Is It Worth Fixing an Engine-Damaged Car or Selling It?

Having to contemplate engine damage car is a difficult position for any car owner to be in. You have two choices, both of which would require a significant sum of your hard-earned money: pay the repair bills or just sell the vehicle and possibly take a loss on the sale. This is a position that you could find yourself in when you think to yourself, "Should I fix my engine-damaged car or should I just sell it?" If you're in the UAE and asking this question, you are certainly not alone.

At KharabCar.com, we help people in this very situation every single day. Whether your car has just suddenly broken down, you have an RTA test failed car, or your car has experienced issues with its engine over an extended period of time, we're here to determine the best route for you that can save you money, time, and headaches.

In this blog post, we are going to explain what the real costs are for fixing engine damage, when to decide that it's better to sell your damaged car, and how you can still potentially sell your damaged vehicle and turn it into cash immediately in the UAE.

Understanding Engine Failure: What Are You Up Against?

Let’s be clear about this — not all engine issues are the same. Sometimes a sensor fails, or a spark plug malfunctions, which is an easy fix. Other times, an engine really fails or seizes due to overheating and oil starvation — maybe even a blown head gasket.

Here are some signs that you have serious engine damage: 

• Unusual knocking or ticking noise(s)
• Engine warning light stays ON
• Overheating issues
• Smoke from the exhaust
• Loss of power or total engine failure

If your mechanic has told you that there is critical engine damage, and especially if you have damage to the crankshaft, pistons, or head gasket, which will surely add to the cost to repair, expect a bill for AED 4,000 to AED 15,000 or more in the UAE, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. 

The Hidden Costs of Engine Repair in the UAE

While fixing a damaged engine car may seem like the easy option, in addition to the UAE's high temperatures, it is also typically very expensive to import parts here, and engine rebuilds usually require many hours of work. This can put the cost of repairs much above what you were anticipating. Here are some other hidden disadvantages.

- No vehicle for weeks (downtime). 

- No increased resale value. When a used car has undergone an engine repair, most prospective buyers view the car as a "problem car."

- No warranty. In most engine rebuilds, at best, repair shops do not offer a full warranty.

- More damage and risk of it. Once an engine is rebuilt, there is also a risk that parts such as the radiator, water pump, or transmission will no longer work.

Repairing an engine that has been damaged generally, unless it is new, or you are under a warranty from a dealership, does not make good financial sense.

When Selling Your Car Just Makes More Sense 

It may feel like you are throwing in the towel by selling your car with an engine problem, but in reality, it's the most cost-effective way to go, the least time-consuming option, and the most logical. 

Best of all? 

• You’re not paying a large repair bill with an uncertain outcome. 
• You have instant cash in hand, even if it's not running. 
• You are not paying insurance, parking, and registration fees on a car you cannot use. 
• You have freed up space and eliminated your peace of mind anguish. 

At KharabCar.com, we buy damaged, junk, and engine-reject cars all over the UAE, for free car valuations, free pick-up on the same day you call, and for instant cash offers, in an enjoyable no no-pressure transaction, so you can say goodbye to your troublesome car and not pay another dirham.

Selling a car with engine damage in the UAE — stress-free

This is how it works via KharabCar.com:

1. Free Car Evaluation

You complete the form provided on our site, which outlines your car's make, model, year, number of kilometers traveled, and what is wrong (i.e., engine damage). A fast, no-obligation cash offer will be provided.

2. Free Pickup

When you accept the offered price, we schedule a FREE TOW at your desired location in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, or any other Emirates for the car — even if your car cannot start.

3. Cash, Easy

We take care of the RTA paperwork, transfer of ownership, and de-registration - you leave with cash in hand or deposited into your bank account.

We Purchase All Engine-Damaged Vehicles in the UAE

KharabCar.com buys all kinds of engine-damaged cars - luxury sedans, family SUVs, or even old hatchbacks. These include: 

• Cars written off by an RTA inspection
• Cars that won't start
• Abandoned or junk cars
• Cars with engine damage due to an accident
• Cars with blown gaskets or seized engines

We will also buy financed cars - we can even settle bank loans for financed cars under a mortgage!

Thinking of Fixing It? Do the Math First!

Let's assume your current resale value for your car (good condition) is around AED 20,000. Your quote to rebuild the engine is AED 10,000. The car, after repair, might be worth AED 17,000 due to the 'history' of repairs. That’s an AED 3,000 net loss — not to mention time, effort, and stress.

Conversely, KharabCar.com might pay you AED 6,000-10,000 immediately, with no fuss or tie-up.

Conclusion

Your car's lifetime may have come to an end in terms of mechanical usefulness, but that doesn't mean it has no value. With KharabCar.com, you can avoid all the headaches associated with a garage and convert your engine-damaged car into cash on the spot! The UAE is a fast-paced country with precious time, and a car that breaks down is one constant brewing irritant, so we've made it easy for you to consider your options and make the wise choice to reduce costs and stress.

Repairing a damaged engine can feel as much like asking you to fix a mistake, when in fact it usually just gives you and others time to prepare for the inevitable. If it'sn't under warranty, your car is older than 5 years, and damaged on top of that, you're likely best off selling it.

Go to KharabCar.com and get a free assessment of your damaged engine car, and sell your damaged car now. We will come to your location, sort all the legal paperwork, and then pay cash, in hand, within 24 hours.

FAQs

Is it illegal to sell a car that has engine damage in the UAE?

No. Selling a car that has engine damage, as long as you are the legal owner and have the required paperwork, is perfectly legal. 

How much can I get for my damaged car?

This varies depending on the make, model, age, and condition of the parts. We provide free appraisals and a fair cash offer.

What if my car does not start, or I have parked it for months?

Not an issue. We buy cars that do not start, as well as cars that have been parked for a long time. We also provide free towing anywhere in the UAE.

Will you deal with the RTA and change of ownership paperwork?

Yes, we deal with all the legal paperwork, car de-registration, and change of ownership.