Low Mileage Engines LLC is one of the premier sources for used engines in the United States. We advertise a lot of the benefits you get when you deal with us – free shipping to businesses, 1 year unlimited mile parts warranty, a free CARFAX to verify mileage on engines from US vehicles, and our commitment to excellence.

What you will never see us do, under any circumstances, is advertise “Cheap engines for sale.” Why? To folks who care about quality, “cheap” is a misleading, arbitrary term with a lot of implications that we just don’t like.

No matter what type of used engine you have and no matter who you buy from, any used engine you consider purchasing will have been made by the same company – the original manufacturer of the engine. Your replacement engine will have been made by the company that made the engine you’re replacing. A 2005 Liberty Jeep engine will only be made by a Jeep authorized company.

Why do I bring this up? You need to consider what causes price differences between companies. Folks who sell used engines source products come from the same place – vehicles that have gone through insurance salvage auctions. Manufacturing quality isn’t the issue determining price. There are other very important issues affecting price.

The first is the company’s ability to stand behind their warranty. At Low Mileage Engines, we pride ourselves in having one of the strongest warranties in the nation, and we stand behind it! We’ve found that many companies advertising “Cheap” engines have a hard time standing behind their warranty – they can’t afford to, because they’re broke!

The second issue that affects price is condition of the engine. While all used engines that will work for an application share a common ancestry, their histories can be radically different. I understand why customers find buying an engine for $500 less from one of my competitors alluring. But when our engine has lower miles that are CARFAX verified and isn’t out of a flood vehicle, we’re by far the better value. What is the better value: $1800 for an engine with unverified that sat half submerged in a pond for six hours, or $2300 for an engine that CARFAX certifies not to have any flood reports with verified mileage? Of course, the second option is best because you know what you’re getting.

Engines are priced as cheap engines when they don’t offer much value. The truth of the matter is that normally there isn’t much difference in price between a “cheap” engine and a good used engine. You might save $100, $200, etc up front on your purchase if you buy the cheap option, but you stand to lose a lot of money in the long run. Having to install more than one engine is expensive, and many times we sell to customers who bought from our competition to save $200 – only to come back to us later when they get a bad engine from someone else.

If you need a used engine, we would love to quote you. You can reach us at (800) 709-9233.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Several years ago I sold a 3.5L engine for an Infiniti G35 to a very nice man from Mississippi. This man was buying the engine for his wife, who loved the car. As far as stories go, I have plenty of them having been in this industry for the number of years that I have, but this story sticks out. It sticks out because Infiniti engines rarely fail – and they seem to never fail on when nearly new.

“I got the car for her, and just figured she would maintain it,” the husband explained to me. “But she never changed the oil, and it’s like silly putty in the oil pan.”

We had several low mileage engines for sale at the time and sent them the nicest one we had (the car was a 2003 Infiniti G35). As far as we know, they are still driving their G35 to this day.

This family spent thousands of dollars they wouldn’t have had to had they originally maintained their vehicle. It isn’t uncommon for us to encounter this since we sell engines.

There is, however, another side to this coin.

We sell a lot of engines to families who meticulously maintain their vehicles. Sometimes their engine has failed because they’ve just worn it out. There really isn’t any way around this type of failure, since you can’t change the design of an engine you own. The only thing you can control is how you drive in a case like that (read: not like a bat out of Hell).

There can be external factors that cause engine failure.

If you drive an Infiniti, be glad that your vehicle does not use a timing belt, but a timing chain. This is one of the greatest points of maintenance overlook for many vehicles, but you don’t have to deal with it. However, you must make sure to replace your water pump. This is one of the most common things I see destroy Infiniti engines. Why? Though lack of timing belt replacement causes a lot of engines to fail, most people do eventually change their timing belt (maybe not on schedule, but they have it done). Most shops worth their salt are going to recommend a water pump replacement at the time of that timing belt replacement, since when you replace a timing belt, you’ve done 90% of the work of replacing the water pump. As the owner of a vehicle with a timing chain that doesn’t require replacement as part of normal maintenance, you have to make sure to replace your water pump. If you don’t, and it fails, you could easily overheat your engine and destroy it. When that happens, you’ll have to call us.

Overheating isn’t just caused by failed water pumps.  You have to make sure that you maintain your overall cooling system. The best way to do this is to have a complete coolant flush and replacement every two years. To actually flush all the fluid, which is what you want, you will need to find a shop that has a special machine to flush out the old coolant. You should also have the shop check your hoses for cracking, leaks, and signs of wear. If they see any of these things, they should replace that hose. They should also check your actualr adiator, and all the radiator fittings. If you have an automatic transmission, you should have the radiator fluid flushed as well. You see, your automatic transmission runs its fluid through the radiator just like the engine coolant does (through a different system) and if it gets dirty not only damages the transmission but loses its ability to cool.

