Engine replacement - used car - value?

[Englishman44]

Hello all

I recently bought a 2019 Astra 22k full service history and after about 3 months and fortunately (or unfortunately) I realised it has an issue which in the end will require the engine to be replaced.

The company I bought it off agree and they will be replacing the engine which is somewhat good news but I suppose the issue I have is with the value of the car after the fix. I see its a bit of heated debate at times but I am of the opinion, a four year old car with a replaced engine is certainly going to make it less attractive to the average consumer when I sell it on as it creates all kinds of questions.

The dealer is suggesting putting an approved Vauxhall Engine in it but they will fit it (not approved garage) which is the first concern. Also they don't seem to be able to provide full details on mileage and seem a bit coy with other basic details like what car it come from, full documentation from Vauxhall.

I am expecting these details but the dealer is quite adamant it will retain its value completely which they would. I can't see that tbh but I can't get a refund/replacement so I am kind of boxed in really.

Moving forward would appreciate your opinion's on whether this would hold the same value/put you off?

Secondly, has anyone actually challenged this in a small claims court? I am thinking if they do replace the engine but its got limited info and clearly isn't fitted by Vauxhall which the original one was (straight out the factory), I just can't see how the product is the same after 3 months and I do believe it has an affect on its value and desirability. Yes I appreciate I have a fully working car but with an engine with no details or history, a different Engine number on the V5 albeit its unlikely to be checked and they are following the consumer act, I would have thought though some consideration needs to be given to the value after the fix but maybe this is wishful thinking rather than a reality.

If anyone has a similar experience or thoughts on this which they would like to share, I would really appreciate the support

Thanks

Englishman44

[ABMA]

It is a tricky one especially when your car did only 22k, you would expect the new engine to be of similar age or even younger.

As for the V5, you need to tell the DVLA once the engine is replaced and you will get a new V5 with the updated engine number.

Good luck

[123DWA]

Given that you didn't buy the car from a Vauxhall dealer I think it is a little unreasonable to demand Vauxhall replace the engine. Also there are LOTS of this shape Astra that will have had new engines as the 1.4T petrol & 1.6 diesel are both known for failing so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Bobupndown]

What is an "approved Vauxhall engine"?
Where has it come from? A crashed Astra in a breakers yard could be said to contain an "approved Vauxhall engine ".

[Englishman44]

Thanks for your thoughts and answers. ‘Approved Vauxhall engine’ - well they have suggested it comes from Vauxhall directly eg bought directly from them and they put that in writing which I was pleased with but since then they have lacked details - I would have thought from Vauxhall directly the details would be easily attained - haven’t received the final response yet still though but I know it won’t have verified mileage

[akadk]

I wouldn’t worry too much.

If your really fussed, get the new engine fit and then sell the car

[ZX10R NIN]

As above I wouldn't worry, basically they'll get the engine from Vauxhall & then fit it.