Will selling with a new engine increase value?

somedumboldman

We bought our 2013 Optima new in 2014. It has 49000 miles on it.
The Theta engine had recall issues where we took it to our dealer for the testing to
see if it was exhibiting the problem. It did not at the time.

A few weeks ago the engine seized.
Our dealer initially said it could be months, but then we are told
it will be completed by the end of this week.
Awesome news.

Now I want to sell it with used car prices going up.

I am wondering how much it should increase in value for private party selling?
The online appraisals with the low mileage and excellent condition range:
Kelly BB= as high as $14,750
JD Powers, CarFax,= around $13K
97401 Zipcode

Appreciate the feedback.

qbrozen

No, a new engine doesn't increase value. It can hurt it many times. With this car, you are probably OK, though. It isn't like a lux car or exotic where originality matters. If you do advertise it privately, be sure to stress that it was replaced by the dealer with a factory new engine due to recall.

andres3

It depends how and why the engine failed. You need to tear open the old engine (and find out why it failed). If it's a bum engine, it won't increase the value much because you just replaced the bum engine with another bum Kia engine. A warranty would help.

I recently did an engine replacement, but the engine was sabotaged by the High-Pressure Fuel Pump, it wasn't the engine's fault per say. If I were a buyer, I'd value this knowledge 95% of my offer would be based upon it.

stickguy

Probably nothing. Not to the big buyers like carmax.

oldfarmer50

If you sell it to a dealer they will probably try to low ball you because of it so be prepared. Then they’ll turn around and use the new engine as a selling feature. Run it though the on line car companies like Carvana or Vroom. That will give you a real world appraisal.

A 2013 might be a better car to sell privately. Some buyers would value having a zero mile engine.

I wouldn’t bother tearing into the engine, the Theta motor has known defects and anybody who is seeking a Kia would know that.

For what it’s worth that’s exactly the kind of car I usually look for, basic transportation with low miles. I’m sure other private buyers would find it desirable too.

The only 2013 Optima I found in your area was a LX with 55k miles for $13,500.

stickguy

I dealer won't really even know about it. And you don't have to tell them. Carvana doesn't open the hood. The Carfax will be clean for accidents. I doubt and dealer would say anything about the engine being replaced if they even know.

if you want to sell privately, then you should disclose something like that and let the buyer decide if it is a plus or minus.

daniellemill

I sold a used car, changed the engine in it, and the price remained as if I had not changed anything in it!

stickguy

Well, people buying a car expect the major components to work. It’s already factored into the price.