Can You Sell A Car With A Bad Or Blown Engine

 

Can You Sell A Car With A Bad Or Blown Engine?

If your car’s engine has failed, you might feel like you’re stuck with nothing more than a giant hunk of metal sitting in your driveway. Repairing or replacing an engine can be one of the most expensive fixes in auto ownership, often costing more than the car is worth. So what can you do? The good news is that it’s absolutely possible to sell a car even if it’s no longer running. In fact, many companies specialize in offering cash for cars with blown engines, giving you an opportunity to get rid of the vehicle without sinking more money into it.

In this blog post, we’ll explore whether you can sell a car with a bad or blown engine, who might buy it, how much you can expect to get, and the best way to move forward.

Understanding the Problem: What a Blown Engine Really Means

A “blown engine” doesn’t always mean the car is completely useless, but it does mean that something critical has gone wrong. This could range from a cracked block to a broken piston or even a seized motor. In short, your car is either unsafe or completely unable to run until a major repair is done.

For many car owners, the cost of fixing the engine outweighs the car’s actual market value. For example, an engine replacement can run between $3,000 and $7,000—or more for luxury vehicles. At that point, selling the car “as-is” often makes more sense than pouring money into repairs.

Who Buys Cars With Bad Engines?

Even if your car doesn’t run, it still has value. You might be surprised to learn there’s a demand for vehicles with mechanical issues, and here’s why:

  1. Junk Car Buyers & Salvage Yards – These companies purchase vehicles in any condition because they can profit by selling usable parts or recycling the metal.
  2. Private Buyers & DIY Mechanics – Some individuals look for cars with bad engines to repair and resell at a higher price.
  3. Dealerships – While rare, some dealerships may take a car with engine trouble as a trade-in, though you’ll likely get a very low offer.

How Much Can You Get for a Car With a Blown Engine?

The value depends on a few key factors:

  • Make, Model, and Year: Newer cars or popular models may still fetch a decent price.
  • Overall Condition: If the body, transmission, and other parts are in good shape, you can expect more money.
  • Scrap Metal Value: Even if nothing is salvageable, the metal itself can be sold for recycling.

Typically, the payout will be lower than if the car were running, but it’s still a way to recover some cash instead of letting it sit idle. Many sellers are surprised to discover that their non-running cars can still bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the situation.

Tips for Selling a Car With a Blown Engine

If you’ve decided that selling is the best route, here are some steps to make the process smoother:

  1. Be Honest About the Condition – Whether you’re selling to a private buyer or a junkyard, always disclose the engine’s condition. Hiding it will only waste time.
  2. Gather Documentation – Having the title, registration, and maintenance records ready will help streamline the sale.
  3. Get Multiple Quotes – Don’t jump at the first offer. Shop around to see who will pay the most for your car.
  4. Consider Parting It Out – If you have time and mechanical knowledge, selling individual parts could bring in more money than selling the car whole.
  5. Use a Professional Service – Companies that offer cash for cars with blown engines specialize in handling all the paperwork, towing, and payment, making it an easy and stress-free process.

Benefits of Selling Instead of Repairing

Selling your car with a blown engine instead of repairing it can have major advantages:

  • Save Money: Avoid costly repair bills that could exceed the car’s value.
  • Get Quick Cash: Buyers who specialize in junk cars often provide same-day payment.
  • Free Towing: Many companies will pick up your car at no cost.
  • Clear Space: Remove an unusable vehicle from your driveway or garage.

Alternatives If You Don’t Want to Sell

While selling is often the most practical choice, there are a couple of alternatives:

  • Repair & Keep: If the car has sentimental value or is worth the repair cost, you might choose to fix it.
  • Donate: Some charities accept non-running vehicles, and you may qualify for a tax deduction.
  • Trade-In: Though dealerships won’t offer much, it could reduce the price of your next vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Having a car with a bad or blown engine doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, there are many ways to turn that non-running vehicle into something useful. Whether you sell to a junk car buyer, a private mechanic, or a salvage yard, you can still walk away with cash in your pocket. The simplest and fastest way is to work with a service that pays cash for cars with blown engines, as they make the entire process hassle-free and often provide free towing.

Instead of letting your vehicle collect dust, take advantage of the opportunity to free up space, save money on repairs, and put some cash back in your wallet.

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