Used car engine reliability
Every engine reaches its breaking point
We tell you where it hits, at what mileage, and what it costs to put right.
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32 engines · 1 makes · 2,490 owner reports · 330 known issues
Engines people are asking about
We read the owners so you don’t have to
- 01
Collect
We gather owner reports from specialist and marque forums, plus official data and recalls, for every engine and every car it went into.
- 02
Verify
A problem only makes the report once the evidence is strong enough: an official recall on its own, or several independent owner reports. Each one gets a severity, a typical mileage and a repair cost.
- 03
Score
When we grade, we weigh how serious each problem is, what damage it can do, how expensive and time-consuming the fix is, and whether it’s a design flaw or just normal maintenance. The result is one score out of 100 and a verdict.
Five verdicts, no grey areas
It’s the same formula for every engine, so a 47 on a BMW means the same as a 47 on a Ford or a Toyota.
Avoid
0–39
Common, costly failures. Only if the price already reflects it.
Risky
40–54
A real chance of an expensive failure. Check hard or budget for it.
Solid
55–69
Fine with a full history and a proper inspection.
Good
70–84
Known issues exist, but normal care keeps them away.
Excellent
85–100
Buy with confidence. Problems are rare and cheap to fix.
Viewing a car this week?
Look up its engine first. It takes a minute and it can save you a rebuild.
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