Replacing a vehicle’s engine is one of the most significant — and costly — automotive repairs you can face. Costs vary widely based on the make, model, and engine type, as well as labor rates and whether you choose a new, rebuilt, or remanufactured unit.
However, typical costs of a replacement engine will run between $2,000 and $10,000. Below we explain in greater details the costs of a replacement engine.
Key Points
• The cost of an engine replacement can vary widely, typically ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the type of engine.
• A significant portion of the total cost is attributed to labor, which can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the job and the location of the repair shop.
• Using a used or rebuilt engine can be a more cost-effective option, potentially saving several thousand dollars compared to a new engine.
• Beyond the engine itself, additional costs may include parts like gaskets, belts, and fluids, as well as diagnostic fees and towing charges.
• Ways to pay for engine repair or replacement include cash savings, using a credit card, taking out a personal loan, or refinancing the vehicle.
Is It Worth It to Replace an Engine?
When deciding whether or not to replace your engine, consider how much the vehicle is worth and compare that figure to the cost of a new engine and the cost of a rebuilt one. If the price of an engine is more than the value of the vehicle or the cost and value are similar, then consider these things: the overall condition of the car, how long you’d planned to keep the vehicle, and your ability to buy or lease a new car if you decide not to replace the engine.
If, on the other hand, the vehicle is worth significantly more than the cost of a replacement engine and you’re otherwise happy with the car, then it could make sense to replace the engine. Each situation is unique, so do your own analysis.
How Much Does a New Engine Cost?
As mentioned earlier, buying a new four-cylinder engine and having the dealer replace it could cost up to $10,000, with the average ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Contact your dealer or mechanic to get a price for your specific vehicle and then make a decision.
How Much Does an Engine Rebuild Cost?
If your engine is worth rebuilding, then the cost can be significantly less than buying a new one. Prices, in general, can range from $2,500 to $4,000. If going this route, factor in what you’d drive while the rebuild is taking place. If it’s a rental car, you’ll need to factor in those costs, as well.
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Typical Engine Replacement Labor Costs
When wondering how much an engine costs to be rebuilt, labor costs will be the biggest expense. Labor costs can range from $70 to $100 per hour and an average engine rebuild can take 10 to 25 hours. Here’s a closer look at the math:
• 10 x $70 = $700 at the low end
• 25 x $100 = $2,500 at the high end
• The average cost to rebuild an engine can be between $1,200 and $1,800
Other Engine Replacement Costs
Along with (or instead of) engine replacements, a vehicle may need the following replaced:
• Water pump
• Fuel pump
• Radiator hoses
• Drive belts
• Intake and exhaust manifolds
• Belt tensioners
• Idler Pulleys
Here’s more about each:
Water Pump
Replacement cost average $500, including parts and labor (but not taxes or any other related fees). The water pump is a crucial auto part that distributes coolant to help prevent the engine from overheating.
Fuel Pump
Fuel pump replacement costs range from $1,100 to $1,400, including parts and labor (but not taxes or fees). This pump delivers gasoline to your engine’s combustion chamber or, if appropriate, delivers diesel.
Radiator Hoses
A radiator hose connects your engine block to your radiator and carries coolant between the two to keep your engine from overheating. The actual replacement hose isn’t expensive, usually costing $30 to $60. However, once you add in labor, the cost is roughly $600.
Drive Belts
Also known as a driving belt or serpentine belt, this car engine belt provides power for numerous driving functions. Replacing this belt can cost between $109 and $134 for parts and labor.
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Intake and Exhaust Manifolds
Labor costs make up most of the expense for an intake manifold. Depending on the vehicle and its intake manifold placement, the repair job can take two to three hours; so, figure approximately $250. Costs to replace the exhaust manifold can also vary by make and model, with averages ranging from $1,329 to $1,534.
Belt Tensioners
A belt tensioner maintains the tension on the serpentine belt described above with enough grip on the vehicle’s pulleys (more about that next) to send the rotating force of your engine where it needs to go. On average, the belt tensioner costs $315 to $450 to replace.
