Can You Sell a Car With a Blown Engine or Bad Transmission?

A blown engine or a transmission that won't shift is often the moment a vehicle stops being worth repairing. Replacing either one can cost more than the car itself is worth, which is usually when it makes more sense to sell it as-is than to fix it.

Does A Blown Engine Or Transmission Rule Out A Sale?

No. We buy running and non-running vehicles, including ones with a seized or blown engine, a transmission that's slipping or won't engage, or a vehicle that simply won't start. The mechanical failure itself isn't a dealbreaker.

How Does It Affect The Offer?

A major mechanical failure is one of the condition details that factors into your offer, alongside year, make, and model. Letting us know upfront, rather than at pickup, means the offer you're quoted matches what you'll actually receive. See our guide on how a junk car's value is determined for the full picture.

Do I Need To Diagnose The Exact Problem First?

Not necessarily. If you know it's the engine or transmission specifically, that's helpful detail, but "it won't start" or "it won't move" is enough to get started. We ask a few quick condition questions on the quote form so the offer is accurate.

Can You Still Tow It If It Doesn't Run?

Yes. We bring the equipment needed to load a non-running vehicle, so you don't need to arrange your own tow. See what to expect on pickup day for how that works.