The concept of "contract engine" becomes relevant for the car owner in that case, if there is a need for major overhaul of an existing power unit or the need to completely replace the engine, as repair of the installed motor is not possible or is inexpedient from technical, economic and other reasons.
The decision to buy a contract engine becomes a good alternative to the "capital". For this reason, the number of motorists is growing every year, who consciously prefer this method. Let's see, why is this happening, as well as evaluate the pros and cons of buying and installing a contract engine.
What is a contract motor
Contract engine - power unit, which was in use in the European Union, Japan, USA, etc., which is officially brought to the territory of the CIS countries. In other words, it is a working engine b / in, legally removed from the car abroad, which is imported into the territory of another country subject to payment of all taxes and import duties. Such a motor can be like a gasoline, and diesel, rotary, etc..
Must be added, that the acquisition of a contract b / the engine requires the presence of accompanying documents, confirming the legality of delivery and subsequent sale of this product.
Dealers, specializing in the delivery and sale of contract b / in motors, assume a number of specific contractual obligations regarding delivery times, prepayment amount, configuration and condition of the internal combustion engine, as well as guarantees for the brought engine and other conditions. Let's remind once again, the contracted power unit is imported completely legally, that is, it has a complete package of documents for customs clearance and subsequent registration with the State Traffic Inspectorate.
The scheme of work of professional companies or small organizations for the sale of contract engines is approximately the same. The main task for such sellers is to supply quality goods at a similar price, and in the shortest possible time. The key point is the formation of an optimal professional reputation, after which the flow of customers increases, which allows you to get a stable income.
We also recommend reading the article about it, what is a GDI engine. In this article you will learn about the features of the work and design differences, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of power units of this type.
To solve the problem, most dealers have their own mechanics and engine repair specialists, located in Japan, Germany, USA, France, etc.. Most often, these are former citizens of the CIS, who are permanently or temporarily in a particular country and work with foreign experts. Less often, a firm can send its employee separately to independently select the required contract engine.
After selection, the engines are tested on a special stand, then the best options are selected. Then the unit is delivered to the CIS, where the motor is checked again. Large dealers also have a stand for a full engine test, small organizations may limit themselves to re-measuring compression, cylinder head removal and visual inspection, relying on foreign experts. If the unit has been tested, then the seller issues documents to the buyer for registration of the purchased internal combustion engine in the State Traffic Inspectorate, as well as a warranty on the contract motor, which is usually 6 miss. or 10 thousand. km, depending on, which will come sooner.
Note, that's how big companies and proven sellers work, who value the company's image and care about their reputation. Let's talk about the possible nuances and risks, which the buyer of the contract engine can face in practice.
Advantages and disadvantages of contract engines
An undeniable advantage, which is the main argument in favor of acquiring a contractual internal combustion engine, is the price of such an engine. The final cost of the contract motor, taking into account the additional costs of delivery is not much different from the price of overhaul of the engine using high-quality original spare parts in a professional car service. Moreover, if to make overhaul at officials, then the full purchase amount, Delivery and installation of a turnkey contract engine can be even cheaper. This is especially true in the case of diesel engine repair.
As for the condition of the contract motor, a well-chosen power unit may be better than a similar engine after overhaul. But it is in ideal conditions, which in practice is not always the case. Let's add, this aspect directly depends on the honesty and professionalism of the seller.
Here's the thing. There is a widespread opinion among domestic motorists, that in Europe, Japanese or US owners are very respectful of their cars. The concept of "garage" non-professional service is virtually absent, cars have a complete service history, confirmed by official documents. This means, that the run will be fair, piston resource, Timing, head block, cylinder block and other important components of the contract engine will be large enough for further operation before the overhaul. Moreover, generous foreigners sell engines with attachments, as a result the further installation of such engine in the car considerably simplifies.
