Used Cars

[--Pete]

Hi,

We're thinking of buying a used car which has had its engine replaced. Is that a bad thing? I presume the answer is it depends. On what?

You're right, it depends. Was the replacement engine a rebuilt engine or just a used engine pulled from a junk yard? If the replacement was rebuilt, was it done by someone who knew what he was doing or was it rebuilt by a 'shade tree mechanic'?

Can a mechanic determine all these things?

There can be all sorts of hidden problems that no one would find until something breaks. That said, I'll second kandrathe. A mechanic can find a lot of potential problems and systems that will need maintenance in the near future. So, be sure to have the whole car checked out, not just the engine.

Good luck.

--Pete