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Hi there - our 2012 Hyundai i45 engine has seized. The mechanic has quoted us 7.5k to replace the engine, or we pay a "couple hundred" and they open the engine up to see if there is anything else more specific that could be done to it that is cheaper (with the risk of still needing to replace the entire engine). We're think we could get about 8-9k for the car (when working), is this repair worth doing? Or do you have any other advice regarding seized engines for a non-petrol heads ?

Hi there,
From past experience there would be little to be gained in trying to salvage a seized engine as there would be many parts that need to be replaced or rebuilt.
Generally it would be most cost effective to fit a used engine. The factor to consider is the cost and hassle of repair and resale vs the value to sell as is. You may get $2.5-3k for it as is, which could be the same if you spent $7.5 and sold for $8-9k. Sometimes costs of repair can balloon more due to unexpected things needed along the way, so it might be worth considering selling the car as is and let someone else worry about repairing.

Thank you for this advice. This is the decision we are trying to weigh up. To sell the car as-is would you list it on the likes of trademe or are there other avenues to sell a car in this condition ie wreckers or something similar?

Thank you for this advice. This is the decision we are trying to weigh up. To sell the car as-is would you list it on the likes of trademe or are there other avenues to sell a car in this condition ie wreckers or something similar?

Hi there,
Trade me would be the first avenue as you might get more money for the car to an enthusiast to repair, while the scrap yards/wreckers may likely pay the least and so would be a last resort.