Buying a used engine makes sense for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s significantly cheaper than purchasing a brand-new or even a remanufactured engine. A new engine can cost thousands of dollars, often making it more economical to buy a new car altogether. In contrast, a used engine can cost as little as a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the make, model, and condition.

Used engines are also more readily available, especially for older vehicle models that may no longer have new parts in production. Salvage yards, auto recyclers, and online marketplaces offer a wide selection of used engines that have been tested and verified for performance.