Engine Problems?

The easiest way to get rid of your car with problems and get paid for it is to use an online junk car buying service, such as CarBrain. We specialize in vehicles in any condition, including cars with bad engines. It takes just 90 seconds to get a no-obligation quote, and all offers include FREE towing and title transfer.

Does Replacing An Engine Affect The Value Of A Car?

In many cases, yes, replacing an engine will change the car’s value. Exactly how much it will affect the resale value of your car depends on who you are selling it to and what kind of engine you replace the original one with.

Typically, the original engine will be worth more than a replacement engine. Of course, a car with a replacement engine is still more valuable than a car with no engine, but it’s worth keeping in mind when shopping around for offers.

Is It Worth Fixing A Car With A Blown Engine?

In many cases, it’s not worth fixing your car if it has serious engine damage, since the cost of repairing or replacing it will easily total a few thousand dollars. Instead, you should figure out how much you can sell a car with a bad engine for.

CarBrain can make an offer on your car with a blown engine in just 90 seconds. We’ll provide a fair market offer with free towing and title transfer included. You can get paid and get rid of your problem vehicle in just 24-48 business hours after accepting our offer!

How to sell a car with a blown engine

Sell a car with no engine or a broken engine for top dollar

There’s nothing worse than pulling over by the side of the road with a smoking, broken engine. A car with a blown head gasket or a seized engine can be a real headache. You may not know what caused the engine failure (fair enough; most people don’t know their way around an engine block), and you might be shocked to find out how much engine repairs cost.

Well, there’s a silver lining. If your engine problems are too severe to be worth repairing, you can always turn your broken vehicle into a tidy pile of money!

At 1800 Savage, we make selling your second-hand, damaged or salvage car quick and easy. Forget haggling with private buyers and brutal engine repair costs — sell your car for cash to 1800 Salvage, and we’ll pay you instantly. We even offer free towing! How easy’s that?

This guide will teach you how to sell your car with a blown engine for the most competitive price.

Get your broken car valued

Your first goal is to get a ballpark figure for how much your car is worth. A new car will gain a high price, and a used car will naturally go for a lower price. You can also get a mechanic to diagnose your engine problem and give you an engine repair estimate.

You might find that you can afford to get your engine trouble sorted. If you do, you might choose not to sell it. But if you reckon that the potential sales price of your car outweighs the cost of getting it repaired, selling it to a used car dealership or vehicle salvager might be a better option.

1800 Salvage makes car valuations easy. We only need a few basic details, which you can send through digitally, to offer you a quote. For a free quote, we’ll need the following:

  • The state of the vehicle and its damage
  • The make, model and year
  • The odometer reading
  • Exterior pictures from every angle, interior pictures (including of the odometer)

Who should you sell your car with a blown engine to?

The best buyer for your engineless car will be the one who sees the most potential in it. The more potential they see, the more they’ll pay for it.

If you have a classic or rare car with a busted engine, you might find specialty car dealerships or individuals who specialise in restorations and would love to buy it.

Your best bet is to go with a vehicle salvage business like 1800 Salvage. We have the infrastructure in place to recycle or restore every component of your car — including its blown engine. That’s why we’re able to offer such competitive prices!

Plus, we’ll take practically any vehicle, including motorbikes, trucks and boats.

Selling your broken-down car for cash!

Once you’ve found a buyer and settled on a purchase price, make sure you get all the details in writing to ensure that there are no surprises down the road.

With 1800 Salvage, we’ll only need a few bits of paperwork, all of which can be completed electronically via email. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line, we’ll send out a complimentary tow truck. You’ll be paid the instant our truck picks up your vehicle.

Please note that, due to Victorian legislation, all car salvage payments must be made via bank transfer.

That’s it! Your driveway or garage has once again become clear, and you’ve got some extra dollars in your pocket.

Get in touch with 1800 Salvage

If you’re ready to sell your salvage vehicle, we’re prepared to buy it! If you’ve got any questions about the process, we’re always more than happy to have a chat.

About

Leigh-Ann Ayton

National Automotive Buyer and Accounts Officer

With over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, Leigh-Ann adeptly serves as a vehicle buyer, leveraging her keen market insight to secure optimal deals. Additionally, she occasionally manages accounting tasks, showcasing her versatility and commitment to contributing across various operational aspects of the business. Leigh-Ann’s multifaceted skills and dedication significantly contribute to the smooth functioning and success of 1800 Salvage.

Blown Engine Car Value

Find out what your blown engine car is worth with CarBrain — we can help you get an offer in 90 seconds! Free towing included.

Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert

Blown engine cars can experience a significant reduction in value due to the high cost of repairing or replacing the engine. When an engine fails or “blows,” it usually requires extensive and expensive repairs—which can easily exceed the value of the car itself. Prospective buyers are often wary of purchasing blown engines since it requires a considerable investment to make the car roadworthy again. As a result, the market value of a blown engine car is substantially lower compared to similar vehicles with working engines.

What Is A Blown Engine Car?

  • A submerged engine
  • Timing belt failure
  • Low engine oil levels
  • Overheating
  • Excessive revving
  • Lack of maintenance

This leads to significant repercussions for both the vehicle and its owner.

