Blown engine · Orange County
Sell your car with a blown engine — no repair needed
A knocking rod, a seized motor, a cracked block or a head gasket that's pushing coolant — an engine failure can turn a good car into a big decision overnight. You don't have to pay for a new engine before you sell. We buy cars with blown engines in Santa Ana and all of Orange County, tow them free and pay the same day.
Fix it or sell it?
An engine replacement often costs more than an older car is worth, and even on a newer car it can take weeks while you keep making payments and paying insurance. Before you decide, it helps to know two numbers: what the repair costs, and what the car is worth to a buyer as it is today.
We can give you the second number in about 30 minutes during business hours. Put it next to your repair quote and you'll see which way makes sense — no pressure either way.
Why our own shop changes the offer
A junk buyer sees a car that doesn't run and pays for its weight in metal. We own NewGen Auto Repair, a full repair shop next door to our lot, and engine work is something we do regularly. We can source an engine and install it at our cost, so we look at what the car is worth once it runs again — the body, the interior, the transmission, the trim — and that usually shows up in a better offer.
Tell us what happened
- What you saw or heard: knocking, smoke, overheating, oil in the coolant, a loud bang, or it just stopped.
- Whether it starts, cranks or makes no sound at all.
- Any diagnosis or repair estimate you've already paid for.
- Mileage and the rest of the car: body, interior, tires, other warning lights.
- Photos of all four sides, the interior, the dashboard and the engine bay.
How it works
- Tell us about the carFill out the 1-minute form or call. A few photos and an honest description keep the price firm.
- Get a real offer in 30 minutesMark, the owner, reviews it and texts you a firm cash offer during business hours.
- Get paid the same dayBring it to our Santa Ana shop or we tow it free anywhere in Orange County. Cash, cashier's check or Zelle.
What to have ready
- California title (pink slip) — every owner listed with "AND" signs. Lost it? We can help with a duplicate (DMV form REG 227).
- Photo ID of the owner(s).
- Loan or lease account info, if you still owe money.
- Keys and remotes you have.
Questions sellers ask
Will you buy a car that won't start at all?
Yes. Cars that don't start are a big part of what we buy. We tow it free anywhere in Orange County and the tow is never taken out of your offer.
Do I need a mechanic's diagnosis first?
No. If you already have one, send it — it helps us give you a firm number. If not, describe the symptoms honestly and we'll price the car with that in mind.
The car overheated and I kept driving. Does that matter?
Just tell us. Overheating damage is one of the things that changes the offer, so we ask before we quote — then the price doesn't change at pickup.
I still have a loan on it. Can I sell it with a dead engine?
Yes. We get the payoff from your lender and pay them directly. If our offer is higher than the payoff, you get the difference the same day.
Ready to see what your car is worth?
It takes about a minute. No obligation, no spam — we only use your number to send the offer.