If you’re replacing an engine, you should always have your radiator back flushed and flow tested. If it doesn’t pass these tests, then don’t worry about getting the old radiator fixed – buy a new one. They’re cheap, and in many instances replacing your radiator is cheaper than having your radiator tested and then repairing it.

The last thing you need to know when you buy an Infiniti engine is that you should replace any and all maintenance parts on the engine before you put it in. You should replace your spark plugs, all belts and hoses, all filters (fuel, oil, air), and all fluids. We also highly recommend that you reseal your oil pan and your valve covers, since no one warranties gaskets or seals.

Popularity: 2% [?]

We recently added a history of Lincoln to our existing page on Lincoln engines. You will probably find this interesting – I know I did. The inter connectivity of Detroit during its early years as an auto production center is fascinating.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Very few people will have to replace an engine in their vehicle. The fact of the matter is that vehicles are being produced at quality levels only dreamed of 50 years ago. Drivers who perform normal maintenance expect 200,000 miles out of their vehicles, and they’re not crazy. It would be difficult to mass produce better quality engines and transmissions than what we have today from US, Japanese, and German automakers.

Folks still have problems. The occasional production fluke will cause an engine to fail – if the failure doesn’t occur in the engine itself, a radiator might fail. An oil pump might fail. Etc.

So what do you do when this happens? First, you hope that you’re under warranty! If you’re not, you’re probably going to have to buy a used engine.

Why buy used? Cost and benefit. Many people assume you should always buy “new parts.” This is true only if a suitable used part can’t be found. There is a saying that clicks with a lot of people: “All cars run on used parts.” It’s true! Think about it – as soon as a part is installed, and the vehicle is cranked up, used parts! Buying used parts from a quality auto dismantler can save you money. Buying a used engine can save a ton of money – 75% in some cases!

Buying a used engine has several advantages.

The first advantage is, as previously discussed, cost. New engines from the dealer can cost more than what your car is worth. Literally! Some brands don’t even sell long blocks – just a bare block, or heads. Your mechanic must then piece those together. A used engine is going to come assembled. Your mechanic will have to do prep work (if he doesn’t… then what kind of a mechanic is he?!) to be sure, but the work will be much less.

The second advantage is that a used engine has been proven. A low mileage used engine has been proven to work. You want to make sure you get an engine from a vehicle that was taken off of the road due to a wreck, and not due to mechanical failure. Remember, a good used engine would still be on the road if it weren’t for the wreck – it has many years of life left on it. Remanufactured engines have close to a 7% failure rate. They’re not proven yet. A good used engine has been proven!

The last benefit is a used engine typically requires less time to deal with. The install is easier since it comes more complete.

If you need a quote on a used engine, we have plenty of engines for sale. Give us a call 901-266-9996.

Popularity: 2% [?]

When automotive engines fail, vehicle owners are left with two options: getting rid of the vehicle, or engine replacement. If the vehicle in question is in good shape, engine replacement makes sense. Most drivers have never had to replace an engine though, and are therefore intimidated at going through this process. Three common worries are high cost, warranty issues, and finding a mechanic that is trustworthy. This article will address all three of these points and help you start and finish your engine replacement.

How much should engine replacement cost?

Before we can answer this question, you must first understand that there are three categories determining your total cost in engine replacement:

1. the engine itself
2. miscellaneous parts and fluids
3. labor costs

You have a few options that affect the cost of the engine: a new engine (factory overrun, in most cases), a remanufactured engine, or a used engine. New engines are overkill and very, very expensive. These are only recommended if your vehicle is still under warranty and the car manufacturer is covering the engine replacement cost. Remanufactured engines can be a great option if they are completely remanufactured by a reputable company. Jasper is one of the best remanufacturing companies. You pay a premium for a good remanufactured engine, so it’s not always your best option. Finally, there is the option of buying a used engine. We sell used engines with a free CARFAX to verify the mileage, and we feel that with our excellent warranty and fair pricing, used engines are your best option in engine replacement.

The second part of your cost is from miscellaneous parts and fluids. What falls into this category? Obviously coolant, oil, and an oil filter. Also, normal maintenance parts should be included in this – all belts (timing belt, serpentine, etc), spark plugs, the thermostat, and the water pump should be replaced. I also recommend replacing the rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, and resealing your oil pan (some pans use a gasket, some pans use a silicone sealant).

