What Does It Cost to Replace an Engine?

For most mainstream gasoline cars in the U.S. in 2025, a full engine replacement typically costs $4,000 to $10,000 all-in; compact 4-cylinders often run $3,500 to $7,500, V6/V8 SUVs and trucks $6,000 to $12,000, and diesels or luxury/performance models $8,000 to $20,000+. Opting for a used engine can bring totals closer to $2,500 to $6,500, while high-performance builds can exceed $25,000. Below is a detailed breakdown of what drives the price and how to budget wisely.

Typical Price Ranges by Vehicle Type

Engine replacement costs vary widely by engine size, vehicle class, and parts strategy. The following ranges reflect typical totals that include parts and labor at independent shops in 2025; dealership pricing often trends higher.

• Compact/midsize 4-cylinder cars: $3,500–$7,500
• V6 sedans and crossovers: $5,000–$9,500
• V8 pickups and SUVs: $6,000–$12,000
• Turbocharged luxury/performance (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Audi): $10,000–$17,000+
• Diesel pickups/SUVs (e.g., Cummins, Power Stroke, Duramax): $10,000–$20,000+
• Used/junkyard engine swap (mainstream models): $2,500–$6,500
• High-performance/exotic engines: $15,000–$25,000+ (often much higher)

Your final number depends on the engine source (new vs. reman vs. used), shop rate, and the specific vehicle’s complexity—tight engine bays, AWD, and turbo hardware typically add labor time and parts costs.

What You’re Paying For: Parts Options and Their Costs

The choice of engine assembly has the biggest impact on your bill. Here are the common options, how they differ, and typical price ranges for the engine itself (before labor and ancillaries).

• New “crate” engine (OEM or reputable aftermarket): $3,500–$10,000+ for many gas engines; $7,000–$15,000+ for diesel/luxury. Pros: new components, strong warranty. Cons: highest parts cost, availability varies.
• Remanufactured long block: $2,500–$6,500 (gas); $5,000–$10,000+ (diesel). Pros: fully re-machined with new wear parts and updated fixes, solid warranties (often 3yr/100k for gas). Cons: core charges, supply fluctuations.
• Rebuilt engine (shop rebuild): $2,000–$5,500+ depending on damage and shop. Pros: can be cost-effective if your core is rebuildable. Cons: quality varies; warranty depends on builder.
• Used/junkyard (low-mile takeout): $800–$3,500+ depending on mileage/rarity. Pros: lowest upfront cost. Cons: higher risk; shorter warranties (often 30–90 days or limited mileage), unknown history.
• Short block vs. long block: Short block (block, crank, pistons) is cheaper but requires more labor and reuse of old heads and accessories; long block includes heads/valvetrain and saves labor, but costs more upfront.

Long blocks strike a balance for many owners by bundling more new parts and reducing install time, while used engines are attractive when budgets are tight and the donor’s history is verifiable.

Labor, Time, and Shop Rates

Labor is the second major cost driver. Engine swaps range widely in hours based on platform complexity, drivetrain layout, and whether accessories and subframes need removal.

• Typical labor hours: 10–20 hours for many FWD cars; 15–25+ hours for AWD, trucks, and tightly packaged or turbocharged vehicles.
• Shop rates: $90–$150/hr at many independents; $150–$250+/hr at dealerships and in high-cost metros.
• Programming and calibration: $100–$500+ for ECU/immobilizer updates on modern vehicles.
• Machine shop time (for rebuilds): add $300–$2,000+ depending on the work required.

A straightforward swap in a common sedan can be done in two to three days, while complex jobs, parts delays, or additional repairs can stretch to a week or more.

Extra Costs You Should Expect

Beyond the engine and labor, several add-ons commonly appear on estimates. Building these into your budget will prevent surprises at pickup time.

• Fluids, filters, gaskets, seals, belts, and hoses: $150–$600
• Engine mounts, sensors, hoses, and ancillaries found worn during installation: $100–$1,000+
• Catalyst, turbo, fuel system, or cooling system repairs if damaged by the failure: highly variable, $300–$3,000+
• Core charges on reman/new engines: $300–$1,500 (refunded if your old engine is rebuildable)
• Towing and diagnostics: $100–$400+
• Taxes, shop supplies, and environmental fees: $100–$400+

Ask the shop to itemize these line items upfront and authorize any “while we’re in there” parts only after review.

Is Engine Replacement Worth It?

Whether to replace depends on economics and your vehicle’s overall condition. Consider the following before you green-light the work.

• Vehicle value vs. repair total: If the repair is 50–80% of the car’s private-party value, compare against replacement vehicle costs.
• Overall condition: Transmission health, rust, suspension, and electronics—an engine won’t fix a tired car.
• Mileage and ownership plans: Lower-mile bodies or well-kept vehicles are better candidates; long-term ownership improves ROI.
• Warranty: Reman/new engines with 2–3 year warranties can make the expense more palatable.
• Insurance and financing: Some lenders finance major repairs; mechanical breakdown coverage rarely covers catastrophic failures on older cars.

If the rest of the vehicle is solid and you plan to keep it several years, replacing the engine often costs less than buying another used car with unknown risks.

Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

Costs are rising with labor rates and parts inflation, but careful choices can keep the bill under control.

• Get 2–3 quotes from reputable independent shops; ask for OE-quality reman options.
• Choose a long block remanufactured unit for a good warranty-to-cost balance.
• Use a verified low-mile used engine only with compression/leak-down data and a documented warranty.
• Replace known failure items while accessible (rear main seal, water pump) to avoid duplicate labor later.
• Confirm programming fees, core charges, and taxes in writing; request an itemized estimate.
• Check for technical service bulletins and updated parts that address known engine issues.

