Reconditioned or New: Which Engine Should You Buy?
The honest answer is that it depends on the engine code and what the vehicle is worth to you. Here is how the two options actually differ, and where each one makes sense.
What each one actually is
A reconditioned engine is an existing block that has been machined and rebuilt with OEM-grade parts and restored to the manufacturer’s specification. Pistons, rings and bearings go back to factory spec, and the finished engine is tested for output, torque and fuel efficiency before it is released.
A new engine has not been in service. It costs more, and for several Hyundai and Kia codes it is simply not available to buy, which makes the decision for you.
In both cases you are buying the block. Your original intake, alternator, turbo, sensors and ancillaries transfer across onto it, so what arrives is a like-for-like drop-in for your vehicle rather than a complete assembly.
How the two compare
Prices are from our published list and include GST. They are the real figures, not illustrations.
| Reconditioned | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price we list | $3,000 engine only | $3,600 engine only |
| Fitted from | $4,000 | $4,600 |
| Fitting | Flat $1,000 on any engine, at the Hallam workshop | |
| Availability | All thirteen codes | Not available on several codes, including the D4CB and D4HB |
| Rebuilt to factory spec | Yes | Not applicable |
| Tested before release | Yes | Yes |
Figures above are the lowest in each column. Your engine’s actual price is on the engine prices page.
When each one makes sense
Reconditioned suits most people
If the vehicle is out of warranty and you want it reliably back on the road for the lowest sensible cost, reconditioned is usually the answer. For some codes it is the only answer.
New suits a smaller group
If a new unit is available for your code and you want an engine that has never been in service, the difference on our list is around $600 on the engine.
Sometimes there is no choice
The D4CB and D4HB are supplied reconditioned only. If you drive an iLoad, iMax or several Santa Fe, Sorento and Carnival variants, reconditioned is the option.
Common questions
Is a reconditioned engine as good as new?
It is rebuilt to the manufacturer’s specification and tested before release. It is not a new engine, and we would not claim it is. For most out-of-warranty vehicles it is the sensible choice.
Why is a new engine not available for my code?
Supply varies by code. The price list marks the codes that are reconditioned only, including the D4CB and D4HB.
Does the price include fitting?
No. Engine prices are for the engine. Fitting adds a flat $1,000 and is carried out at Hallam.
Can I compare your price against another quote?
Yes, and we encourage it. Send an itemised written quote for identical work from a legitimate workshop and we will beat it by five per cent.
Other guides
Engine replacement cost
What engine replacement actually costs in Australia and what drives the figure.
Read the guide GuideEngine codes explained
What D4CB, G4KJ and the rest mean, and how to find yours.
Read the guide PricesEvery engine price
All thirteen codes with GST included and the fitted price alongside.
View pricesStill not sure which to buy?
Send your rego or VIN. We will tell you what is available for your engine code and what each option costs.