How much value does a rebuilt engine take off a car?

Question

Looking at a car with a rebuilt engine. What dollar amount should be taken off the total price because of it?

Answer 1

On an older, high mileage car it should actually increase value. Late models might be affected downward slightly, depending on actual mileage on vehicle.

Answer 2

It depends on the car.  

With some cars, ones known to have serious problems which were later solved, the solutions involving rebuilds (or new engines), it raises the value vs. a car which might still have a lurking nightmare problem.  (Example:  BMW 5 series V8 with Nikasil from the early 90s)

Also, on a really old car, a rebuilt engine may be part of a normal restoration.  Again, potentially increased value.

Some cars have really short rebuild intervals...they're known for needing it fairly often.  An engine rebuild on an old rotary is like a timing belt on most cars.

And if you've got a rebuilt engine on a car known for having reliable engines, you could see a large decline in value than for one known for unreliability.  For example, a rebuilt engine on a low-moderate-mileage Honda or Toyota is a sure sign of abuse and neglect.  

You're going to have to be more specific.

Answer 3

It also depends on what kind of title gets issued. If its a salvage title or washed then the price will tank. If its a Rebuilt title or Clean title, that'd help a lot!

Answer 4

not much of any

Answer 5

To find out the exact value of any car, you may get free car quote from reliable online sources.

Answer 6

On a newer car, it would raise flags.  Motors shouldn't be replaced for the very least 150k miles or a heck of a lot more.  If the engine goes before that, that would lead me to believe the car wasn't properly maintained.  On old cars, this is the opposite, regardless of miles.  

So that value, is determined by the year and miles of the car you are looking at.

Answer 7

It should ultimately increase the value of the car as the motor is fresh and have less time on it then the car would. If you’re looking to take money off a car I would look at something other then the motor.