EXPERT IN AUTO PARTS
15 May 2025 (updated) Table of Contents
Installing a new engine is a major decision, and most car owners have to decide between replacing the motor or the car itself. This guide explores the costs of an engine removal and installation, as well as whether to choose a new or used engine. It breaks down factors affecting pricing, pros and cons, and how to make the best choice.
The usual method of finding out exactly what engine you have is by looking up the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is a unique 17-character code consisting of letters and numbers. It can normally be found on a stamp in the left-hand corner below the windscreen, in the engine bay, or stamped on the vehicle’s chassis.
To decipher the code, you will need to enter it into the manufacturer’s site or another reliable website. The characters 4 to 8 of the code are the engine code for your specific vehicle model. Alternatively, you can search through your car owner’s manual. You should be able to find out about the type of motor including its size and output. Knowing this information can help you find car engine parts that are 100% compatible.
Article number: 081 21 N0
£16.99
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 034 75 02
£90.99
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 028 PI 00118 000
£55.49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 081 RS 00104 0N0
£20.49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 030 48 N0
£22.99
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Common reasons for an engine replacement:
Nowadays, a full engine replacement typically costs anywhere between £1,500 and £10,000 depending largely on the make and model of the vehicle, the availability of parts, and the labour costs.
The differences between the prices of new and used engines can be huge. For example, used engines do not normally cost more than £3,000 and can be priced as low as £500 depending on the age, condition, and mileage.
| Car Model | Estimated Replacement Cost (GBP) |
| Land Rover Discovery 4 | ~£6,000-£8,000 |
| Ford Fiesta | ~£1,800-£2,500 |
| Vauxhall Corsa | ~£1,500-£2,200 |
| Ford Transit | ~£4,000-£6,000 |
| BMW 1 Series | ~£6,500-£8,500 |
| Nissan Qashqai | ~£3,500-£5,500 |
| Peugeot 208 | ~£2,500-£4,000 |
| VW Golf | ~£4,500-£6,500 |
The table below breaks down the average costs of a new engine based on the type of vehicle. Hybrid motors tend to be a tad pricier due to being more modern and often more complex. Disassembly and installation costs may increase the overall amount.
| Engine Type | Average Cost (GBP) |
| Petrol | £2,000-£4,000 |
| Diesel | £3,000-£6,000 |
| Hybrid | £5,000-£10,000 |
Prices for used engines typically range between £500 and £3,000 in the UK. However, this will depend greatly on the vehicle model, year of manufacture, complexity, and engine condition. Diesel engines are usually more expensive than petrol models due to stronger materials, advanced technology, turbocharging, emissions controls, and specialised production for larger vehicles.
For common vehicles, smaller engines (e.g., for compact cars) may be on the lower end, while larger engines (e.g., for trucks or performance vehicles) can be on the higher end. It's also important to consider any additional costs for installation and warranty, which may add to the overall expense.
The average complete engine replacement will take a professional around 10 to 12 hours to perform. You can usually expect to pay at least £250 to £600 in labour. It is definitely worth comparing quotes before you choose a garage/mechanic.
The rates for each mechanic are often influenced by the location of the garage and they can range anywhere between £20 and £80. For example, the rates in London will be usually much higher than those in a smaller town with lower living costs, such as Huddersfield, UK.
Article number: 2C7356
£16.99
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 012 12 00
£54.49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 028 PI 00100 000
£110.99
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-27%
Article number: 028 03 12
compared to
RRP
£115.36
£84.49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 030 98 00
£115.49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Replacing an engine involves several critical steps to make sure the car is roadworthy:
Most engine replacements take between 10 and 15 hours or at least two working days to complete. This will vary depending on the engine, the mechanic’s experience, the workload, and whether any other issues arise. For standard passenger cars, the process usually falls within the lower end of this range, while performance or luxury vehicles may take longer due to their more intricate designs.
The procedure involves several detailed steps, including removing the old engine, disconnecting all related components (such as the exhaust system, wiring, and cooling systems), inspecting the mounts, and properly fitting the new engine. After installation, the mechanic must also reconnect all components, test for leaks, and make sure that the new engine works fully.
After replacing your car’s engine, it’s important to inspect and maintain several components to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Here are the parts you should check or replace:
Replacing an engine is a complex process, and several issues can arise if not done properly. Being aware of these common problems can help you identify and address them quickly:
Installing a new engine can positively impact your car’s value, especially if the previous engine was acting up. For older vehicles, a new engine can make the car more reliable and appealing to buyers, potentially increasing its resale value.
However, this also depends on factors like the car's overall condition, make and model, and mileage. In some cases, a new engine may not fully offset the car’s depreciation, especially if it's installed in a vehicle with other significant wear and tear. Providing documentation of the engine replacement can also increase buyer confidence and value perception.
A brand new engine is factory-fresh, made to the original specifications, and has never been used. It should offer high reliability, often with a full warranty. New engines are ideal for restoring a vehicle to its original condition, however, they may cost a lot more than refurbished options.
A reconditioned engine is a previously used one that has been disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt with new or reconditioned parts. This process restores it to near-new condition at a lower cost. Reconditioned units are tested for performance and often include a limited warranty. They’re a practical choice for addressing significant engine wear or damage.
A replacement engine refers to any motor installed to replace the original, whether new, reconditioned, or used. This includes new and refurbished power units. Upgrading components, like the car turbo, for tuning purposes may also be part of the replacement if you want to enhance performance. Replacements vary widely in price and condition.
GOETZE ENGINE Piston Ring Kit
Cyl.Bore: 75mm
MAHLE Piston
76,51 mm, without cooling duct
MAHLE Piston
82,71 mm
MAHLE Piston
83,0 mm, without cooling duct
MAHLE Piston
77,0 mm, without cooling duct
DR.MOTOR AUTOMOTIVE Piston
HASTINGS PISTON RING Piston Ring Kit
Cyl.Bore: 75mm
MAHLE Piston Ring Kit
Cyl.Bore: 77,2mm
NÜRAL Piston
86 mm, with cooling duct, with piston ring carrier, for keystone connecting rod
