Buying a used engine starts with knowing the specifics of what you want in an engine. This will narrow down your search tremendously and will get everything on the right track. After getting the specifics of the engine out of the way there are specific things to look for when buying a used engine;
1. Ensure that the engine meets your specification to the T otherwise you may end up with an ill-fitting engine that you can do absolutely nothing with.
2. Avoid being scammed by dealers both online and in person. Know the right questions to ask and be careful of pushy sales people or deals that just seem too good to be true.
3. Request a VIN or a history check on the engine you are interested in. Make sure the check comes back with the full history report of the engine before you make any payment. Some engines may appear to be in great condition but can in fact be the victims of flooding or even rebuilding.
4. Opt for engines with the lowest mileage possible. However, if these engines do not have good history results then forget them as low mileage engines in poor conditions do not make any sense.
5. Only buy engines with warranties and ask for the option to upgrade that warranty if it is less than 1 year. You will have to pay for the upgrade but it will be worth it in long run if something goes wrong with the engine during the warranty period.
6. Be wary of one time sellers or someone who only has one engine to sell. It is more difficult to get an accurate engine history from these sellers.
7. Choose to buy from online sites that are recommended by friends. This will provide wider variety because the online market is bigger and in addition will provide a somewhat safer environment for shopping as it was already tried and tested by a friend.
When buying used engines always do the background checks and be wary of sweet deals or pushy sellers. Take all the time you need to make the right decisions for your vehicle. Hasty and uninformed decisions may result in you being scammed and receiving an engine that may end up becoming a money pit. The tips above will help you to know what to look for when buying a used engine.