Costs for engine repair: Have the engine repaired or replaced?

The engine is undoubtedly the heart of every vehicle. A defect in the engine usually leads to the car being powerless and therefore unroadworthy. If the corresponding warning light in the cockpit is on, the vehicle should no longer be moved to avoid consequential damage. Modern engines are designed to last the life of the car with proper maintenance. Nevertheless, defects or accidents cannot be ruled out. Here you can read about what needs to be considered when repairing the engine, when the warranty takes effect and what costs can be expected.

The central question: repair or change the engine?

If there is a defect in the engine, car owners will immediately ask themselves this question. In the event of a major engine failure, the probability that the engine will have to be replaced is very high. In any case, you should have your trusted workshop or, in the event of an accident, a motor vehicle expert look at the engine. With this expert assessment, you can check the profitability of the engine repair as a basis for decision-making. A cost estimate shows what costs would be incurred. In view of the vehicle's age and the current value or replacement value, it is quickly clear whether engine repair or replacement is the better option.

Engine repair falls within the warranty period: Does the manufacturer pay?

Many manufacturers offer warranties in the first few years of operation, which can also apply to damage to the engine. However, the small print in the contract must be read carefully. Not all components are insured (especially wearing parts!) and in the event of obviously improper driving or lack of inspections (=> lack of oil as the cause of the damage), the warranty will not apply. In any case, it is necessary to talk directly to a manufacturer's workshop or an authorized specialist workshop. When looking at the engine, it quickly becomes clear whether the warranty applies and whether the engine needs to be repaired or replaced.

The older the engine, the less worthwhile an engine repair is

If the engine is already at an advanced age and the mileage is well over 100,000 kilometers, a repair is usually no longer worthwhile. This also applies if the engine has gone up in smoke. This speaks for a major engine failure. In view of the sometimes high costs for engine repair, it is not uncommon for an economic total loss to be assumed.

When is it possible to repair the engine?

The look of a master mechanic shows very quickly why the engine is on strike. Often it is small components that have a major impact. Valves, camshafts and crankshafts or parts of the cylinder head often cause trouble. If only individual components are affected and the engine as a whole has not yet been damaged, the repair is usually possible and financially preferable to complete replacement.

In the case of older vehicles, it should be checked whether spare parts are available in a timely manner. With a cost estimate (preferably a binding one), the concrete costs should be on the table as a basis for decision-making. Experience has shown that the parts themselves cause only low costs. The amount of work and thus the wage costs are considerably higher.

Engine replacement for newer vehicles with high current value

If an engine repair is no longer technically possible, replacement is an option for relatively new vehicles with a high current value. Even if the costs for this are high, such a vehicle is not an economic total loss. If a new engine is installed, the market value of the used car can be increased again, which absorbs part of the costs. However, it is also an option to install a used engine, which can reduce costs. It must be checked whether used engines are available in good condition in the region. In principle, it is not an economically attractive option to sell a new vehicle with a defective engine: the depreciation would be enormous, but the achievable purchase price would be low.

Engine Replacement Cost: An Overview

The cost of a new engine depends primarily on the manufacturer and the size of the vehicle. The costs are therefore naturally higher for an SUV than for a small car. As a rough price range, costs between 3,500 and 7,000 euros can be given. For very large and high-priced vehicles, it can also be in the five-digit range. This shows why a decision should always be made with a view to profitability.

If a repair is technically possible and sensible, this option will usually be far below the cost framework mentioned. If a used engine is installed instead of a brand-new one, the costs can be reduced by a few hundred euros. In each individual case, it depends on how long the installation and removal takes and how many working hours consequently end up on the workshop invoice.

Costs for engine repair in comparison as a basis for decision-making

When it comes to engine repair or repair, it depends on the specific damage pattern in each individual case. Often the costs are also in the range of well over 2,000 euros. Labor costs are particularly important, as many repairs are very time-consuming (the engine block may have to be removed). At this point, you can see how important it is to obtain an independent offer and to take the best or most economical option with experienced automotive experts. In the best case, an existing warranty for the costs of the engine repair applies.

Conclusion: Without a functioning engine, a car is worth little!

Ultimately, there is no alternative to an engine repair, otherwise you would no longer be able to drive the vehicle and the loss of value would be enormous when you sell it. So don't hesitate to make an appointment for a workshop with a defect in the engine and gain certainty of action in a timely manner. Without clarity about the cause, a defective engine should no longer be used.

source : Costs for engine repair: Repair or replace the engine?