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Smart Motorists Don't Trade, They Upgrade

BETHESDA, Md., March 20 -- There are lots of ways to spend your tax refund, but the Engine Repower Council (ERC) and the Car Care Council (CCC) suggest putting it towards your second biggest investment -- your car or truck. Although you may want to get rid of your present vehicle in favor of a new car or truck, repowering the worn out engine on your current set of wheels may make much more sense in the long run.

"When a car or truck suffers major engine damage, often the first reaction of most consumers is to buy a new or used vehicle," said Rick Miller, Engine Repower Council Chairman. "In some cases that might make sense, but often it's simply not necessary. And it's a very expensive proposition compared to repowering your car or truck's worn out engine with a rebuilt/remanufactured engine."

A rebuilt engine is one that has been remanufactured to prescribed standards and specifications by highly skilled machinists using state-of-the- art equipment and components. During this process, many new components are installed that meet or exceed original equipment performance standards. Frequently, rebuilt engines are better than the engines installed in a new vehicle because better parts are used, or design changes are made to correct problems with the original engine. Rebuilt/remanufactured engines are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs.

"If your vehicle is in relatively good shape, it may be wise to repower it with a rebuilt engine, rather than completely replace it with another vehicle," ERC's Miller continued. "Once you consider the 'hidden' costs such as interest financing, depreciation, higher insurance rates and taxes, the economic benefits become very clear. A rebuilt/remanufactured engine is also less polluting and consequently better for the environment."

Rebuilt engines get better gas mileage than a worn out engine, and emit fewer pollutants. Engine repowering also saves the tremendous amount of energy used in processing discarded engines and vehicles. It also saves an incredible amount of raw materials that would have been used in building a new engine.

The savings from engine repowering are especially evident when comparing it against the prices of new vehicles. With an average sticker price of over $27,958, plus the other new or used vehicle costs cited above, a rebuilt/remanufactured engine purchased and installed at an average cost of $2,500-$3,500 is a very sound and attractive investment.

A professionally rebuilt engine is typically warranted for at least one year, or 12,000 miles, with some remanufacturers offering warranties as long as 36 months or 36,000 miles. Check with your local service provider for information on their rebuilt engines and warranty programs.

The Engine Repower Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating consumers about the economic and environmental benefits of rebuilt/remanufactured engines. The Engine Repower Council supports the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign. For more information about the Engine Repower Council and where to find qualified rebuilt engines and installation providers, visit http://www.enginerepower.org/.