Does engine swap scare off potential buyers?

I'm looking to sell my 2004 911 996 CS4. The engine recently suffered a crack in the cylinder wall. 3 mechanics I've contacted all recommend rebuilding as the best option if I want to keep the car. Unfortunately, that comes with a price tag around $20,000. I paid $30k for it 2.5 years ago and still owe $12k. So, investing another $20k doesn't seem wise for a car that is not likely to decrease in value. If I can find a quality used engine to swap out, my repair cost will be about 50% less. So, my question is--- are buyers scared off when they hear the engine has been swapped? I'm told these cylinder cracks do have a history of happening to 996's once in a while. Other than the engine, the car is in very good shape with 49,000 miles. I'm attaching the inspection video of the cylinder for anyone who is curious. Thanks... Eric

Simple answer: yes. Unless the engine is well documented and rebuilt, you're just swapping one problem for another. Consider, you blew an engine at 49K miles. Any used replacement engine is likely going to have more miles on it than that, and may have more problems of a different variety. Options: (1) sell as a roller and cut your losses $5-7K depending; (2) have the engine rebuilt with new cylinder walls and everything internal $$$; (3) get a short block from Porsche for $7K and have that built up $$. You've got some tough choices ahead....

It won't scare people off, however, don't expect to get the value of the engine + the chassis back in the sale.

If its a uniquely optioned c4s in excellent condition get the rebuild if its a normal c4s in excellent condition to good condition and worth more than 25k find a used engine from a reputable place and document everything. If its tiptronic or average to below condition sell it as a roller People don't like engine replacements until a car gets to be around 30 years old is then its more accepted. Even if it was done by Porsche its a negative mark. Just like if you put a c4s bumper on a c2. People will think it was in a front end accident. Thats just the way Porsche buyers are.

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Eric, There are many things you absolutely don't swap. 1. Never swap spit 2. Never swap tooth brushes. 3. Never swap drinks especially if your dinner guest has the last name of Cosby 4. Never swap chewing gum no matter how much you love her 5. Never swap teeth. (don't ask) 6. Never swap partners. The grass isn't greener on the other side of the fence. It's greener where you fertilize it! 7. Never swap blood even if they double dog dare you. 8. Never swap places in a checkout line. You'll end up in one with a costumer that forgot something or needs a price check. 9. Never swap children. Just take them all to grandma's house and go have a date! 10. Never swap for a used Porsche M96 engine. You might wind up with an engine that is worse than the original. Seriously, if the engine is an AT factory replacement, then that could mean a better replacement than the original. For example, an AT after 06 would have the larger ceramic bearing which is known to be the best of the bunch with very little reports of failure. However, lots of people replace the engines with a used one from a dismantler or salvage yard. Buyer beware! Get the serial number and do some research.

In my case it wouldn't, as I have a FSI 3.8L Stage II Track Performer (which I'm not planning to sell). In the case of an "unknown" replacement engine (like was in my car when I got it) you never know where it really came from or it's repair history - if it doesn't scare off potential buyers, it should (unless they're aware of what they're getting into)

Only if you have documented history and can have it running and inspected...

Where do you live? I might be able to help you out some.

1-800-ibuyrollers

What would a decent C4S be worth as a roller? It might be the easiest way to get out of it, even if you have to eat a little bit of the cost it would still be cheaper than a good rebuild. I think there are a lot of variables with a used engine, some people won't care but I think it limits your pool of potential buyers. t

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Take the average cost for a comparable car and deduct $20K, then deduct another $2-3K...I wouldn't pay more the $8K personally.

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It doesn't look like you can accept private messages yet. I may be interested in the car. Post a way to get a hold of you.

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So 2-4k potential loss versus what 10k for a replacement engine and 20k for a build roughly? Still the cheapest option. Got nothing to lose by listing it as a roller and if no one bites can fix it.