Are Junkyard Engines Any Good? Pros, Cons & Buying Tips

Are Junkyard Engines Any Good? If you’ve been asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. Chances are your engine’s blown or you’re working on a project car and don’t want to spend a ton of money. Most of the time, a brand-new engine costs too much. That’s why a lot of people go with junkyard engines instead. Here in this guide, we will walk you through what junkyard engines are, their pros and cons, how to judge quality, and whether it makes sense to buy one instead of rebuilding your old engine.

What Are Junkyard Engines?

Junkyard engines are used engines taken from cars that were wrecked, totaled or scrapped. They’re usually pulled out at auto salvage yards and sold for reuse. Some junkyard engines have low miles and were running fine before the car was scrapped. Others might have problems or unknown issues you won’t see until later.

Junkyard engines are usually sold as-is. Some yards might do basic testing or give a short warranty, but not always. They cost a lot less than remanufactured or new crate engines. You can buy them already pulled out, or pull one yourself at a self-service yard.

Pros of Buying a Junkyard Engine

• Cost Savings: The main reason people buy junkyard engines is the low price. You can often get one for a few hundred bucks, instead of paying thousands for a new or rebuilt engine.
• OEM Fitment: You’re getting the same engine your car came with from the factory. No custom work, no guessing; just a direct fit in most cases.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Reusing the engine helps to cut down on waste. It is one of the smart ways to keep the older model cars on the road. It also reduces your carbon footprint.
• Availability of Rare Engines: Some of the junkyards have rare or discontinued engines which you can’t buy from the dealership anymore, as they are hard-to-find engines.
• Good for Learning or Swaps: If you’re doing an engine swap or learning how to build engines, starting with a cheap junkyard engine is a smart move.

Cons of Buying a Junkyard Engine

• Unknown History: You usually don’t know how the engine was taken care of. Maybe it overheated or was driven with low oil; it is tough to tell for sure.
• No Guarantee of Start: Some junkyard engines don’t run, if it’s sold as-is then there is a real chance you could end up with a bad or seized engine.
• Limited or No Warranty: Most of the salvage yards offer a 30-day warranty or none. So there is no long-term guarantee, if something goes wrong.
• Labor Costs Still Apply: Even if the engine doesn’t cost much, the labor cost for installing it will cost you more than the engine itself.
• Physical Damage: Engines which are pulled from wrecked vehiclesmay have hidden problems like cracked blocks, bent pulleys or broken accessories.

Are Junkyard Engines Any Good? What to Expect

Some junkyard engines are great. Others are trash. The quality really depends. You might find one with 60,000 miles from a wrecked car that ran just fine. But you could also end up with one that has hidden problems you won’t see until after it’s installed. To get the best junkyard engines, always check:

• Mileage (ask for proof or vehicle history)
• Engine oil condition (check the dipstick if possible)
• Compression numbers (if they test it)
• Signs of leaks or external damage
• Whether it turns over by hand
• Visual signs of rust, corrosion, or cracked components

Buying Tips: How to Choose a Good Junkyard Engine

Here are few of the simple steps to increase your chances of getting a good working engine:

• Buy from Reputable Yards: You need to stay away from the suspicious sellers and random online ads.Use licensed salvage yards with reviews and consistent inventory.
• Ask About Vehicle History: Ask why the vehicle was junked. If it was totaled in a rear-end collision, the engine may be fine but not from front-end.
• Inspect Everything: Make a quick thorough visual inspection and check for damages in the block, stripped threads, oil leaks and melted plastic parts.
• Check Mileage on Odometer: Many junkyards still leave the dash intact. Use the odometer to estimate engine mileage.
• Bring Basic Tools: In self-pull yards, bring gloves, wrenches, a flashlight, and maybe even a bore scope.
• Ask about Returns or Exchange: Some yards offer a limited return or exchange window. Always ask before you pay.
• Record Engine Code and VIN: This ensures you match the engine to your car’s specs. Avoid compatibility issues.

Need a Junkyard Engine?

If you’re trying to save money or keep your car running without dropping thousands, junkyard engines are worth checking out. Whether it’s for a project, a fast replacement, or just cutting costs, they can be a good deal; if you pick the right one.

We sell tested, checked, and priced right junkyard engines for sale across the country. If you want a solid engine with real support behind it, contact us. We’ll help you skip the bad ones and find a deal that works.

Conclusion

Are junkyard engines any good? Yes, they can be—if you know what to look for. Not all are created equal. Some are solid low-mileage units, others are total write-offs. The key is to inspect the engine, asking the right questions and buying from reputable source like carmotiveparts.com. Always consider the cost saving against the risk and. If you need a budget-friendly solution to get back on the road, a junkyard engine can deliver real value. Just do your homework first.

FAQs

Are the cheapest junkyard engines still reliable?

Some are. Price doesn’t always equal quality. A low-cost engine from a lightly wrecked car might run better than an expensive one from a high-mileage vehicle. It depends on the vehicle history and your inspection.

How much are junkyard engines?

Junkyard engines will cost you between the $300 and $1500; it depends on the condition, demand, engine type and mileage.

Do junkyard engines come with a warranty?

Reputable sellers offer warranty of up to 2 years on Junkyard engines, it shows that they stand behind their product just like Car Motive Parts. Always ask for the terms in writing.

Is it better to buy a junkyard engine or rebuild an old one?

It depends on your budget and condition of the engine. Rebuilding the engine will cost you more and has longer waiting time. Buying a used engine saves time and may cost less, but comes with risk. If you trust your old engine’s block and internals, rebuilding might give better long-term reliability.