Will a Dealership Take a Car That Requires an Engine Swap?

Can You Trade in a Car That Needs an Engine Swap?

Yes, most dealerships will accept a car that needs an engine swap, but they will likely offer a much lower trade-in value due to the cost of repairs. Some dealerships may refuse to take a car that doesn’t run, while others may still accept it if they can resell it as-is or repair it for resale.

How a Bad Engine Affects Trade-In Value

Options If Your Car Needs an Engine Swap

1. Trade It In to a Dealership

✅ Some dealerships accept non-running cars but will deduct repair costs from the trade-in value.

2. Sell It to a Junkyard or Salvage Dealer

✅ A junkyard will pay for the scrap value, which can be $500–$2,000, depending on the car.

3. Sell It Privately “As-Is”

✅ You may get a better price from someone willing to fix the car themselves.

4. Replace the Engine Before Trading It In

✅ If the car is valuable enough, replacing the engine before trade-in may yield a higher resale value.

How Much Will a Dealership Deduct for a Bad Engine?

• Small Cars (Honda, Toyota, Ford Focus, etc.) → $2,000–$5,000
• Luxury or Sports Cars (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Mustang, Camaro, etc.) → $5,000–$10,000+
• Trucks & SUVs (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Jeep, etc.) → $4,000–$8,000

Final Thoughts

Yes, a dealership may take a car that needs an engine swap, but expect a very low trade-in offer. If your car is non-running, selling it to a private buyer or junkyard may be a better option.

FAQs

1. Will a dealership accept a trade-in with a blown engine?

Some will, but they will offer significantly less or send it to auction.

2. Should I replace my engine before trading in my car?

If the car is worth more than the repair, replacing the engine can increase resale value.

3. Can I sell my car to CarMax if it needs an engine swap?

Yes, CarMax buys non-running cars, but their offer will reflect repair costs.

4. How much will a dealership pay for a car with a bad engine?

Expect to get $500–$2,000 for a non-running car, or a few thousand less than market value if it still runs.

5. Where else can I sell my car if the dealership won’t take it?

Try junkyards, salvage buyers, private buyers, or online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.