A new engine replacement in Arizona typically costs about $6,000 to $12,000 installed, though larger, turbocharged, diesel, or luxury engines may exceed $20,000. The final price depends on the engine type, labor, vehicle complexity, additional parts, and warranty coverage.
The price of an engine replacement in Arizona is, generally speaking, around $6,000 to $12,000 for most cars, passenger and light-duty, that are being serviced.
When it comes to cheaper options, one could be looking at around the lower end of the spectrum for replacing a 4-cylinder engine, while a more expensive job is the replacement of a V6/V8 or turbo diesel engine, which could go up from $10,000 to $20,000 or above depending on various factors.
It is prudent to assume that these are just estimates and the actual cost of the service depends on the condition of vehicle, its year, make and model, drive system, etc.
What “New Engine” Means
The term “new engine” is often used loosely. A shop may quote one of four different products:
- A brand-new OEM engine manufactured or supplied by the vehicle manufacturer
- A new aftermarket or crate engine
- A remanufactured engine restored to specified tolerances
- A used salvage engine removed from another vehicle
A truly new OEM engine is typically the most expensive option out there. According to current retail listings, long block engines alone cost anywhere from about $2,000 to more than $5,500 prior to installation, depending on the application. New crate engines from manufacturers can exceed $5,000, while special performance engines can be much more expensive.
You will find remanufactured engines used more often in day-to-day automotive repairs, since a brand-new OEM unit may either not be available or cost too much. According to Kelley Blue Book, general remanufactured engine prices are in the range from $5,000 to $9,000, while rebuilt engines could cost in the range of $3,500 to $6,000, although the installation requirements and the components depend on the estimate.
Labor and Installation Costs
Replacing an engine involves more than just paying for the engine itself. The old engine has to be disconnected and removed, any useful accessories must be replaced as well, and fluids must be added after the new one is fitted to the vehicle and tested. A standard engine replacement usually requires 10 to 15 hours of labor, although if you own an unconventional vehicle, you may need even more time.
According to AAA’s discussion of national repair shop pricing, most repair shops currently charge somewhere between $120 and $159 per labor hour. Estimates in Arizona do not differ much from this either, but dealerships and specialty shops for European, diesel, or performance vehicles may charge much higher rates.
Thus, labor alone may add about $1,500 to $4,000 to the bill. Overall expenses typically include such items as coolant, oil, refrigerant service, motor mounts, belts, hoses, filters, spark plugs, seals, sensors, exhaust lines, programming, towing, taxes, and shop supplies. A refundable core charge may also be assessed until the defective engine is returned to the distributor, and current engine listings are such that the core deposit may be several hundred dollars.
How to Evaluate an Arizona Estimate
Inquire of the repair shop if the estimated charges cover new, remanufactured, used, and rebuilt engines; if it is a complete engine assembly or just a long block; and which of the engine accessories should be reused. The quote should clearly distinguish between parts and labor costs as well as taxes, fluids, programming charges, core charges, and suggested additional repairs.
The conditions of the warranty are of equal significance, too. Take into account the warranty mileage and time period, whether it covers labor and parts, and whether the guarantee is fulfilled by different repair shops or only at the shop that installs the service.
At last, contrast the total cost incurred by the repair with the current market value and expected lifetime of the vehicle under repair. For instance, it may be rational to spend $9,000 on a reliable vehicle of a newer model, while, as for an old car valued at $5,000, the same repair may not be economically feasible.
