New Engine for Second Hand Car (Positive or Negative)?

John Kimble on 06/06/2018 - 18:30
Last edited 06/06/2018 - 18:31

Hi,

Just looking for some opinions.

My dad bought a new car and generously gave me his old one at beginning of the year, a 2010 European make hatch with only 50k kms. Pretty good nick, but with a growing family we need a bigger car, so looking to sell.

About a month ago, out of the blue, engine warning lights appeared, the car started shuddering whilst idle and on the freeway, it lost power.
If I tried to go too fast, it would shudder. I still limped home at around 50kmph in an 80 zone.

Took it back to the dealer and surprisingly they replaced the whole engine for free (worth about $11k), saying the cause was a cracked piston…a known manufacturing defect.

Have since done about 2k to 3k (could be less actually, I'm just guessing) on the new engine with no issues.

Should I disclose a new engine in the ad like its a selling point? Or only let people know if they ask?

Would you consider this a positive or negative?

On one hand, I think people might think great, brand new engine, almost like getting a new car!

On the other I think people might think, what else might go wrong with it…

Just quietly, I still think there could be another issue…gearbox maybe? It seems to not select the correct gear at the right time in certain situations, most noticeably off a standing start. Unless I'm just not used to it yet? Dad said gearbox was already replaced a few years ago when recalled, so you would think no, right?!

Cheers,
Regards,
DJK

Poll Options

  • 40
    New engine = positive
  • 3
    New engine = negative
Automotive

Comments

  • blonky on 06/06/2018 - 18:37
    +9

    Known issue fixed + brand new engine = positive for me

    • SPCTRE on 06/06/2018 - 18:45

      If it’s replaced with the same engine just brand new, wouldn’t that mean it will happen again in the future unless they have actually fixed the root cause of cracked pistons?

      • John Kimble on 06/06/2018 - 19:14

        They said the new engine shouldn't have the same defect, but who knows…

  • Randxyz123 on 06/06/2018 - 19:10
    +4

    My dad bought a new car and generously gave me his old one at beginning of the year, a 2010 European make hatch with only 50k kms.

    Why not just say the name of the car? I'm guessing it's a 2010 model golf which were well known for having terrible gearboxes.

    Anyway surely an engine replacement is a positive. Keep all receipts and everything.

    I'd take it back once more to have the gearbox checked.

    • John Kimble on 06/06/2018 - 19:14

      Meh, dunno. Trying to keep the focus on the engine…But could have done that better by leaving out the last paragraph I suppose…ha

      • altomic on 06/06/2018 - 20:25
        +4

        wink wink , "Trying to keep the focus on the engine"

        Ford Focus

  • TheBilly on 06/06/2018 - 21:03
    +1

    Only if somebody asks should you mention it. If they're asking in the first place it means they know about model specific issues and they are clued up about the car. If I saw a car with a new engine, I would just move on thinking what other poor manufacturing processes affected this batch, as the lemons usually occur in batches.

    • rompastompa on 06/06/2018 - 21:45
      +2

      lemons usually occur on branches.

      • Nugs on 07/06/2018 - 06:09

        gold.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 06/06/2018 - 21:51
    +1

    for me i wonldn't buy a car with replaced engine, dont know if any other thing may go wrong.

  • SmiTTy on 07/06/2018 - 01:28
    +1

    Depends.
    Is it a brand new engine? It so, great selling point. Sort of a brand new car!

    But I'd be surprised a dealer has a brand new 2010 model engine lying around in spares.

    Or is it a "brand new second hand" engine? The same engine without the known problem and has done an unknown number of KMs..? In which case, bad selling point.

    • John Kimble on 07/06/2018 - 07:35

      Hmmm, no idea. They said brand new engine that should have not have the same defect. It took about a month because they had to get it shipped in, as you said, they didn't just have one lying around.

      Might have to clarify with them. Thanks.

  • Nugs on 07/06/2018 - 06:11

    the dealer wouldn't but the manufacturer (well distributor) would.

    best case scenario it was a mechanic rebuilt engine - better than factory jobbies.

    .

  • HighAndDry on 07/06/2018 - 10:08
    +1

    Should I disclose a new engine in the ad like its a selling point?

    Definitely positive. Especially if people have done the research and know about the manufacturing defect. So not only does the car come with a new engine, but it's also NOT got the known defect. Win-win.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/06/2018 - 17:19
    +1

    So you got a mark 5 golf, of course the engine and gearbox are sh17

  • [Deactivated] on 07/06/2018 - 21:12

    If its still under warranty I would put it on the market and flog it off. Next time its $11k out of your own pocket.

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