The Top 6 Most Expensive Car Repairs

Ladner scrap car recycling, removal and towing

Nobody likes getting a big bill from their mechanic. And it hits even harder when the vehicle that’s getting repaired is aging, has high mileage, or is still in need of several other smaller repairs.

And knowing when to cut your losses and when not to is important as well. Which is why today’s blog post is about the top 6 most expensive car repairs in British Columbia.

Cash for Scrap Cars Near Me

As a professional scrap car removal company that has been buying scrap cars in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley since 2005, we felt it was important to share our knowledge about what repairs cost the most on a car, and whether or not they are worth doing.

Every vehicle is different, and when major repairs are needed, it can be tough to discern whether or not they should even be done. But we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of major car repairs in today’s blog, and hopefully, leave you a bit more mechanically savvy as a result.

Most Expensive Repairs on a Car

It’s never fun getting a mechanic’s bill. And it’s even less fun when that bill is far greater than expected.

It’s even worse when the bill costs more than what your vehicle is worth. However, this is something that happens frequently throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Daily drivers take a lot of punishment in the Lower Mainland. Between stop-and-go traffic, unpredictable weather, and excessive smog and pollution, a vehicle’s system can really take a beating. And that beating leads to big repairs.

How to Know If I Should Fix My Car?

Knowing which ones are worth doing on an aging vehicle, and which ones aren’t, is key to preventing yourself from investing in something that isn’t worth the investment.

Which is why we have composed today’s blog post about what the most expensive repairs are on a car, and what to do about them.

The Most Expensive Repairs on a Vehicle

We’ve listed the top 6 most expensive repairs on a car in British Columbia in order of most expensive to least expensive. We’ve also included valuable information about diagnosing any of these potential issues, what signs and symptoms to watch out for, and how you can sell your car for MORE cash if the cost outweighs the benefit.

Most Expensive Car Repairs Are:

1. Replacing Engine Cylinders ($6,900-$11,000)

Bad Engine Cylinders

It’s a common misconception that replacing an engine on your vehicle is the most expensive repair on a car. When the reality is that replacing your vehicle’s engine is sometimes the solution for a much bigger problem. A problem like malfunctioning or failing engine cylinders.

The cost to replace engine cylinders is so high because in order to swap the cylinders out, the mechanic needs to remove your engine entirely from the vehicle to get to them. So, depending on what type of vehicle you drive, and what kind of engine it has, you may be better off to simply get your engine replaced.

Regardless, if your mechanic has hit you with the bad news of damaged engine cylinders and you’re considering scrapping your vehicle instead, contact More Cash For Scrap. We offer MORE cash for cars with engine damage, or those in need of an engine replacement.

2. Hybrid Battery Replacement ($6,000+)

Dead Hybrid Battery

Clean energy vehicles are quickly becoming the wave of the future. And it’s not entirely because of how much better they are for the environment. But it’s because of rising fuel costs that are driving people away from the pumps, and towards a charger.

And although hybrids are a great investment, particularly for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road, some of their repairs can be quite costly. Repairs like replacing their most important component; their battery.

Expensive Car Repairs Not Worth Doing

The average cost to replace a hybrid battery in British Columbia is about $6,000-$8,000. However, depending on what type of electric vehicle you’re driving, the cost can be upwards of $15,000-$18,000. Which is why many people end up scrapping their aging hybrids that need a battery replacement instead.

At More Cash For Scrap, we pay the most cash for scrap cars, especially hybrid vehicles with dead batteries. Because unlike other scrap car buyers, we consider MORE than just what your vehicle’s metal weight is. So, when you need a $6,000 repair and want to scrap your car, scrap it with More Cash For Scrap.

3. Engine Replacement ($4,000-$8,000)

Engine Replacement Most Expensive Car Repairs

At More Cash For Scrap, we LOVE buying late model sedans and SUVs with dead engines. However, most of the people who are scrapping them aren’t all that happy to be. Mostly because vehicles with dead engines are typically in reasonable shape, but that one major repair was all it took to render them as scrap.

In Metro Vancouver, our friends at West Coast Auto Repair will tell you that the average cost to replace an engine is about $4,500. However, that entirely depends on the type of engine you’re replacing, and what type of vehicle it belongs to.

The most important thing when considering engine replacement is to see if your engine actually needs replacing. Knowing the signs and having a proper diagnosis from a mechanic is essential.

The following are signs and symptoms that your engine is failing:

  • Poor performance
  • Worsening gas mileage
  • Unusual engine sounds like knocking, ticking, whining, or humming
  • Difficulty starting your vehicle
  • Engine overheating
  • New or worsening engine vibration
  • Check engine light illuminated
Junk car removal Services

Larger vehicles that have more torque and more powerful engines, will usually be more expensive than others to replace the engine. That’s because the bigger the motor, the more work involved. And when there are other components that have been damaged or are worn that need replacing, the cost and labour to repair or replace those adds to the bill.

Many newer vehicles come with an optional warranty that will cover things like engine replacement. If you’re considering buying a new vehicle, or even a used one that comes with an optional warranty, be sure to see if engine replacement is covered within it.

4. Transmission Replacement ($2,800-$4,500)

A transmission is one repair that is needed on virtually every vehicle at one point or another. And in this day and age, it can happen more now than it ever did.

This is mainly because certain transmissions are more prone to malfunction and failure than others. One being the CVT transmission, which is widely used on many late model vehicles.

The CVT transmission was created to offer drivers a smoother shifting experience on automatic vehicles. However, although they do provide a smoother ride, they do so at a very high price.