Lastly in regards to cost is your mechanic’s labor charge. Most mechanics use the “Mitchell Book” to determine how much to cost. The Mitchell book is a book of averages. For each vehicle, the time it takes to do common jobs is noted. If a job takes more time than the Mitchell book says, your mechanic shouldn’t charge you more. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if your mechanic finishes the job much faster than the Mitchell book specifies, your mechanic will not charge you less. Mechanics work to beat the Mitchell book – it’s essentially a commission system for them. If your mechanic waffles when it comes time to quote you a price on your engine install, run away, very, very quickly. Like I said, they have a book that tells them the number of hours required to do a job. Multiply that times their shop rate, and you have a price. Simple.

Tell me about Warranties

The next item folks worry about is warranty. No one wants to do an engine replacement and then have to buy another engine shortly after. That’s why we are Low Mileage Engines offer a 1 year unlimited mile part warranty. We also offer labor warranties as an optional purchase with each engine.

Tell me: How do I find a good mechanic to replace my engine?

I love answering this question, because it’s an easy question. The answer is to go to your local parts stores – Napa, Autozone, Oreilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, Carquest, etc, – and ask them to recommend you an installer. Don’t just go to one, go to several. You want to speak with the commercial manager at each place. They know who charges what and what quality work each shop they deal with has. They might even be able to hook you up with the ultimate win – a mechanic who works at a shop during the day, and out of their home by night. If you can get a connection like that – one who does good w0rk – you’ll save hundreds of dollars. With a little footwork, you can save money and find an honest mechanic.

I hope this article has been helpful. We’d love to help you with your engine replacement – if you need a good used engine, please call us at 901-266-9996.

Popularity: 9% [?]

In my years in the automotive industry, I’ve learned that Subaru owners love their cars with good reason (the Subaru commercials are not lying!). Subarus handle well, have powerful engines, and with a few exceptions seem to last “forever.” Most Subarus sold in the US for from 1996 until now have been based around the 4 cylinder, 2.5L EJ25 engine in some variation. The EJ25 is both loved and hated as it has many benefits and many weaknesses. It is my opinion that the benefits of the EJ25 engine far outweigh its weaknesses. These cars

The EJ25D was used from 1996-1999 in the Subar Impreza (1998) Legacy/Outback (1996-1999) and the Subaru Forester (1998). These first generation engines manifested the main weakness of the Subaru EJ25 engine: leaky head gaskets.  In most vehicles, a leaky head gasket is indicative of abuse. The same goes for the Subaru EJ25 engine. If you start to develop a leaky head gasket in your EJ25 engine, your vehicle’s “idiot light” (check engine light) will come on, and your temperature gauge will rise and indicate your engine is overheating. If you stop at this point, you can get away with replacing the headgasket. Some folks have had luck using a solution that Subaru sells to “plug” the headgasket. I personally do not recommend this solution as I’ve seen it lead to further problems. Some folks using it have had to replace not only their engine, but other parts (mostly related to the cooling system).

Cutting to the chase, EJ25 engines can develop a leaky head gasket because they get warmer than they should. They have a very short stroke and a wide bore. What this boils down to (pardon the pun) is an engine generating a lot of heat with comparatively little metal to dissipate it through. If the cooling system isn’t functioning flawlessly, these engines will overheat. When they overheat, it is common for the heads to warp and/or the blocks to crack. Rebuilding an EJ25 engine can thus be a waste of time and money.

It is best to replace your Subaru EJ25 Engine with a low mileage used engine. We’re proud to offer Low Mileage EJ25D engines (we offer all EJ25 engines) that have been extensively tested. We use a Simtest machine to run warm oil through the engines. They are then spun at high speed and extensively tested. They are compression tested to make sure each cylinder is withing recommended specifications. We also leakdown test each engine to verify the head gasket is good. With this extensive testing, we’re able to make sure we ship EJ25 engines that surpass our customer’s expectations and far outlast our standard warranty.

If you need a Subaru engine, we would love to help you. We’re experts – give us a call at 901-266-9996 (it is helpful to have your VIN handy.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Of the big three US us automakers, Ford seems to be doing the best. They didn’t have to take government loans, they didn’t get taken over, and they have some great models coming out (among them the Ford Escape Hybrid, which gets fantastic gas mileage). The F-150 continues to be the best selling truck in the country.

With great success comes huge numbers of sales, and with huge numbers of sales comes huge numbers of “freak incidents,” leading to folks needing replacement Ford engines. We just wanted to take a brief moment to make you aware of the differing Ford engines that we have available. This is the first in a multi-part series on Ford engines.

