Sell a Car With a Blown Engine
A blown or seized engine doesn't stop a sale: the offer is based on the rest of the vehicle — body, transmission, catalytic converter, parts demand and metal weight. Price depends on model year, make and model, whether it runs or drives, and title status. Across all conditions, JunkUrCar instant offers (Mar 2022–Oct 2026) had a median of $3,925 for 2018+ vehicles vs $300 for pre-2008, and 78% of accepted 2018+ offers were $1,000 or more. Offers are not guaranteed.
Updated
What sets the offer
- A newer model year keeps far more value even with a dead engine, because the body and interior are still in demand.
- Parts demand for the model is part of how the offer is set.
- A car that won't start is priced as a non-runner; tell us honestly so the offer holds.
- Title status (a clean title in your name or not) is part of how the offer is set.
Real offers by model year (all conditions)
Real instant offers for junk cars in all vehicles, Mar 2022–Oct 2026. Our data does not record vehicle condition, so these figures cover all conditions — not only cars with this problem. Groups with fewer than 5 offers are hidden. Offers are not guaranteed.
| Model years | Median offer | Middle half | Offers (n) | Accepted offers $1,000+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018+ | $3,925 | $1,500–$7,100 | 2,062 | 78% (of 9) |
| 2013–17 | $575 | $350–$1,125 | 6,814 | 30% (of 93) |
| 2008–12 | $375 | $250–$525 | 10,676 | 15% (of 119) |
| pre-2008 | $300 | $225–$400 | 22,823 | 5% (of 194) |
Repair or sell?
- Get a written repair quote, then compare it with what the car would be worth running and with the offer you get today.
- An engine replacement on an older car often costs more than the car is worth once it runs. On a newer, low-mileage car the repair can make sense — compare both numbers before deciding.
- If the engine seized from oil loss or overheating, other parts may be damaged too; a shop estimate should say so.
Title and paperwork
- Have the title in your name, plus a photo ID that matches it.
- If there's still a loan, the lender holds the title — see the lien payoff notes on our car-with-a-loan page.
Rules vary by state. See the paperwork guide and title requirements by state.
Value pages for popular 2013+ vehicles
- 2015 Toyota Corolla junk value (2015–2019 median $2,650, all conditions)
- 2015 Toyota Camry junk value (2015–2019 median $1,875, all conditions)
- 2015 Toyota RAV4 junk value (2015–2019 median $4,925, all conditions)
- 2017 Toyota Tacoma junk value (2015–2019 median $7,825, all conditions)
- 2013 Toyota Prius junk value (2010–2014 median $1,500, all conditions)
- 2019 Toyota Highlander junk value (2015–2019 median $8,475, all conditions)
- 2014 Toyota Avalon junk value (2010–2014 median $2,250, all conditions)
Questions
Can I sell a car with a blown engine?
Yes. Offers for cars with blown or seized engines are based on the rest of the vehicle — body, transmission, catalytic converter and parts demand — and the car is towed for free.
Is a seized engine the same as a blown engine for a sale?
For pricing, both mean the engine doesn't run. Describe the problem honestly so the offer reflects it.
Should I fix the engine before selling?
Only if the repair quote is well below the difference between the car's running value and today's offer. Otherwise selling as-is usually leaves you with more money.
Do I need the keys?
No. The car is loaded with a flatbed, so it doesn't need to start or roll on its own.
Common cars we see offers for
Model years with 5 or more real instant offers in our price index. Offers are not guaranteed.
Get your instant offer
Enter your vehicle and describe the problem. Free towing. Offers are not guaranteed.
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