What to do with your old engine after purchasing a new one

When you’re forced to replace your engine—due to an instant breakdown or just because you need an upgrade—you’re left with an enormous question: what do you do with your old engine? It’s too precious to toss carelessly away, but not quite good enough in the way it is. This manual reviews your best available options for profitably and responsibly getting rid of your used engine, and more importantly, it shows you how you can purchase high-quality used and replacement engines from us at reasonable prices.

We don’t just offer expert advice—we provide you with tested, proven, and plug-and-play engines for numerous various vehicles. So, while you upgrade, we’re on hand to deliver the power you require.

Table of Contents

Why You Shouldn’t Just Scrap Your Old Engine

Before we explore what you can do with your old engine, it’s useful to mention why you shouldn’t dispose of it hastily:

Environmental stewardship: Used engines contain oil, metals, and chemicals that will taint landfills.
Resale value: Whether it’s in working or non-working condition, engines have valuable parts or can be rebuilt.
Core charge refunds: Most engine retailers—ourselves included—offer discounts or refunds when you return your old engine core.

Bottom line: your old engine is worth money. Let’s explore how you can cash in on that.

1. Trade In the Old Engine as a Core (Credit Toward a New Engine)

When you buy a replacement engine from us—a remanufactured, rebuilt, or low-mileage used engine—you might be able to trade in your old engine core.

What Is an Engine Core?

An engine core is your first engine block which will be repurchased or rebuilt. We use these cores for the reconstruction of engines or to recover usable components, saving resources and reducing waste.

Why Return Your Core?

Receive a core refund or discount
Help preserve the environment
Make disposal simple—just return it to us

Pretty many of our customers qualify for core refunds of $150 to $500, depending on the engine type.

2. Sell Your Used Engine to Auto Recyclers or Core Buyers

Another option is selling your used engine to:

Local salvage yards or junkyards
Specialty core buyers
Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist

How Much Can You Expect?

You may get between $100 and $1000 depending upon the make, model, and health of your used engine.

Honesty is the best policy while listing the engine condition and mileage, and don’t forget to drain the oil and fluids before sale.

3. Rebuild It or Sell It to Someone Who Will

If the old engine is not completely wrecked, rebuilding is a popular choice. Tinkerers and mechanics look for rebuildable engines as bargain projects.

Engine Rebuilding May Involve:

Worn-out internal parts replaced
Cylinders honed
Bearings, rings, and gaskets replaced

You might not be willing to do it yourself—but there’s an entire community of purchasers who will.

Tip: Include detailed specifications when you’re selling your engine, like displacement, mileage, if it will crank over, etc.

4. Sell it for Spare Parts

Old engines contain many parts that can be salvaged and resold individually:

Alternators
Starters
Fuel injectors
Sensors
Manifolds
Heads
Crankshafts
Pistons and rods

If you’re willing to dismantle the engine, you’ll sell more by breaking the pieces up than selling the block intact.

5. Give It Away for DIY Projects or Education

Technical schools, vocational programs, and home mechanics sometimes accept old engines for:

Training students
Experimentation
Conversions (e.g., lawn mowers, go-karts)

You may not make money from donating, but it’s an excellent way to help the next generation of mechanics while avoiding disposal fees.

6. Repurpose It for Creative or Industrial Use

If you’re feeling creative, old engines can be transformed into:

Engine-block coffee tables
Metal art sculptures
Barbecue smokers
Industrial-style décor

You’ll be surprised what people are willing to buy—engine-block furniture is a niche market in itself!

7. Recycle It Properly

If none of the above options work for you, recycling your engine is still better than tossing it in the trash.

How to Recycle:

Drain all fluids
Separate recyclable components (steel, aluminum)
Take it to a certified metal recycler

You may not make money from it, but it’s the right thing to do environmentally.

Need a Replacement Engine? Buy a High-Quality Replacement from Us

We’re not just here to help with your old engine—we’re also your number one supplier of high-quality second-hand and replacement engines.

Below are some of our best-selling engine models:

✅ Toyota 2TR-FE Engine – Best for Hilux, Fortuner, and Tacoma

Specs:

2.7L inline-4
DOHC 16-valve
VVT-i technology
160–164 HP
Fits models 2004–2022

✅ Nissan QD32 Turbo Diesel Engine – Best for Patrol and Terrano

Specs:

3.2L inline-4 diesel
Turbocharged
Direct injection
100–110 HP
Durable for off-road and commercial use

✅ BMW N63B44 Engine – For Adventure-Seekers

Features:

4.4L twin-turbo V8
Direct fuel injection
400–523 HP depending on the model
Matches BMW 5, 6, 7 Series, and X5/X6

✅ Isuzu 4JB1-TCH Engine – Diesel Monster

Features:

2.8L turbo diesel
Inline-4, water-cooled
Great fuel economy
Used in trucks, pickups, and heavy industrial machinery

✅ Mercury Verado 350HP Outboard Engine – Marine Supremacy

Features:

4-stroke, 6-cylinder
Supercharged
350 HP
Advanced MidSection for enhanced smoothness
Ideal for fishing, commercial, or recreational purposes

All of our engines are:

✅ Inspected and tested for reliability
✅ Released with warranty
✅ Prepared for export shipping
✅ Backed by expert customer support

We offer remanufactured, rebuilt, and low-mileage used engines for a wide range of makes and models.

Having trouble choosing the right engine? Talk to our staff—we’ll walk you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do you accept my old engine back if I buy a new one from you?
A: Yes! We carry core return programs on many of our engines. You may be due for a core refund that will save you money.

Q: May I trade in my old engine?
A: Yes, in a majority of cases. We have arrangements with core buyers and recycling centers. We can tell you about trading up when you purchase your new engine.

Q: What engines do you carry?
A: We carry a wide variety of engines including Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, BMW, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Yanmar, and more. Call us with your make/model/year of the vehicle, and we’ll find you the correct engine.

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. We ship all over the world and handle customs forms for almost all countries. Our engines are covered and crated in transit.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Old Engine Go to Waste

Your reliable old engine still has life in it—either as a rebuild core, spare components, or even garage decor. Max out its value, save the environment, and get your ride to the next level with confidence.

And when replacement engine time arrives, we’re here for you. Our inventory includes dependable, budget-friendly engines for personal applications, commercial applications, and industrial applications.

Call Us Now

Ready to buy your next engine—or want guidance on what to do with the old one?

Call us today.
We can help you make a smart, cost-effective, and eco-friendly decision.

What to do with your old engine after purchasing a new one from us

What to do with your old engine after purchasing a new one

Why You Shouldn’t Just Scrap Your Old Engine