How much is a brand new engine worth?
A brand-new engine for a typical passenger vehicle usually costs about $4,000–$9,000, with higher prices for larger or premium engines and for diesel or specialty powertrains.
The cost of a brand-new engine depends on many factors, including the engine type, whether you buy a crate/aftermarket unit or an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) unit from a dealer, and the labor required to install it. Below is a practical guide to what you can expect in today’s market, along with considerations that can push prices higher or lower.
What affects the price
Several factors drive the price of a new engine. The most important include engine size and configuration (four-cylinder vs V6 vs V8), whether the engine is an OEM replacement or a crate/aftermarket unit, the presence of advanced technologies (turbocharging, direct injection, diesel fuel systems, or hybrid components), warranty terms, and regional pricing. Labor, core charges, and GST/VAT can also influence the total cost to the customer.
Typical price ranges by category
Below are rough guide prices you might encounter for brand-new engines. These figures exclude installation costs and exclude taxes, fees, or additional parts (such as new wiring, sensors, or exhaust manifolds). Prices vary by make, model, region, and supplier.
- Economy inline-4 gasoline engines (common in small cars): roughly $3,500–$6,000 for a crate/aftermarket unit; OEM dealer new engines often $4,500–$7,500 depending on the exact model.
- Mid-size V6 gasoline engines: roughly $5,000–$9,000 for crate or OEM new units.
- V8 and performance engines: roughly $6,000–$12,000+ for crate or OEM new units; highly specialized or high-performance variants can exceed $15,000.
- Diesel engines (common rail or turbocharged designs): roughly $8,000–$15,000+ for a new unit, depending on displacement and emissions equipment.
- Hybrid or dedicated electric powertrains: price ranges vary widely and are typically higher when replacing the ICE component along with associated systems; consult a dealer for a model-specific quote.
Prices listed are indicative and reflect a mix of crate/aftermarket options and OEM dealer pricing. Always request a detailed quote that itemizes the engine, core charges, any required auxiliary parts, and warranty terms.
Installation and labor costs
Replacing an engine is labor-intensive, often requiring 8–20 hours of shop time depending on the vehicle and the engine chosen. Labor rates vary by region and shop, but you should anticipate roughly:
- Basic installation: about $1,000–$2,500
- Complex installations (specialty engines, difficult access, or added components): $2,500–$5,000 or more
When you add parts (hoses, belts, starter, alternator, sensors, wiring harnesses, mounting hardware), fluids, and potential tune-up or programming, the total installed price will commonly fall in the range of roughly $5,000–$15,000 for many conventional passenger vehicles. Some high-end or diesel replacements can push total installed costs higher.
Additional considerations when pricing a new engine
Keep these in mind as you shop for a brand-new engine:
- Core charges: Some sellers require a core deposit or credit, which is refunded when you return the old engine core.
- Warranty coverage: OEM warranties often vary by part and duration; crate engines may include different warranty terms than dealership-sourced engines.
- Included components: Confirm whether the price includes fuel system components, sensors, wiring, and auxiliary parts, or whether you’ll pay extra for these.
- Regional pricing and availability: Shipping costs and dealer availability can significantly affect total price.
For most car owners, the decision between a crate engine and an OEM replacement depends on availability, warranty expectations, and total installed cost. A reputable shop can help you compare options and provide a quoted total.
Where to buy and how to compare
Options include direct-from-manufacturer crate engines (GM, Ford, Toyota, etc.), third-party crate engine suppliers, and OEM replacement engines from dealers. When shopping, compare:
- Engine type and displacement
- Warranty terms and duration
- Core policy and core return options
- Inclusion of ancillary parts and factory tuning
- Installability and labor estimates
Get multiple formal quotes that itemize parts, labor, warranty, and any core fees. A second opinion from a trusted independent shop can help you assess diagnostic needs, installation complexity, and total cost of ownership.
