LKQ Remanufactured Car Engines Guide - Quality and Cost Information Guide
Remanufactured car engines offer a middle ground between brand new units and standard used engines, especially for drivers in the United Kingdom looking to extend the life of an existing vehicle. This guide explains how LKQ style remanufactured engines are produced, what quality standards and warranties to expect, typical UK pricing, and the key points to consider before installation.
Remanufactured car engines are increasingly popular among UK drivers who want to keep a trusted vehicle on the road without paying for a factory fresh replacement. Instead of simply fitting a used engine from a breaker yard, a remanufactured unit is stripped, inspected, machined, and rebuilt to tight tolerances so it can perform much more like a new engine. LKQ and its brands supply these units through garages and parts distributors across the country.
The remanufacturing process explained
The remanufacturing process begins when a suitable core engine is collected, often from end of life vehicles or failed engines returned through garages. The unit is fully dismantled and every component is cleaned so wear, cracking, corrosion, or distortion can be seen clearly. Parts such as pistons, bearings, timing components, and gaskets are replaced as a matter of course, while the engine block, crankshaft, and cylinder head are measured to confirm they are within manufacturer tolerances.
If key components are out of specification, they are machined or replaced. For example, cylinder bores might be re bored and fitted with oversized pistons, or crankshafts may be reground and fitted with matching bearings. Critical components like oil pumps, injectors, and turbochargers are either renewed or reconditioned using specialist equipment. The engine is then reassembled using new seals and gaskets, often following a documented build sheet specific to the engine code.
Quality standards and warranties for LKQ engines
LKQ and related brands typically follow strict quality management systems when remanufacturing engines, often based on international standards such as ISO style quality procedures. Components are sourced from reputable manufacturers, and many parts are equal to or exceed original equipment specifications. During assembly, torque settings, clearances, and timing positions are checked and recorded to maintain consistency between units.
Once assembled, remanufactured engines usually undergo cold or hot testing on dedicated rigs. This allows technicians to verify oil pressure, compression, coolant integrity, and in some cases emissions performance before the engine leaves the facility. Because of this controlled process, suppliers like LKQ can offer warranties that are generally more comprehensive than those for standard used engines. In the UK market, it is common to see warranties ranging from 12 to 36 months, sometimes with mileage limits and conditions relating to correct installation, servicing schedules, and the use of approved lubricants.
Benefits of choosing remanufactured engines
Choosing a remanufactured engine instead of a used unit from a breaker yard can provide several practical advantages. The most obvious is predictability. A used engine’s history is often unclear; it may have unknown mileage, poor service history, or hidden damage. A remanufactured LKQ style engine has known clearances, new wear components, and test results that reduce the likelihood of early failure.
There are environmental benefits as well. Remanufacturing reuses major engine components instead of scrapping them, cutting the energy and raw materials required to produce a brand new unit. For many drivers this aligns better with sustainability goals while still delivering modern performance and emissions levels. Finally, the structured warranty and support provided through formal distribution networks can give drivers and garages more confidence than informal purchases from private sellers.
Cost and pricing factors for LKQ remanufactured engines
The cost of an LKQ remanufactured engine in the United Kingdom depends on several factors. Engine size, fuel type, and complexity all have a major impact; for instance, a small naturally aspirated petrol engine is usually far cheaper than a modern turbocharged diesel with common rail injection. Rarity is important too, as engines for popular hatchbacks are widely available, while units for low volume performance or luxury models command higher prices. Additional items such as injectors, turbochargers, and ancillary components can be included or excluded depending on the specific product, which also influences the final bill.
For many common passenger cars, a remanufactured engine supplied through LKQ or similar providers might cost in the region of 1,800 to 3,000 pounds plus VAT for the unit itself, with labour for installation adding roughly 600 to 1,200 pounds depending on the garage, region, and model complexity. Some suppliers apply a surcharge that is refunded when the old engine core is returned and found to be suitable for remanufacture. The following table gives broad, real world style examples drawn from typical UK offerings to illustrate how prices compare.
| Product or service | Provider | Cost estimation in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Remanufactured 1.6 petrol engine unit | LKQ Euro Car Parts network | Around 1,800 to 2,400 pounds plus VAT, unit only |
| Remanufactured 2.0 diesel engine unit | Ivor Searle | Around 2,400 to 3,200 pounds plus VAT, surcharge may apply |
| Engine supply and fit package, reman unit | Reconditioned Engines style firm | Roughly 2,500 to 4,000 pounds including fitting, model dependent |
| Used engine and independent garage fitting | Local breaker and workshop | Roughly 1,200 to 2,200 pounds overall, variable quality |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Installation considerations and requirements
Fitting a remanufactured LKQ engine is not simply a case of swapping one unit for another. Correct installation is essential to preserve warranty coverage and long term reliability. Most suppliers require that a qualified mechanic or workshop carries out the work, following the fitting instructions provided with the engine. This usually includes replacing auxiliary components such as timing belts or chains, water pumps, filters, and fluids. Cooling systems must be flushed, and fuel systems checked for contamination to prevent repeat failures.
Electrical and electronic integration is another key area. Modern engines rely on sensors, engine control units, immobiliser systems, and sometimes coded injectors. Garages in the UK often need diagnostic equipment to reset adaptations, update software, or code components after installation. Suppliers may specify particular oils or running in procedures for the first few hundred miles. Keeping invoices and records of all parts and labour is important, as warranty claims generally require proof that specified procedures were followed.
In summary, LKQ style remanufactured car engines offer UK drivers a structured, quality focused option when a major engine failure occurs or when extending the life of an otherwise sound vehicle. By understanding how these engines are remanufactured, what quality controls and warranties apply, how pricing is shaped by engine type and provider, and what is required during installation, vehicle owners can make a reasoned decision between remanufactured, used, and new engine options that reflects their budget and long term plans for the car.