Cash for Cars with Bad Transmissions

The price of reliability. Because many vehicle owners who have a CVT transmission reported transmission failure at less than 200,000 kms.

At More Cash For Scrap though, we LOVE buying late model sedans and SUVs with failed transmissions. Even ones that are equipped with a bad CVT transmission.

Just call our scrap car removal team today and we’ll make you an instant cash offer on your vehicle. We love buying cars, trucks, sedans, and vans with bad transmissions!

5. Head Gasket Replacement ($1,300-$2,500+)

head-gasket-noises

Much like the engine cylinders, the head gasket is a vital component to proper engine operation on any vehicle. When a head gasket malfunctions, many other things become affected and can fail as well. Which is why the cost to replace a head gasket is so high.

Replacing a head gasket usually means replacing a lot more than simply the head gasket. Typically, when a head gasket fails, other issues arise. And those issues all take time, parts, and money to repair or replace as well. Knowing what to watch our for is critical in deciding whether or not to even do the repairs.

Signs Your Head Gasket Is Failing or Has Failed Include:

  • Antifreeze/coolant mixing with engine oil
  • White smoke coming from tailpipes
  • Loss of power
  • External leaks
  • Going through coolant faster (due to leaks)
  • Engine misfiring
  • Bubbles on your radiator
  • Overheating engine
  • Overheating cooling system

There are so many indicators that your head gasket is failing. However, only a true professional like our friends at Jesperson’s Auto Repair can properly diagnose a failed head gasket.

Moreover, they would be the best people to establish whether or not your engine has suffered significant damaged due to the failing head gasket. Give them a call and see if your vehicle can be salvaged, or if it should be scrapped with More Cash For Scrap.

6. Suspension Repair or Replacement ($2,500 – $5,000+)

Signs of Bad Shocks on a Car

For our customers in the Fraser Valley, we are sure you know all too well what the cost of lifting a vehicle is. Furthermore, you’re probably well-versed on what’s involved with completely redoing your suspension. Because Fraser Valley residents love their 4×4 vehicles, and they love to punish them in the great outdoors.

However, when your 4×4 is aging and sustains significant damage while being put to the test, scrap car removal may be in your near future. Because replacing your suspension could cost you thousands of dollars, depending on what needs replacing, and what type of vehicle you drive.

Where to Sell a Car with Suspension Issues

Not only are you paying for parts when you suspension fails, but you are also paying major labour costs. Additionally, after the suspension has been replaced, you also need a wheel alignment to ensure everything is exactly where it should be.

Between all the little extras, the cost of parts, and the labour involved, you’re easily looking at a minimum of $1,500 for the average car. And at least double for off-road vehicles and lifted aging pick-up trucks.

MORE Cash for Cars with Major Mechanical Issues

Junk Car Removal

Something that really sets us apart from other scrap car removal companies in the Lower Mainland is the fact that we pay MORE cash for scrap cars in any condition.

Because you might think that a scrap car buyer will buy any vehicle, no matter what the issue. And while this is generally true, it doesn’t mean they pay you a fair price.

Some scrap car buyers will buy cars with dead engines, blown head gaskets, failed suspensions or transmissions, or even snapped timing chains. But what they offer you is next to nothing for a vehicle that only has one major issue.

Scrap Car Buyers in Metro Vancouver

Which means you forfeit all of the value that is left in the rest of your vehicle just to scrap your car.

However, if you choose our scrap car removal services, you’ll get a customized offer based solely on your specific vehicle, and ALL that it has to offer.

Because if your Mercedes needs a new engine, but is immaculate otherwise, should you really give it away for a mere $150? We think not.

How Much Cash for Scrap Cars Do We Pay?

cash for scrap cars

As we just mentioned, our instant cash offers are based off of your vehicle, and all that it brings to the table. Which is why it is important for our scrap car removal team to get all of the details of what you’re scrapping and why, before making you an offer on it.

Call our scrap car removal team and provide us with the make, model, year, condition, mileage, and location of your vehicle. Then, let us know of any major mechanical issues or any that it previous had that you’ve already repaired. Recent repairs could potentially increase your vehicle’s value.

Moreover, advise our scrap car removal team of whether or not your vehicle is still running. Because at More Cash For Scrap, running vehicles are definitely worth MORE than ones that are not!

After we have all of this information, we’ll make you an instant cash offer right over the phone. If you accept the offer, we’ll send over our free towing service to collect your car. Our driver will then load your vehicle up on our truck, and pay you cash in hand before leaving.

Call Our Junk Car Removal Specialists Today!

MCFS Tow Truck

Whether you’re selling a daily driver that needs a new transmission, or a late-model SUV with a failed transmission, More Cash For Scrap is the best way to sell your car for the most cash in Metro Vancouver or the Fraser Valley.

We provide prompt, professional, and reliable scrap car removal from Hope to Squamish. And we can usually do so the very same day that you call. Many of our agents live and work in the areas we service. Which allows us to respond more promptly than other scrap car removal companies in the Lower Mainland.

So, if you’ve been thinking about scrapping a car, truck, SUV, van, hybrid, or even commercial vehicle in the Lower Mainland, scrap it with More Cash For Scrap. We offer MORE customer service. MORE flexible junk car removal times. And pay MORE cash for scrap cars than the other guys!

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About the Author: scrapcar

Since 2005, we've specialized in turning our customer's scrap cars into quick cash. We buy vehicles in ANY condition and with ANY issues. We pay MORE cash for scrap cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans than any other scrap car removal company in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island. If you want MORE cash, same day free junk car towing, and a reliable scrap car buying service, you want More Cash For Scrap.