Re-built Engine... Disadvantages???

[::::BASSIST::::]

I'm buying a used car this weekend. I know the make & model I want is the Civic EX.

I called one guy (and noticed there are others) who said the car has a re-built engine and it has 217,000 Kilometres.

What are the disadvantages to a re-built engine?

By the way, when I am ready to actually hand over the money, how much money is sort of expected that I barter him down from his asking price? For example, if he's asking $3000 is it pushing it to offer $2800? This will be a private sale and not from a dealer.

[guy n. cognito]

"rebuilt" usually means "it-broke-down-and-I-had-it-fixed-by-the-cheapest-mechanic-I-could-find."

Personally, I would never buy a car with a rebuilt engine.

[MakiSupaStar]

With Honda's the engines usually last a long time. What starts to go, are all the rubber and plastic parts around the engine. Belts, boots, hoses, and other little parts. My Honda also has a problem with rust on the body. It's these things, and interior pieces that start nickel and diming you to death.

[rollerberg2000]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

I'm buying a used car this weekend. I know the make & model I want is the Civic EX.

I called one guy (and noticed there are others) who said the car has a re-built engine and it has 217,000 Kilometres.

What are the disadvantages to a re-built engine?

By the way, when I am ready to actually hand over the money, how much money is sort of expected that I barter him down from his asking price? For example, if he's asking $3000 is it pushing it to offer $2800? This will be a private sale and not from a dealer.

When I find a vehicle I'm interested in, I go to KBB (kelly blue book) enter all the pertinent info, and come up with the bottom price between two parties to base my offer on. If I can't get it for KBB or less, I always walk. There will be a better deal, never get emotionally involved when buying a car. That would be a great discipline when it came to bass gear as well, but I seem to ignore that

[Mike N]

No problem with a rebuilt engine. Cheaper than a new one, they generally replace the wear items like the pistons, bearings, camshaft, oil pump, all gaskets etc...... while re-using the crank, block and rods. Hopefully at the same time the head was gone through; valves ground, springs checked and installed to the proper height, new seals and such. I've run rebuilts and rebuilt many of my own with no issues.

As far as prices, I've found KBB values to be way too high. Offer what you're willing to pay for the car. Worst thing that can happen is they say no. Years ago I looked at a Blazer for sale that needed some work. Sign in the window read $850 firm. I asked if he was firm at $850, he said "yup", so I said I'll give you $600 for it and he took it.

[::::BASSIST::::]

KBB says what I am after is worth $3100usd. That seems about right from the avg prices I'm seeing on CL. But of course, where I live the prices are listed in Cdn.

[UncleFluffy]

is that 217km on the rebuilt engine? I'm guessing not, so how recent was the rebuild? Does the seller have paperwork showing what was done?

[::::BASSIST::::]

is that 217km on the rebuilt engine? I assume so as thats what the ad said. Not sure about the other details. English was not his first language. I'm basically just checking stuff out. Probably wont be the one I buy.

I'm just wondering about possible concerns about buying a re-built engine.

[Pilgrim]

KBB is always too high. Use the used car appraiser at Edmunds.com. It's much more realistic and will give you a range of values.

[UncleFluffy]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

is that 217km on the rebuilt engine? I assume so as thats what the ad said. Not sure about the other details. English was not his first language. I'm basically just checking stuff out. Probably wont be the one I buy.

I'm just wondering about possible concerns about buying a re-built engine.

It's difficult to say without knowing what "rebuilt" means - it could mean the owner put in a new head gasket at home without even a torque wrench - or it could be a professionally rebuilt engine bought as a complete unit.

Personally, I'd play safe and say "no" for that price and mileage.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

"rebuilt" usually means "it-broke-down-and-I-had-it-fixed-by-the-cheapest-mechanic-I-could-find."

Personally, I would never buy a car with a rebuilt engine.

I'm with this. Rebuilt could mean anything. Maybe he stuck a new battery and spark plugs in it and calls it "rebuilt".

[MakiSupaStar]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

KBB is always too high. Use the used car appraiser at Edmunds.com. It's much more realistic and will give you a range of values.

+1. You'll want to pay between the auction (what a dealer pays for a vehicle) and private party price.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Having rebuilt numerous engines with various levels of machining required and with varying amount of new parts put in, I strongly second the comment about different kinds of "rebuilds".

Nothing wrong with a competently rebuilt engine, be that done either by a pro or by a hobbyist. If it's done correctly, with right tools, the engine will outlive the chassis. Twice .

How old is the car BTW, that has a HUGE impact on the price .

Unless Your DMV keeps the records of the vehicles kilometer's and/or it's illegal to change the odometer, I'd take the odometer reading as a loose guideline. Door hinges, drivers seat, pads on the pedals, steering wheel etc. is much better indication of the kilometers.

Regards
Sam

[DUC1098]

There is nothing wrong with a professionally rebuilt engine. I had a 67 firebird that I had the engine rebuilt for. Worked great for over 30k miles, till some woman late for a job interview rear ended it and totaled it. She didn't make her interview by the way.

The difference you need to look at is who did the rebuild. A professional rebuild is just as good, if not occasionally better than, the factory engine.

It is those back yard "redneck rebuilds" you want to avoid. You know, the ones with the "extra parts" left over after reassembly.

[Jefenator]

A rebuild by an idiot is not a rebuild - I learned that one the hard way.

[Let It Fall]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

I'm buying a used car this weekend. I know the make & model I want is the Civic EX.

I called one guy (and noticed there are others) who said the car has a re-built engine and it has 217,000 Kilometres.

What are the disadvantages to a re-built engine?

By the way, when I am ready to actually hand over the money, how much money is sort of expected that I barter him down from his asking price? For example, if he's asking $3000 is it pushing it to offer $2800? This will be a private sale and not from a dealer.

if possible always take your time.

Use craiglook and be willing to travel. Saves me TONS.

I always go to nadaguides.com whatever they say the vehicle is worth I usually offer 70% of it.

[Unrepresented]

A rebuilt engine isn't necessarily a bad thing. For instance, I'd rather have a high mileage car with a fresh rebuild in it than a high mileage car with the stock one. As most here are saying, have the seller provide you with the details of the rebuild -- paperwork from the mechanic obviously being worth more to you than his word. A quality rebuild is a good thing -- you're getting a healthier motor than an old and tired one -- while clearly a poor rebuild isn't.

[buzzbass]

it really depends on who did the rebuild.

[::::BASSIST::::]

97 blue Honda Civic EX, 4 door, 155,000 kms, no accidents, 2nd owner, no rust, Aircared until 2012. Power windows, power locks, power steering, AC, cruise control, air bags, tilt steering. Great commuter car.... excellent on gas. Original owner's son was a mechanic and maintained the car well. Regular oil changes. Since purchasing in 2007 I have replaced the timing belt, both drive shafts, O2 sensor, both brake cylinders... receipts available. New tires purchased approx. 10,000 kms ago. I am only selling because I need something larger with 2 kids.

Should I be concerned about the work done on it? If things keep breaking and needing to be fixed... I don't want to buy a lemon.

[buzzbass]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Should I be concerned about the work done on it? If things keep breaking and needing to be fixed... I don't want to buy a lemon.

those could all be considered wear items, and would/will need to be swapped out over time.