If your Nissan needs an engine swap, choosing used Nissan engines for sale is one of the most cost-effective ways to get your vehicle back on the road. Instead of spending thousands on a new crate engine, buyers often prefer:
- Used Nissan engines from donor cars
- Rebuilt or remanufactured Nissan engines
- JDM Nissan engines for sale imported from Japan
This guide breaks down the exact steps to find the right engine, price expectations, common fitment mistakes, and how to compare suppliers, including All Engine Transmission.
Quick Overview: Your Engine Options
Used Nissan Engines
Budget-friendly engines pulled from salvage vehicles; condition varies.
Rebuilt Nissan Engines
Mechanics replace worn parts and restore reliability for mid-range budgets.
Remanufactured Nissan Engines
Professionally restored to like-new tolerance with warranties.
JDM Nissan Engines
Low-mileage Japanese imports ideal for performance builds and swaps.
How to Search for Used Nissan Engines (Step-by-Step)
1. Confirm Exact Engine Code
Nissan engines vary by trim, year, and VIN digit. Always confirm:
- Engine code (QR25DE, VQ35DE, MR20DE, etc.)
- VIN compatibility
- FWD / RWD / AWD versions
- Whether you need long-block or complete engine
2. Compare Reputable U.S. Suppliers
Search across:
- OEM dealer parts
- Certified remanufacturers
- JDM importers
- Trusted sellers like All Engine Transmission
- Online marketplaces (be extra cautious)
3. Check Testing and Inspection
Ask for:
- Compression test
- Leak-down results
- Visual inspection photos
- Mileage proof (especially for “low-mileage Nissan engines”)
4. Verify Warranty
Used engines may have 30–90 days.
Remanufactured engines often include 1–3 years.
5. Get Shipping + Install Quotes
Freight shipping, liftgate fees, and workshop labor must be included in your final budget.
Popular Nissan Engines Buyers Search For
These engines are the most commonly purchased in the U.S. market:
QR25DE – Altima, Rogue, Sentra
Known for oil consumption at high mileage; used engines are affordable.
VQ35DE – 350Z, Maxima, Pathfinder
Strong performance engine; JDM versions are extremely popular.
VK56DE – Titan, Armada
Large V8 with high replacement cost. Buyers often prefer used options.
HR16DE / MR20DE – Sentra & Rogue
Fuel-efficient and reliable; good availability in the used market.
VQ40DE – Frontier, Xterra
Hard to find with low miles; rebuilt engines are common.
Including these model-specific terms helps your blog rank for long-tail searches.
Types of Nissan Engines You’ll Find for Sale
Used Nissan Engines
A low-cost option taken from running donor vehicles. These are ideal if:
- You’re working with a lower budget
- You want a factory original engine
- You can verify compression and mileage
Tip: Always ask for cold-start video, if possible
Rebuilt & Remanufactured Nissan Engines
These provide better long-term reliability.
Rebuilt Nissan engines
- Worn parts replaced
- Some machining
- Mid-range cost
Remanufactured Nissan engines
- Fully disassembled
- Machined to factory specs
- Updated components
- Multi-year warranties
If you want “install and forget,” remanufactured engines are ideal.
JDM Nissan Engines for Sale
Japan’s strict vehicle laws result in low-mileage engines being exported. Buyers pick JDM options because:
- Lower miles
- Better condition
- Rare performance variants (SR20DET, RB25, VQ35HR)
Be sure to check:
- Emissions compatibility
- ECU and wiring differences
- Transmission match
Crate Engines (OEM)
Nissan dealerships offer brand-new crate engines.
These come with factory specs and the highest reliability—but at the highest price.
Where to Buy Nissan Engines in the USA
Here are the main supplier types, and how All Engine Transmission fits into your comparison.
OEM Dealerships
Perfect for:
- New crate engines
- Exact fitment
- Factory warranty
Great option if budget is not an issue
Certified Remanufacturers
Compare these with All Engine Transmission:
- Professionally rebuilt or remanufactured
- Testing documentation included
- Warranty availability
These provide the best balance of budget + reliability.
JDM Importers
Ideal for low-mileage Nissan engines:
- 30–60K miles typical
- Great for performance swaps
- Must verify compression
Online Marketplaces & Salvage Yards
Affordable but risky unless you:
- Request photos
- Get mileage proof
- Check seller reviews
When evaluating these sellers, consider All Engine Transmission as one of your trusted comparison points.
Nissan Engine Replacement Cost (USA Pricing)
Used Nissan Engines
Typical U.S. ranges:
- Altima QR25DE: $650–$1,200
- Sentra HR16DE/MR20DE: $500–$900
- 350Z VQ35DE: $1,200–$2,000
- Titan VK56DE: $1,800–$3,000
Rebuilt / Remanufactured Nissan Engines
- Most 4-cyl engines: $1,500–$2,800
- V6 engines (VQ series): $2,200–$3,500
- VK56DE V8: $3,500–$5,500
OEM Nissan Crate Engines
- Often $4,000–$7,500+ before labor.
Installation Costs
Engine swap labor in the USA usually costs:
- $900–$2,500 depending on engine and region.
Always ask for:
- Full itemized quote
- Warranty coverage on labor
- Core return policies
Checklist Before You Buy
A buyer-ready checklist increases your authority and helps Google understand your page.
Engine Compatibility
✔ Confirm engine code
✔ Match VIN 100%
✔ Verify year-specific differences
Condition Verification
✔ Compression test
✔ Mileage documentation
✔ Block and head photos
Rebuilt/Reman Checks
✔ List of replaced parts
✔ Machining notes
✔ Test sheet
Warranty + Returns
✔ Written warranty
✔ Core charge details
✔ Freight claim instructions
Use this list to avoid 90% of buyer mistakes.
Are Used Nissan Engines Reliable?
Yes—if sourced properly.
|A low-mileage used Nissan engine or a documented remanufactured unit performs reliably for years. The key is checking:
- No overheating history
- No metal in oil
- Clean cam and valve train
- Compression within factory spec
How Much Can You Save?
Compared to a new OEM engine, buying used Nissan engines for sale can save:
- 50%–70% vs. OEM crate engines
- 30%–50% vs. dealership-installed reman engines
For performance engines (VQ35DE, SR20DET, VK56DE), the savings can be even higher.
Should You Buy a JDM Nissan Engine?
JDM engines are popular if you want:
- Lower mileage
- Performance variants
- Affordable replacements
Just verify:
- Emissions compliance
- ECU sensor differences
- Accessory compatibility
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
❌ Buying only based on price
❌ skipping engine code/VIN match
❌ Trusting “low miles” without proof
❌ Ignoring installation cost
❌ not checking warranty terms
How to Get the Best Deal
- Bundle Shipping + Installation
Some suppliers offer reduced freight + shop installation pricing.
- Request Testing Reports
Compression, leak-down, and run-tests increase reliability.
- Negotiate Warranty
Even a 30–90 day warranty on used engines helps.
- Compare Multiple Sellers
Always compare:
- OEM dealers
- Remanufacturers
- JDM importers
- All Engine Transmission
This ensures the best price and warranty.
Final Pre-Purchase Checklist
✔ Engine code confirmed
✔ Warranty in writing
✔ Fitment verified
✔ Shipping included
✔ Compression test provided
✔ Return policy understood
Need a Used Nissan Engine?
If you want a shortlist of the best deals in the USA, tell me your:
- Nissan model
- Model year
- VIN or engine code
I’ll compare options from remanufacturers, JDM importers, marketplaces, and All Engine Transmission and give you the best price + warranty breakdown