Idler Pulleys
This part drives your vehicle’s belt and plays a key supporting role for your engine’s operation. Replacing an idler pulley can cost, on average, between $177 and $244.
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Ways to Cover Engine Replacement Costs
Four ways to cover engine replacement costs include the following:
• Cash
• Credit card
• Personal loan
• Auto refinancing
Here’s more about each:
Cash
If you’re able to pay for the car engine replacement cost out of the money you have in a savings or checking account — and you can pay the mechanic’s bill without cutting yourself short on other expenses — then using cash could be the right move. You won’t have to worry about paying any interest when you pay with cash.
Credit Card
It can be convenient to pay for your engine replacement costs with a credit card. You can pay the balance over time and may earn cash back or other credit card rewards. Plus, you can dispute the bill, if necessary. That said, if you don’t pay the balance in full, you will accrue interest charges, which makes the repair more expensive, overall.
Personal Loan
If you qualify for a personal loan for car repairs, this flexible kind of financing can be used to pay for repair costs. You will likely pay a lower interest rate than you would with a credit card, and may benefit from higher limits. If unsecured, there is no collateral required for a personal loan.
Auto Loan Refinancing
Auto loan refinancing can be a strategic way to cover the costs of an engine replacement. By refinancing your existing car loan, you can potentially secure a lower interest rate and more favorable terms, which can free up extra cash in your monthly budget. This additional money can then be directed toward the engine replacement costs.
Additionally, some lenders offer the option to roll the cost of the engine replacement into the new loan, allowing you to spread the expense over the remaining term of the loan. This approach can make the financial burden more manageable, especially if you have a high-quality, reliable vehicle that is worth the investment.
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Other Typical Car Repair Costs
These costs can include the following:
• Airbag replacement costs
• Catalytic converter costs
• Transmission costs
• Head gasket costs
Airbag Replacement Cost
Today’s cars contain airbags, which are cushions that serve as safety devices in case of an accident. Typically, replacement airbag costs come in between $1,500 and $6,000, although it’s possible for multiple airbags to deploy during a collision, which would increase your costs.
Catalytic Converter Cost
A catalytic converter contains the exhaust that previously went into the atmosphere. It also converts some components of the exhaust for a more eco-friendly process. When replacing yours, catalytic converter repair costs can range from $945 to $3,500, depending upon your vehicle.
Transmission Cost
Transmission costs can be fairly affordable or pretty hefty, depending on what needs to be done. Your transmission regulates how much of your engine’s power is delivered to the wheels at any given time. If you’re just changing the fluid, figure $80 to $250. To fix a leak, that will be near the top of that range. Rebuilding the transmission can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500, with a new transmission costing between $2,500 and $6,000.
Head Gasket Cost
This part creates a seal between your vehicle’s cylinder head and engine block. When you need to replace yours, head gasket repair costs typically range between $1,000 and $2,000, although more challenging repairs can go up to $3,000.
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The Takeaway
How much it costs to replace an engine will depend on whether you purchase a new one or rebuild the one you have — as well as any other supplementary repairs or replacements that would need to take place.
Ways to pay for engine replacement cost include cash savings, a credit card, taking out a personal loan, or refinancing your vehicle to get a lower monthly payment or possibly roll the cost of the repair into the loan.
If you’re seeking auto loan refinancing, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your car in minutes.
FAQ
How much does a car engine cost?
The cost of a car engine replacement can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the type of engine, and additional labor and parts costs. Regular maintenance can help avoid this significant expense.
Is it worth it to replace an engine?
Replacing an engine may be worth it for some car owners. Consider the value of your vehicle and how long you plan to keep driving it. Then, decide if the investment in a new engine or a rebuilt one is worth the cost or if you should consider getting another vehicle.
Can you buy a car engine?
Yes, you can buy a replacement engine for your vehicle. It can make sense to compare engine replacement costs with having your engine rebuilt to see what makes sense for your needs and budget.
Photo credit: iStock/nortonrsx
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