Serious Engine Trouble? Now What?

"Oftentimes you'll learn that choosing to repower your current engine with a remanufactured/ rebuilt engine is your most reliable and cost-effective choice over the long term," said ERC Chairman Tom Shrader. "This is especially true compared to trading in your vehicle, patching the specific engine problem, or installing a used or new engine."

Consider the pros and cons of the following options:

1. Trade in the vehicle--Keep in mind that the trade-in value of your vehicle will be reduced because of the engine damage. Also, by trading in your vehicle for a used one, you might very well be purchasing another vehicle with mechanical problems. A used vehicle may cost less, but often you don't know what you're buying.

2. Do a patch job--Depending on the type of damage to your engine, you could consider fixing the specific problem, but this is usually expensive and there are no guarantees that other engine-related failures won't occur.

3. Install a used engine--You could swap your damaged engine for one that came out of another vehicle. The downside is that you don't know the history of the used engine or if it was properly maintained.

4. Install a new engine--A brand-new engine, just like the one that came in your vehicle. There's just one big downside…a much higher price.

5. Repower your engine--Repowering may be your best value option as your engine--or one from a similar vehicle--is completely remanufactured/rebuilt. Critically important internal parts get replaced with new ones that meet or exceed original equipment performance standards. Frequently, remanufactured/rebuilt engines are even better than the new engines installed at the factory. They are considered dependable and reliable, and are backed by excellent warranty programs that also usually cover installation expenses.

The ERC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating consumers about the economic and environmental benefits of remanufactured/rebuilt engines.

To learn more about repowering a vehicle with a remanufactured/ rebuilt engine, visit www.enginerepower.org. A repowered engine can be a cost-efficient way to get a car back on the road without worry about where the parts have been.

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