Engine Replacement vs. Rebuild Cost Comparison

Published July 11, 2022
Categories: Engine Rebuild

Is your motor crying out for a new lease of life, but your wallet is nowhere to be found? If you want to keep your vehicle in great condition for an affordable price, seeking out expert advice is essential. As a professional and highly-experienced engine rebuilder in Crewe, we can help you to decide whether an engine rebuild or a complete engine replacement is best for your vehicle.

We explore what’s involved in both services and the kind of results you can expect. We then take a closer look at the cost of both services. You can choose the most financially viable option. Once you’ve settled on the best and most cost-effective course of action for your vehicle, why not give us a call to see how our team can help?

How much does it cost to rebuild an engine?

The exact cost of an engine rebuild will naturally vary depending on the vehicle type and condition. It is often in the range of £700-£2000. Often, the majority of this cost can be attributed to labour costs with the average engine rebuild requiring 15-25 hours of labour. Any additional costs will depend on the number and type of engine parts that need replacing.

Typically, rebuilding an engine will cost a fraction of the price of an engine replacement. In the rare event that the cost of rebuilding an engine is greater than the cost of replacing the engine, it makes financial sense to choose the replacement. (Your mechanic should be clear about these costs).

How much does it cost to replace an engine?

A complete engine replacement, on the other hand, can cost thousands of pounds. This is depending on the make, model, condition and age of the vehicle. While this cost will also cover labour, the majority of this money will go towards the cost of the new engine. Depending on the complexity of the engine, the cost of a new replacement engine can even reach five figures.

Additional labour costs will also be required. This is to cover the average 10-12 hours of work that is needed to replace an engine. More straightforward engine replacements can take as little as eight hours to complete. More complicated jobs could take up to 15 hours. If you choose to undertake a DIY engine replacement yourself, the process could take much longer.

The most significant factors that could increase the amount of labour and money required to replace an engine are the car model and engine layout. These two factors can have a significant effect on the accessibility of the engine. This adds to the amount of time that it takes to both remove the original engine and install a new one.

You should expect for your engine to be off the road for up to a week. (This is depending on the garage’s workload and turnaround time). You should also bear in mind that some jobs can take much longer. That is if the mechanic needs to purchase special tools or order specific parts that are hard to find. For a more exact time and cost estimate, you’ll need to contact your local mechanic.

Does rebuilding an engine make it more reliable?

Often, rebuilding an engine can be a better alternative to installing a brand new car engine. This is because an engine rebuild will typically use better parts or even adapt the design to eliminate original engine issues. Generally, a rebuilt engine that’s been installed by a qualified mechanic can be considered to be both reliable and dependable.

Not to mention, in some cases, a rebuilt engine can be even better than the original engine. If the engine has been rebuilt by a competent and highly-skilled mechanic, they’re likely to have used the latest and best parts. By way of illustrating, they might choose to install improved pistons or gaskets to ensure the engine runs smoothly.

It’s also worth noting that a properly-installed rebuilt engine can last many tens of thousands of miles. This is due to the fact that rebuilt engines release fewer pollutants than a well-used original engine. Plus, opting for a rebuilt engine could also help you to pass this annual vehicle safety check.

Is replacing a car engine worth it?

Due to the higher price tag of replacing a car engine, this option is often only worth it if the cost of rebuilding is greater than replacement. For this reason, we’d always suggest receiving quotes for both an engine rebuild and an engine replacement from your mechanic. Once you’ve received these quotes, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about which option is right for you.

If you have your heart set on a complete engine replacement but you can’t justify the extra expense, there are several ways that you can lower the price. One way to find a more affordable replacement engine is to opt for a used vehicle engine. Conducting thorough tests on the used engine before you purchase it can help you to avoid installing an unreliable engine into your vehicle.

Choosing a used engine replacement, however, can come with its own issues. For example, a used replacement might suffer from the same issues as the original engine, leaving you out of pocket in the long run if the same parts require replacement in the future. Unfortunately, these issues may not always be evident and can develop over time.

Ultimately, replacing a car engine completely is rarely worth it. We recommend exploring the price of an engine rebuild before you invest in a new engine. Simply carry on reading to find out why an engine rebuild is widely considered to be a better option. 

Is it better to replace or rebuild an engine?

Financially, it often makes more sense to opt for an engine rebuild over an engine replacement. This is because an engine rebuild generally costs a third of the price of a new engine replacement. This still provides the same (if not better) level of reliability and performance.

in the event that your engine is damaged, it’s a more cost-effective option to replace the damaged parts instead. Vehicle engines can be overhauled indefinitely (at least in theory). However, you can rebuild the engine and replace parts time and time again so long as they’re completely safe.

If you’re considering buying a new car instead of repairing the engine of your current vehicle, you should rethink. The costs involved in either repairing or replacing your engine are likely to be much more affordable than purchasing a brand new car. While this is the quicker option to getting yourself on the road again, it won’t be the most cost-effective choice.

Ultimately, however, the right option will depend on your budget, personal preferences and how long you can afford to have your car off the road and being repaired. To gain a better understanding of whether engine replacement or rebuilding is the right avenue for your vehicle to go down, it’s always best to consult a reliable professional mechanic.

Engine replacement and rebuilds at ART Garage Crewe

For engine replacement or engine rebuild in Crewe that you can trust, our highly-experienced team of professional mechanics can help. With 75 years of collective experience, our qualified engineers can undertake a wide range of engine rebuilds and replacements, ensuring your vehicle is always in safe hands.

We are located on the outskirts of Crewe. Our garage is conveniently positioned to serve customers from both Crewe and the wider Cheshire area. If you’d like to discuss a potential engine rebuild or engine replacement project with a knowledgeable member of our team, then please don’t hesitate to get in contact today!

Wondering whether an engine rebuild or replacement is best? Receive professional guidance and advice from an experienced engine rebuilder in the Cheshire area. You can give us a call on 01270 214445 or use our online contact form to send us your enquiry. Please include your basic contact details to ensure that one of our highly-skilled mechanics can reply as quickly as possible!

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