Is a Used Engine Worth It? Running Tested vs Untested Engines Explained

Name: All Good Parts
Brand: All Good Parts
Rating: 5 (33 reviews)

May 7, 2026

Engine problems hit hard. One day the car runs fine, next day it overheats or knocks. Then the mechanic says the engine needs replacing. The quote for a new one is often too high.

So what’s the real option?

Most people in Australia go for used engines in Melbourne from wreckers. It costs less and gets the car back on the road quicker.

With living costs rising across Australia, more drivers are choosing second hand car parts instead of new replacements.

It’s not just about saving money. It’s about keeping the car running without spending more than it’s worth.

Is Buying a Used Engine Worth It in Australia?

Yes, in many cases it is.

If your car is older or has done high kilometres, a brand new engine rarely makes sense. The cost can go well beyond the value of the car.

A used engine works when:

the rest of the car is still in good condition
the repair cost needs to stay low
you need a quicker fix

But it depends on where you buy from. Not all engines are checked the same way.

That’s why people dealing with used engines Melbourne suppliers usually ask one key question first. Was the engine tested before removal?

What Is a Running Tested Engine vs Untested Engine?

This is where most buyers get confused.

1. Running tested engine

This means the engine was still running in the car before it was removed.

We usually:

start the engine
listen for knocking or ticking
check for smoke from exhaust
look for oil leaks
observe idle and vibration

Only after that, the engine is removed.

At All Good Parts, engines are taken out from vehicles that were still running where possible. That reduces the risk of selling a faulty unit.

2. Untested engine

This is removed without running the car first.

Common reasons:

accident damage
electrical issues preventing start
car already dismantled

So, no one really knows how the engine performs. That’s where the risk comes in.

Running Tested vs Untested: Risk vs Reward

Let’s keep it simple.

1. Running tested engines

higher price than untested
lower risk
more confidence during installation

2. Untested engines

cheaper upfront
higher chance of hidden issues
may cost more later if faulty

So, the real question is not just price. It’s what happens after installation. We’ve seen cases where a cheaper untested engine failed within days. Then the owner paid labour twice.

That’s why many workshops prefer running tested engines. It saves trouble later.

Are Second Hand Engines Reliable in Melbourne?

They can be reliable if sourced properly. A used engine is still a used part. It has wear.

But if it comes from a well-maintained vehicle and has been checked, it can last years.

We often see engines from written-off cars that had front or rear damage but the drivetrain was fine.

Those engines are usually good candidates. Reliability depends on:

how the donor car was maintained
kilometres driven
how the engine was stored
whether it was tested

That’s why buying from a proper wrecker matters.

How Much Does a Car Engine Replacement Cost in Australia?

This is one of the main reasons people choose used.

Typical car engine replacement cost Australia:

New engine: $5000 to $12000 or more
Used engine: $1500 to $5000 depending on model
Labour: $800 to $2000

Prices vary based on vehicle and engine type.

So yes, using second hand car parts can cut the total cost by more than half. That’s why demand for used engines in Melbourne has gone up.

Is It Safe to Buy Used Engines from Wreckers?

Yes, if the wrecker follows proper checks. A good warehouse will:

inspect the engine before removal
confirm basic performance
drain fluids and store it correctly
provide details about the donor vehicle

At All Good Parts, engines are checked and handled properly before sale. We deal with engines regularly, so we know what to avoid.

But not every seller does this. So, always ask questions before buying.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Engine?

Buyers often skip this part and regret it later. Check these things:

1. Engine compatibility

Make sure it matches your exact model and year.

2. Kilometres

Lower is usually better, but condition matters more.

3. Test status

Was it running tested or not?

4. Warranty

Even a short warranty helps.

5. Visible condition

Look for leaks, cracks, or damage.

6. Source of the engine

Accident vehicle or mechanical failure? These checks reduce risk.

Do Used Engines Come With Warranty in Australia?

Some do, some don’t. Most reliable wreckers offer a limited warranty. It may cover:

start-up issues
major internal faults

It usually does not cover labour or wear over time.

At All Good Parts, warranty terms are explained clearly before purchase. That helps avoid confusion later.

Always confirm this before buying.

How Long Does a Used Engine Last?

There’s no fixed number, but a good used engine can last several years. We’ve seen engines run well past 100,000 km after replacement.

It depends on:

how it was used before
how well it was maintained after installation
oil changes and servicing

But a poorly tested engine can fail quickly. That’s why the testing step matters more than anything.

What Are the Risks of Buying an Untested Engine?

This is where problems happen. With untested engines, you may face:

internal damage not visible outside
worn bearings or pistons
oil burning issues
overheating problems

The engine might look fine but fail after installation. Then you pay labour again to remove it. That’s why cheaper does not always mean better.

Where Can You Buy Tested Used Engines in Melbourne?

Look for wreckers who handle engines regularly and can confirm testing. Avoid sellers who cannot answer basic questions about the engine.

For used engines Melbourne, All Good Parts is one of the suppliers that focuses on running tested engines. We deal with vehicles that are dismantled after checks, not just stripped and sold.

So, you know what you are getting.

Final Thoughts

Engine replacement is expensive. There’s no way around it. But using second hand car parts makes it manageable. A used engine can save thousands if chosen carefully.

The key point is simple.

Always ask if the engine was running tested. That one detail changes everything.

If you are in Melbourne and need a replacement, check the source, ask questions, and avoid rushing into the cheapest option. That’s how you keep the car running without extra problems later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is buying a used engine worth it in Australia?

Answer: Yes, in most cases it is. If your car is older, a new engine usually costs too much compared to the car’s value. A used engine gives you a working fix at a lower cost.