Yes it is, but there is one problem. Quite obviously, that such an engine will not be cheap, since foreigners are used to counting their money. It is naive to think, that gasoline or diesel engine with a proven history and low mileage from Germany, which has always been operated sparingly on high quality fuel, timely serviced and received high quality oil strictly according to regulations, did not see dusty roads, etc., will cost about 500 euro or 600-700 US dollars. You also need to understand, that in Europe, Japan and the US average car is operated much more intensively than in the CIS countries. In other words, engine with a two or three year old car, which was used for personal non-commercial purposes, can easily pass in such a short time 100-150 thousand. Km. Good mileage of roads promotes such run, the habit of foreigners to travel by car, intensive long-distance trips on highways, etc..
It turns out, contract engine from a foreign car older 5 or 6 years can almost completely exhaust its planned resource. If you "capitalize" the gasoline unit in this case is less problematic, then in the case of a diesel contract engine, significant financial costs may be required.
Nor should you blindly believe that, that all foreigners take care of their cars. For many citizens of developed countries, it is common practice to operate no more than one car 3-4 years, then the car is replaced with a new one. This is especially true for the United States. Americans may for a long time ignore the regular replacement of engine oil and other technical fluids in the car. For them, the reason for contacting a car service, most often, there is already a breakdown. Taking into account the nuances described above, certain recommendations should be followed, which will help to buy a contract engine b / in normal condition.
Nuances when buying a contract motor
First of all, it is necessary to focus on the average, rather than the minimum cost of a contract engine for your car. Large companies selling contract engines voice, usually, real prices and give guarantees. Against this background, small private sellers offer units cheaper, but there are no warranty obligations or they are limited to 30 days. If there are problems with the engine, return the money, make a return or require a replacement will no longer work.
- The warranty conditions for contract motors should be agreed in advance, as well as to clarify all the nuances regarding the maintenance of such an internal combustion engine during the warranty period. Some contract engine companies determine the frequency of maintenance, recommend to use this or that motor oil, filters, spark plugs or glow plugs. If there is such an opportunity, contract engine is better to install and maintain in that company, where the purchase of the unit was made. Usually, large organizations have their own service stations for this purpose.
- To accurately select the required power unit should provide experts with reliable and accurate information about the make and model of the car, year of issue of the vehicle, numbers of the installed engine, body numbers, VIN numbers. This will help avoid possible mistakes when choosing a unit for a particular model.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how to find the engine number under the hood. In this article you will learn about the specifics of marking power units, as well as the location of the engine number in the bonnet space on popular car models. - An important point is to photograph the dealer of the contract engine before it is sent. Photos of the contract motor with the engine number are provided to the customer for detailed analysis, estimates and comparisons with existing units, which is planned to be replaced.
- The issue of payment requires extreme care, especially if the seller asks to make a prepayment in advance. Never make a partial prepayment either, Moreover, payment in full without proper documentary evidence of depositing funds in the current account of the seller. It is optimal to deposit money at the bank, where you can specify the purpose of payment. The payment receipt must be kept. In other cases (cash payment, transfer to a bank card, etc.) is not proof of your rights to the power unit. Let's add, that large dealers take a prepayment through the bank in the amount of 15-30% of the total projected cost of the unit.
- Before the final payment, you should check the engine itself, that is, its correspondence to the previously provided photographs. Transport packaging must not be damaged, obvious defects are not allowed on the engine itself. Then the documents on the contract motor on customs clearance are checked, other supporting documents, and also need to study in detail the contract of sale with the seller. If there are no such documents, then there is a high probability, what:
- the engine was not imported from another country;
- the engine was imported illegally;
- the seller took possession of the motor illegally;
In the first case, such a diesel or gasoline "contractor" is a unit, which was previously operated in the CIS countries, where it was officially purchased for resale. The second option is the illegal importation of officially or illegally purchased in Europe, USA or another motor country, as a result, the unit did not pass customs and problems may arise during its registration with government agencies. The third option is this, when a stolen engine or engine is sold, which was removed from a previously stolen car in the CIS, and other states.
Finally, let's add, that separately before purchase it is necessary to agree with the seller a degree of equipment of the motor, ie absence, partial availability or complete set of all attachments. We are talking about the intake and exhaust manifold, starter, generator, injector nozzles and ramps, ECU, air conditioning pump, GUR, etc..