Buying Used Engines with Warranty – What You Need to Know

Buying Used Engines with Warranty – What You Need to Know

I’ve been down this road before. Car dies, mechanic says the engine’s gone, and suddenly you’re staring at repair costs that could buy you another car. That’s when people start looking into used engines. And honestly, it’s not a bad move at all—if you do it the right way. The key thing I learned? Always, always go for used engines with a warranty.


Why Even Consider a Used Engine?


Engines aren’t cheap. A brand-new one can easily run into the thousands, and that’s just the part. Add labor, and you’re sinking deep. For most people driving cars that are five, ten, fifteen years old, it doesn’t make sense. That’s where used engines come in.


These engines usually come from salvaged cars, repos, auctions, or vehicles totaled in accidents where the motor wasn’t touched. The mileage can vary, but many are in surprisingly good condition. Some even have less mileage than the car you’re putting it into.


But here’s the catch—you don’t know how that engine was treated before you got it. Did the owner change oil on time? Did they overheat it? Was it run hard every single day? That’s why buying used engines with warranty makes a big difference.


What a Warranty Actually Covers


Not all warranties are the same. Some are basically useless fine print, others actually save your wallet. A typical warranty on a used engine might be 30 days, 90 days, or even up to a year if you’re lucky. Some shops throw in mileage-based terms too, like 12 months or 12,000 miles.


Here’s what to look for:



Bottom line—don’t just ask “is there a warranty?” Ask what exactly is covered.


Where to Buy Used Engines with Warranty


I’ve hunted through junkyards, online stores, even eBay. Honestly, you can find decent deals anywhere, but you’ve got to be careful.

  1. Local Salvage Yards – Walk in, talk to someone, look at the actual engine. The good yards will give you a limited warranty and even start the engine for you if the car’s still there.
  2. Online Retailers – Sites like LKQ, Car-Part, or specialized engine suppliers sell tested motors with clear warranty options. Prices can be a little higher, but you’re paying for peace of mind.
  3. Mechanic Referrals – Some mechanics have suppliers they trust. If they’re willing to stake their reputation on it, that’s a good sign.

Wherever you go, stick to sellers who put the warranty in writing. If someone just says, “Yeah, it’s good for 30 days, don’t worry,” that’s not a warranty—that’s just talk.


The Risk Without a Warranty


I’ve seen guys try to save money by buying engines off Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist with zero warranty. Sometimes they get lucky, sometimes not. Worst case, you pay a mechanic to swap in the engine, and two weeks later it knocks, smokes, or just flat-out dies. Then you’re out the cost of the engine and the labor.


It’s a gamble. And unless you can pull and replace an engine yourself in your driveway, it’s just not worth the risk. Spending a little extra for used engines with warranty can literally save you thousands.


Tips Before You Buy


Here’s what I always check before pulling the trigger:


Final Thoughts


At the end of the day, buying a used engine is all about managing risk. Engines aren’t something you can eyeball and know for sure. That’s why the warranty matters. It’s your safety net when things go wrong.


So yeah, if your car needs a heart transplant, go ahead and consider a used motor. Just don’t cheap out on protection. Get used engines with warranty, read the fine print, and buy from someone reputable. Trust me, the peace of mind is worth way more than the couple hundred bucks you might save by skipping it.