Complete engines

Complete engines: how to buy a used or new motor at a good price

Updated 20 October 2026

Used, new or reconditioned

A complete engine is sold in three conditions. A used engine is a motor taken from a dismantled car. A new one is a factory or certified unit; it is very expensive and rarely available. A reconditioned (rebuilt) engine is worth a look if the mechanic can show exactly what was replaced. For most older cars, the sensible choice is a used motor whose mileage you can confirm.

What “complete” really includes

Different sellers understand the term “complete” differently. A short block is the block with crankshaft and pistons; the cylinder head and accessories are bought on top. A long block adds the head. A full set comes with the turbocharger, injectors, alternator, AC compressor, manifold and sometimes the gearbox and electronics. The price difference can be big, so compare only identical sets.

What to put in your request

• Engine — capacity, fuel, code: 2.4 diesel.
• Make, model, year and body — for example, Toyota Hilux, 2016.
• Condition — used from a dismantled car, new, reconditioned.
• Mileage — up to how many thousand kilometres.
• What is included — long or short block, with turbo, injectors, ECU, accessories.
• Warranty — from the manufacturer or the shop, how many days to start and test.
• Fitting — whether you need a garage to install it.
• City, delivery and budget.

Example: “I need a 2.4 diesel engine for a Toyota Hilux, 2016. Used, up to 150,000 km, with accessories and turbo, injectors included. 14 days warranty to start and test. Delivery to Johannesburg, budget up to R 27,000.”

How to compare offers on BlaBlaPrice

You describe what you need in one request, and sellers reply in the chat with what is included, mileage, warranty, price and delivery. The platform shows the offer that is best on content first, and each seller has reviews next to the offer. Sellers can see their position among competitors and often improve their terms. You can read more about how it works on the “How it works” page.

What to check: photos of the motor from all sides and the number on the block, a video of it running or a compression test, proof of mileage. Ask who pays for delivery and return if the motor fails the check, and on what terms the warranty applies. Often the warranty is valid only if the timing belt, water pump and oil were replaced during fitting, so read the terms beforehand.

Common mistakes

Going by capacity alone without checking the code. Buying the cheapest motor without accessories and then paying extra for every part. Forgetting the related costs: gaskets, belt, pump, coolant, labour. If you only need a part, see the separate engine page, and for the gearbox see transmission.