Summary
Brand-new engines come in a wide price range, typically from around $4,000 to $9,000 for many common passenger-car engines, rising for larger, premium, diesel, or high-performance units. When you add installation, parts, and potential core charges, the final installed price commonly lands in the $5,000–$15,000 territory, depending on the vehicle and market. Always compare crate versus OEM options, review warranty terms, and obtain several quotes to ensure you’re getting fair value for your specific model and situation.
Summary: Pricing varies by engine type, supplier, and labor. With careful shopping and clear quotes, you can determine the best balance of reliability, warranty, and total cost for replacing a brand-new engine.
Is it possible to buy a brand new engine?
Buying a brand‐new engine from the vehicle assembly plant as a casual retail transaction is rarely how it's done. However, new OEM engines, crate engines, and factory remanufactured units are widely available through authorized dealers, manufacturer parts divisions, and performance catalogs.
How much does a brand new engine cost?
A brand new engine can cost between $4,000 and $10,000 or more for the part alone, but the total price with professional labor, taxes, and other parts can range from $6,000 to over $15,000. The final cost depends heavily on the vehicle's make and model, the engine type, and whether you include professional installation.
| Component | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| New Engine (Parts Only) | $4,000 to $10,000+ |
| Labor (Installation) | $1,200 to $3,000+ |
| Total (Parts + Labor) | $6,000 to $15,000+ |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_6uElaZuUBZWGxc8P9u-4qQE_129';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Factors that influence the total cost
- Engine Type and Vehicle Make: The engine for a high-performance or luxury vehicle will be significantly more expensive than for a standard sedan. For example, a new diesel engine can cost an average of $25,175, while a gasoline engine averages $13,219, according to Airtasker.
- Labor Costs: The price of labor varies based on the mechanic's hourly rate and the complexity of the installation. Some sources estimate labor to be between $1,200 and $3,000 or more.
- Associated Parts: The total cost can increase due to the need for other parts like belts, hoses, fluids, and sensors that are replaced during the engine installation.
- Warranty: New engines from the manufacturer often include a warranty, which adds to the initial price but provides long-term reliability and protection against defects.
How much is an engine worth in scrap?
How Much Is a Scrap Engine Worth? Four-cylinder engines typically sell for $150 to $300 as scrap. Six-cylinder engines bring $200 to $400.
Does a new engine add value to a car?
Yes, a new engine can increase a car's value, but it depends on the situation; a new or professionally rebuilt engine in a well-maintained car will likely increase value, especially for classic or high-mileage vehicles, while a used engine may not add significant value. The value increase often doesn't fully offset the cost of the replacement, but it's better than selling a car with a faulty engine.
When a new engine adds value
- For older or high-mileage cars: A new or professionally rebuilt engine can significantly boost the value of a classic or collector's car, or a vehicle that is otherwise in good shape but has high mileage.
- For newer cars: A new engine can improve performance or efficiency, making it a positive selling point.
- With professional installation: A new engine installed by a reputable dealer or trusted mechanic adds more value than a used engine installed by an independent shop.
- For a car with a broken engine: A working engine, even a replacement, is worth more than a non-working one.
When a new engine may not add significant value
- Used engines: Replacing an engine with a used one may decrease the car's resale value due to concerns about its condition and performance.
- Cost vs. value: The cost of the new engine may exceed the value it adds to the car. For example, a $6,000 engine replacement might only add $2,000 in resale value.
- Potential future problems: Buyers may be wary of a car that recently needed a new engine, and there could be other issues that arise after the replacement.
- Damage to the car's title: A new engine itself does not change the car's title status, which remains tied to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
How to maximize the value increase
- Get documentation: Keep all receipts and records of the engine replacement, including the new engine's details and the labor performed.
- Consider a professional rebuild: A professional rebuild is a good option for maintaining originality, especially for classic cars.
- Consider the engine's history: Be transparent about the engine's history and installation. A new, professionally installed engine is a better selling point than a used one from a junkyard.