The engine, which serves as the heart of any vehicle, converts fuel into mechanical energy to power the wheels using an intricate system of parts. Despite their engineered durability, engines endure tremendous stress, especially during regular driving conditions.

A blown engine car experiences an abrupt and severe breakdown. It seizes, and the car becomes immobile. Repair can involve completely dissembling the engine and replacing it. Most engine parts can be preserved in a minor case, but several others will need replacement.

Common parts that need replacement due to a blown engine include:

  • Pistons
  • Engine block
  • Timing belt
  • Head gasket
  • Cylinders
  • Water pump

Repairing blown engines is costly. You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $5,000 on parts and labor. Even fixing one or two small engine parts will result in a high price because of the complexity of the engine and the amount of time a mechanic needs to do the job.

Blown Engine Car Values

Blown-engine cars substantially decrease in value due to the expensive repairs needed to fix or replace the engine. When a car’s engine experiences a catastrophic failure, it becomes inoperable and imposes a significant financial burden on the owner.

Regardless of the damage, blown engine cars still have a salvage value. Although junk car prices are higher for functioning vehicles, you can still expect to make some money by selling your mechanically damaged car as-is.

Our team has collected salvage prices for a range of makes and models to give you a better idea of what you can expect to get for your vehicle. Let’s first take a look at some common economical models:

Make Price
Nissan $685.68
Volkswagen $783.95
Chevy $812.14
Mazda $840.17
Ford $939.56
Honda $949.22
Toyota $1,103.06
Subaru $1,270.88
Hyundai $1,504.74
Kia $1,547.10

Below, we’ve included average blown engine junk car prices for popular luxury brands:

Make Price
Acura $575.65
Lincoln $886.17
Jaguar $1,369.58
Lexus $1,543.48
BMW $1,564.74
Audi $1,939.42
Mercedes-Benz $2,000.37
Tesla $4,008.33
Porsche $4,279.29
Land Rover $5,397.30

Evidently, your vehicle’s make is a big factor in its value. However, because these numbers are averages, you can expect to make more or less depending on:

  • The overall condition of your car
  • Year of the model
  • Your location
  • Local demand

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.

Your car’s value can decrease as much as 75% if the damage is great enough or your car is deemed totaled.

As a result, the resale value of blown engine cars decreases significantly, leading to limited demand and lower offers from buyers and dealerships. In some cases, these cars may only fetch salvage value or be sold as parts, further diminishing their market worth.

Sell Your Car With A Blown Engine

Are you struggling to sell your car with a blown engine? Don’t worry; CarBrain is here to help! We understand that dealing with a blown engine can be a headache, but our hassle-free process makes selling your car quick and easy.

Say goodbye to the stress and uncertainty – here’s how CarBrain can turn your car with a blown engine into cash in just three simple steps:

  1. Get an Instant Offer. Visit our website and fill out some basic information about your car. We’ll need details like the vehicle’s make, model, year, and condition, including the fact that the engine is blown. Don’t worry; we buy cars in all conditions, even those with serious mechanical issues!
  2. Accept our Guaranteed Offer. Once you submit your car’s details, you’ll receive an instant, no-obligation offer from CarBrain. Our offers are fair and based on your car’s current market value, considering its condition, location, and other factors.. You can take your time to review the offer and accept it when you’re ready.
  3. Get Paid on the Spot. When you accept our offer, we’ll arrange a convenient time for vehicle pickup. Our team will come to you, inspect the car, and handle all the paperwork. Best of all, we provide free towing, so you won’t have to worry about any additional costs. Once everything is complete, you’ll get paid right on the spot – no haggling, no delays, just fast and secure payment.

Selling your car with a blown engine has never been easier. CarBrain makes the process quick, transparent, and stress-free, so you can move on with cash in hand.

Say goodbye to endless online listings, lowball offers, and time-consuming negotiations. Trust CarBrain to turn your car with a blown engine into cash today. Get started by visiting our website and getting your instant offer now!

https://www.1800salvage.com.au/information-centre/selling-a-car-with-a-blown-engine

https://carbrain.com/blog/blown-engine-car-value

Author

  • Ethan Cole – Automotive Journalist & Car Enthusiast Ethan Cole is a passionate automotive journalist with over 10 years of experience covering the latest developments in the car industry. From high-performance sports cars and rugged SUVs to electric vehicles and autonomous driving tech — Ethan dives deep into every segment to bring readers honest, insightful reviews and comparisons. He has tested hundreds of vehicles across Europe, the US, and Asia, always focusing on real-world performance, driver experience, and value for money. His work has been featured in Car and Driver , Top Gear Magazine , and Motor Trend , where he’s known for his no-nonsense approach and technical depth. Ethan believes that whether you're buying your first hatchback or your dream supercar, knowledge is power — and his mission is to help drivers make smarter choices through detailed breakdowns, video reviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at how cars are made. When he's not behind the wheel, Ethan runs a vintage car restoration channel on YouTube and enjoys track days at local racing circuits. Follow Ethan: Instagram: @EthanColeAuto YouTube: youtube.com/@EthanColeAuto Twitter: @EthanColeAuto

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