Does It Pay To Repower Your Car?

Buying a new car is an expensive proposition these days. Car payments can easily exceed $500 a month, and paying cash could mean you have to come up with $30,000 or more.

For that reason, many consumers are driving their old cars longer, until the engine finally breaks down. But even then, should you think about holding onto your car?

The Engine Repower Council, a trade association for mechanics who rebuild engines, is strongly pushing the concept of repowering your old car instead of buying a new one.

"Many people love the way their car looks and handles, but as a result of the severe winter weather seen by most of the country, many vehicle owners may experience engine trouble," said Ken Carter, chairman of the Engine Repower Council. "However, a damaged engine doesn't have to be the end of the car you love. Repowering your current engine is a sensible option, extending vehicle life and saving the cost of a new vehicle.

Boats and airplanes

Boats and airplanes have been repowered for years. With the high cost of new vehicles, and even late-model used ones, Carter says repowering can make a lot of sense for car owners too.

"Engine repowering makes economic sense," Carter said. "For the cost of an average down payment on a new car or truck, you can repower your current vehicle, gaining years of reliable service and improved fuel economy all without monthly car payments and higher insurance rates." 

When you repower an engine, a mechanic replaces the vehicle's engine with an identical one, or one from a similar vehicle. Before the switch, the engine is completely disassembled, cleaned, machined and remanufactured or rebuilt.  Carter says repowering doesn't rely on  junk yard engines with an unknown performance and maintenance history. He says  repowered engines are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs.

More energy efficient

In addition to their financial benefits, remanufactured/rebuilt engines also save the tremendous amount of energy used in processing discarded engines and vehicles. Repowering your engine also saves an incredible amount of raw materials that would have been used in building a new engine.

"A damaged engine doesn't have to be the end of the road for your beloved vehicle," continued Carter. "Repowering your engine is both an economically and environmentally sound decision."

You should only repower your vehicle if you plan to drive it several more years. That assumes the body and undercarriage are in good condition, with no dents or rust. Also, the interior should be free of major flaws, since you'll be living with this vehicle for years to come.

You should also consider the initial quality of the vehicle too. You don't want to spend money repowering an aging vehicle whose other, non-engine systems are on  the verge of breakdown.