Balancing initial savings with warranty coverage and future reliability typically yields the lowest total cost of ownership.

Real-World Ballparks by Model Category

These illustrative ranges combine typical parts choices with average labor in 2025. Actual quotes will vary by region, shop, and engine source.

• 2016–2021 Honda Civic 2.0L/1.5T: $4,800–$7,500 (reman long block + labor); used engine swap: $3,200–$5,800
• 2015–2020 Toyota Camry 2.5L: $4,500–$7,500; used: $3,000–$5,500
• 2015–2020 Ford F-150 5.0L V8: $6,500–$12,000; used: $4,500–$8,500
• 2014–2019 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L: $6,000–$11,000; used: $4,000–$8,000
• 2016–2020 BMW 3-Series turbo 4/6-cyl: $10,000–$17,000+; used: $7,000–$12,000
• 2013–2019 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins: $12,000–$20,000+ depending on configuration
• 2013–2019 Subaru Outback 2.5L: $4,500–$9,000; used: $3,200–$6,500

These figures assume no catastrophic collateral damage (e.g., destroyed turbos or catalytic converters), which can add materially to the final cost.

How Long It Takes

Plan for two to five business days for most mainstream vehicles once parts are on hand. Specialty models, supply delays, or added repairs can extend the timeline to one to two weeks.

One More Note on EVs and Hybrids

Electric vehicles don’t have “engines” but traction motors; motor or battery replacements follow different cost structures. Hybrids do have gasoline engines; hybrid-specific engines can land toward the higher end of the gasoline ranges due to packaging and parts availability.

Summary

Expect $4,000–$10,000 for a typical gasoline engine replacement, with compact cars at the low end and large V6/V8, diesel, and luxury models reaching $8,000–$20,000+. Used engines can lower totals to $2,500–$6,500 but carry more risk. Your final price hinges on engine source, labor hours, and ancillary parts. Get multiple itemized quotes, weigh warranty against upfront cost, and assess the vehicle’s overall condition before proceeding.

Is it worth replacing the engine in a car?

Replacing a car’s engine is worth it when the total cost of the replacement is less than the car’s current value, especially if the car is in good condition, relatively new, and has no other major issues, as it is typically cheaper than buying a new vehicle. However, it is likely not worth the expense for older vehicles (over 12-14 years) or cars in poor overall condition, where it would be more sensible to sell the car as-is or buy a different one. 
Factors to Consider

• Cost vs. Value: Opens in new tabCompare the engine replacement cost to the car’s current market value. If the engine cost is more than half the car’s value, a replacement might not be a good investment. 
• Condition of the Car: Opens in new tabThe vehicle should be in good mechanical condition overall, beyond the engine. If other components like the transmission, suspension, or electrical systems are failing, a new engine won’t justify the expense. 
• Age of the Vehicle: Opens in new tabA newer car (within 10 years) is more likely to be a candidate for an engine replacement than an older one (12-14+ years), which may be nearing the end of its lifespan. 
• Vehicle Value Beyond Resale: Opens in new tabIf the car has significant emotional value, is a classic, or offers unique features you can’t find elsewhere, an engine replacement can be a worthwhile investment. 
• Cost of a New Car: Opens in new tabConsider the total cost of buying a new car versus the replacement. An engine replacement avoids new car payments, higher insurance premiums, and other associated fees, making it a more budget-friendly option. 

When It Is Not Worth It

• Poor Overall Condition: If the car is old and has many other issues, an engine replacement is unlikely to be a cost-effective solution. 
• High Replacement Cost: If the engine replacement cost is close to or exceeds the value of the car, it’s usually better to buy a different vehicle. 
• Age and End-of-Life: If the vehicle is already at or near the end of its average lifespan (around 11 years or 200,000 miles), a replacement may not provide enough longevity to be worth it. 

How much would it cost to put a new engine in my car?

Replacing a car engine can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $15,000, with an average often falling between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the make and model of your car, the type of engine (new, used, or rebuilt), labor rates in your area, and the complexity of the installation. High-end vehicles will be on the higher end of this range, while economy cars will be on the lower end. 
Factors influencing engine replacement cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: Opens in new tabLuxury or performance vehicles typically have more expensive engines and higher labor costs due to complex designs. 
• Engine Type: Opens in new tabThe cost varies depending on whether you choose a new (crate), remanufactured, or used engine. 
• Labor Costs: Opens in new tabShop rates differ by location and the complexity of the job, with urban areas often having higher rates. 
• Additional Parts and Fluids: Opens in new tabYou may also need to purchase new fluids, hoses, and potentially other components. 
• Shop Location and Type: Opens in new tabIndependent repair shops may have lower rates than dealerships, though dealerships may offer better warranties. 

Cost-saving tips

• Shop Around: Get quotes from several mechanics and repair shops to find the best rates. 
• Consider a Used or Remanufactured Engine: These options are often more affordable than a new, dealer-provided engine. 
• Find Your Own Engine: You can save money by sourcing your own engine from a junkyard or engine supplier. 
• Ensure Compatibility: Confirm that the new engine is compatible with your vehicle’s existing systems to avoid unnecessary complications and costs. 

Is it worth fixing a bad engine?

Sure. It’s simple economics. If the fixed car will provide reliable service long enough that the cost of repairing it is less than replacing it, then do it. Once a worn/old engine is properly rebuilt, the car is significantly more likely to operate reliably for another decade.

How much is an engine for a car?

How much does it cost to replace an engine? The replacement cost is going to vary greatly based on the vehicle, the year, and the type of engine you choose. It could be from $2000 to more than $10,000, and pricing it out based on your needs is key.