We do have good availability of Ford Contour engines. The Contour was powered by the 2.0L Zetec engine and the 2.5L Duratec engine. The 2.0L Zetech engine was also used in the Mercury Cougar and the Mercury Mystique, and has a bore of 84.8mm and a stroke of 88mm. The Zetech is not a bad engine, but it is a lower end motor. Care must be taken to change the timing belt at appropriate intervals. We recommend that when the timing belt is replaced that the customer also install a Gates timing componant kit and a new water pump. The 2.5L Duratech engine has an 89mm bore and a 100mm stroke. The 2.5L is a solid engine, and is also available in and SVT model that squeezes out more horsepower.

Popularity: 4% [?]

In the June 2009 issue of Engine Builder on page 30, I read some statistics the AAIA came up with that match our experience over the last 8 years of doing business. The statistics have to do with warranty claims on engines. Now, warranty claims are something that every company strives to avoid. They cost money and time to companies. At Low Mileage Engines, that’s not the main driving force behind avoiding warranties. We want to avoid them because we want our customers to have a fantastic experience with our company. What I was floored by was the way the statistics lined up with our experience that 3/4 of warranty claims on engines are actually customer installation or diagnostic problems. This is nationwide, and comes from statistics collected between 2008 and 2005. Here are the exact statistics with a citation (on page 3 of the PDF in bottom left).

Percentage of total rebuilt engine sales returned as warranty:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005
Returned 1.3% |  1.5% | 1.8%   | 1.9%

Percentage of warranty returns which are actually customer installation or diagnostic problems

2008  | 2007    | 2006  | 2005
Returned 77.1% | 71.6%  |72.8%  | 73.2%

That’s right – Over the last for years, about 3/4 of all warranty claims on engine installations were not legitimate. Notice the incredibly small percentage of installations that had warranty issues industry wide – 2%. Then not the huge percentage that small percent that essentially weren’t real. This is why it is so important that a knowledgeable mechanic install a replacement engine. Notice that I didn’t say certified! Some of the best mechanics I know are certified. Likewise, some of the worst mechanics I know are certified! What’s important is that the mechanic installing your engine is either a pro or is in training with a pro who can check his work. You should never let anyone touch your vehicle that is learning on your dollar.

So why is this so important? In the rare case of us getting a warranty claim, we always want to make sure that the situation is diagnosed properly. Doing so can save customers time and money and lines right up with our goal of “A happy customer.” Remember, according to these statistics, more than 98% of engine replacements go without a hitch. Engine replacement is a smart thing to consider if your engine fails!

That’s all for today, thanks for stopping in!

Popularity: 4% [?]

We sold an engine today to a customer with a 2000 Jaguar Vanden Plas who needed an engine not because the tensioners in his timing gears had failed, as is common with these engines, but whose plastic thermostat housing cracked. When he shared with me that Ford used a plastic thermostat housing on these engines, I shook my head. I had an excellent deal for him, and sold him the engine. He knew, of his own accord, to go ahead and replace the tensioners with the updated parts from Jaguar, and I was pleased by that – it makes sense to go ahead and do a job right, especially when you have the engine out.

It is always our privilege to work with  customers and guide them as we can. We take the guiding process seriously – we do this on an every day basis, whereas a lot of customers will only do this once or twice in their lives. Our salespeople will work with you, answer any questions you might have, and stick with you after the sale is completed.

As always, if you need a used engine, please call us at 901-266-9996 or visit 123lme.com and request a quote on an engine using our online form.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I’ve been observing price trends nationally, and Kia Rio engines are on the rise. As a company, we’ve sold many Kia Rio engines with excellent results for our customers. I’ve sold several of these engines lately, and I’m proud to say that we’re not raising our price on these engines, even though nationally it’s not uncommon for these engines to sell for $2100.00 (we sell ours for less than that – call for price).

Many customers are in shock when they price these engines; they don’t understand why the price is so high. Well, the fact of the matter is these vehicles are not as “worthless” as many folks assume. They get excellent gas mileage, and used vehicles in general have gone up sharply in price as sales on new vehicles have plummeted. The vehicles are also very reliable when maintained on Kia’s maintenance schedule. Finally, and here’s the kicker – Rio/Cinco engines are under incredibly high demand. Most customers needing one of these engines have had their timing belts break, and as these vehicles use an interference engine, there is no practical option other than getting another engine.

The good news is that we’re not raising our price on these engines. We work hard to buy these engines right so we can sell them right.

If you need a Kia rio used engine, please give us a call at 901-266-9996.

Popularity: 1% [?]