Having your engine go out on you can be rather frustrating to say the least. To help save money and get you the component that you need, a used engine might be the best solution for your particular needs. But, how do you know what to look for in a used engine? There are a few simple things you can do to make sure you are getting an engine that is going to work for your needs and your pocketbook.

Check the oil.

One of the first things to do is to look at the engine oil. Is it murky? Does it look nice and dark? Engine oil isn't meant to be cloudy or black. It is meant to be a darker brown in color. If you notice a milky appearance to the oil, that means that radiator fluid got into the system at some point and has contaminated the engine. If the oil is extremely dark in color, it might be that something is causing the oil to burn too hot or it could be that the other party didn't change it like they should have.

Ask about warranties.

Find out whether the auto parts store offers a warranty on their used components or not. Some might offer you a 30-day warranty while others don't offer a warranty at all. This is important because it could help you make a decision one way or another when it comes time to buy a used engine.

Find out what the mileage is.

Another good indicator of how good the engine might be is the overall mileage. If the engine has 200,000 miles on it, you might want to think twice about putting it in your vehicle. Try to find an engine that has around 100,000 miles or less on it if at all possible. This will help make sure you are going to get a little bit of usage out of the component before having to worry about replacing it again.

By taking your time and going through the three things above, you can make sure that you get everything you need and then some. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get a good used engine for your vehicle. It just takes a little time and patience to make sure you choose the right one. Check out yards like Southwest Auto Salvage for pieces you can find.