A reconditioned engine can be the best money you spend on a Land Rover — or an expensive way to buy the same failure twice. The difference is almost entirely in what the supplier actually did to the engine. Ask these ten questions before you pay anyone.
1. What exactly is replaced during your recondition?
The single most revealing question. A proper answer lists components: crankshaft and bearings, oil pump, timing chain kit, rings, gaskets and seals. A vague answer — “it’s fully reconditioned” — tells you they would rather you did not ask.
2. Do you address the known weak point, or replace it like-for-like?
On a 3.0 TDV6, refitting a standard bearing set means the engine can fail the same way again. Ask specifically whether the failure cause is upgraded.
3. Is the warranty parts and labour?
On these engines, the labour is the expensive half. A parts-only warranty can leave you paying most of a second bill. Get the answer in writing.
4. How long is the warranty — really?
Ours is 12 months or 12,000 miles, parts and labour. Be wary of headline periods that turn out to be heavily conditional. Longer is not better if the exclusions swallow it.
5. Will you give me the test results?
Every engine should be pressure tested and compression tested, and you should receive the figures in writing. If nobody will tell you what the engine measured, why do you believe it is good?
6. How do you know it is the right engine for my car?
The correct answer involves your registration and the exact engine variant. Same code, different year, different specification. A supplier who does not check this is guessing with your money.
7. What is not included in the price?
Ancillaries — turbos, injectors, coolers — are where surprise bills live. Ask what happens if one is found to be faulty, and whether you will be consulted before the cost is added.
8. Who is fitting it, and what does fitting include?
Fluids, filters, adaptation and a road test should be in there. See what our supply and fit includes.
9. What happens to my old engine?
Core exchange affects the price. Get the policy clear before, not after.
10. Would you tell me if I did not need an engine at all?
The best question of the lot. Plenty of quoted “engine failures” are a turbo, an EGR cooler or a timing chain. A specialist will diagnose before selling. A salesman will not.
Still deciding between recon, used and a rebuild?
Read the honest comparison, or enter your registration for a fixed written quote within two working hours.