2025 Guide by AutoParts Store Online

When it comes to buying a used engine in the United States, reliability matters more than anything else. A dependable engine can give your car a second life, save thousands of dollars, and help you avoid the stress of unpredictable repair bills.

At AutoParts Store Online, we supply hundreds of high-quality used and remanufactured engines across the U.S. every month. Our buyers and technicians evaluate trends, performance records, failure rates, and customer feedback — giving us an inside look at which engines consistently deliver the best results for American drivers.

This guide reveals the Top 10 most reliable used engines in the U.S., complete with performance notes, common issues, average prices, and mileage expectations.

Let’s begin.

Why Reliability Matters in the Used Engine Market

Most Americans buy used engines for three reasons:

✔ Save 50–70% vs buying a new engine

✔ Get their vehicle running again quickly

✔ Extend the life of a car they trust

But not all engines are created equal.

Some engines are known for lasting 200,000–300,000 miles, while others fail early due to design issues, overheating problems, or weak internal components.

At AutoParts Store Online, we track the engines that continue to perform well even after years of use — and those are the engines featured here.

Top 10 Most Reliable Used Engines in the U.S. (2025 List)

1. Toyota 2.5L 4-Cylinder (2AR-FE)

Best For: Camry, RAV4, Scion tC
Known For: Bulletproof reliability, low oil consumption, excellent fuel economy

This engine regularly exceeds 250,000–300,000 miles with basic maintenance.

Average Price (Used): $1,400–$2,200
Typical Mileage Range: 60,000–120,000 miles

Why AutoParts Store Recommends It:
Toyota remains the gold standard for durability in America, and this engine is one of their best.

2. Honda 1.8L (R18A / R18Z)

Best For: Honda Civic
Known For: Smooth operation, excellent longevity, cheap maintenance

Civics are famous for lasting decades, and this engine is a big reason why.

Average Price (Used): $1,200–$1,900
Mileage Range: 50,000–110,000 miles

AutoParts Store Strength:
We frequently stock low-mileage R18 engines because they remain in high demand across the U.S.

3. Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6

Best For: Ford F-150, Explorer, Flex
Known For: Power + reliability when maintained well

Millions of F-150s in America use this engine, and it continues to be a top seller.

Average Price (Used): $3,000–$5,000
Mileage Range: 70,000–140,000 miles

AutoParts Store Comment:
Our compression-tested EcoBoost engines always sell out quickly due to nationwide truck demand.

4. GM 5.3L V8 (Vortec / EcoTec3)

Best For: Silverado, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban
Known For: Longevity, towing strength, simple design

One of the most common engines in American trucks and SUVs.

Average Price (Used): $2,800–$4,500
Mileage Range: 80,000–150,000 miles

AutoParts Store Advantage:
We carry this engine in multiple variations (LM7, L59, L33, etc.) with VIN-verified compatibility.

5. Toyota 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE)

Best For: Highlander, Sienna, Camry V6, Lexus ES
Known For: Smooth, powerful, extremely reliable

A true workhorse that often exceeds 300k miles.

Average Price (Used): $2,000–$3,200
Mileage Range: 70,000–130,000 miles

Why We Recommend It:
Customers love this engine because it’s strong, quiet, and nearly failure-proof.

6. Honda 3.5L V6 (J35 Series)

Best For: Odyssey, Pilot, Accord V6, Ridgeline
Known For: High lifespan, low maintenance, parts availability

Used widely across Honda’s most popular family vehicles.

Average Price (Used): $2,000–$3,000
Mileage Range: 60,000–120,000 miles

AutoParts Store Insight:
We check VCM (variable cylinder management) components during inspection to ensure reliability.

7. Nissan 4.0L V6 (VQ40DE)

Best For: Frontier, Pathfinder, Xterra
Known For: Ruggedness, strong mid-range torque

Great for truck owners and off-roaders.

Average Price (Used): $1,900–$3,000
Mileage Range: 70,000–140,000 miles

AutoParts Store Note:
The VQ series is known for excellent long-term performance when sourced from good donor vehicles.

8. Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6

Best For: Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger
Known For: Modern design, dependable after 2016 updates

Later versions fixed earlier head issues.

Average Price (Used): $2,200–$3,400
Mileage Range: 60,000–120,000 miles

Why We Carry It:
Jeep owners across the U.S. rely on this engine for both daily driving and adventure use.

9. Mazda 2.5L SkyActiv

Best For: Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX-5
Known For: Efficiency, good lifespan, trouble-free operation

Mazda’s SkyActiv engines have earned a strong reliability reputation.

Average Price (Used): $1,400–$2,400
Mileage Range: 60,000–110,000 miles

AutoParts Store Comment:
These engines pair well with proper maintenance and correct oil grade usage.

10. Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel

Best For: RAM 2500/3500
Known For: Commercial-grade strength, unbeatable durability

Diesel truck owners consider this engine one of the toughest in the world.

Average Price (Used): $4,500–$9,000
Mileage Range: 150,000–250,000 miles

Why We Stock It:
Demand is extremely high, especially for hauling and commercial clients.

Why These Engines Are Considered “Most Reliable”

The engines on this list rank highly because they’ve shown:

• Low failure rates

• Excellent longevity

• Strong parts availability

• Consistent performance

• Better resistance to overheating

• Good transmission compatibility

• Stable aftermarket support

AutoParts Store Online regularly inspects and tests these engines before listing them.

⭐ How AutoParts Store Online Helps You Choose the Best Engine

Buying a used engine isn’t just about picking a good model — it’s about getting one that fits your exact vehicle.

Here’s how we help:

✔ VIN-Based Compatibility Checks

You send us your VIN → we match the exact engine configuration.

✔ Tested and Verified Engines

Every engine undergoes:

• Compression Test

• Leak-Down Test

• Visual Inspection

• Mileage Validation

✔ Clear Photos & Donor Vehicle Details

Full transparency before purchase.

✔ Nationwide U.S. Shipping

Fast, safe, palletized delivery to your home or mechanic.

✔ Competitive Pricing

We match U.S. market rates and often offer better deals than junkyards or dealerships.

✔ Warranty Options

Start-up guarantees and extended warranties available.

✔ Expert Guidance

Our specialists help you understand which engine offers the best value for your budget and driving habits.

Average Lifespan Expectation (Realistic U.S. Driving Conditions)

These estimates apply when engines are maintained properly with quality oil, correct coolant, and professional installation.

Which Engine Should YOU Buy? AutoParts Store Online Recommendation

✔ Tight budget?

Go for Toyota/Honda 4-cylinder used engines.

✔ Need power or towing?

Choose GM 5.3L or Ford 3.5L EcoBoost.

✔ Drive a family SUV or minivan?

Honda J35 or Toyota 2GR-FE are perfect.

✔ Want long-term durability?

Choose a remanufactured engine.

✔ Commercial or heavy-duty use?

Cummins diesel is the best choice.

AutoParts Store Online helps you choose the right engine based on your VIN, driving habits, and budget.

Conclusion

The U.S. market offers many engine choices, but reliability varies widely. The ten engines listed above stand out because they consistently deliver excellent performance, longevity, and value — even after 60,000–150,000 miles of prior usage.

At AutoParts Store Online, we make buying a replacement engine simple and stress-free by offering:

• Tested, high-quality used engines

• Remanufactured engine options

• Nationwide shipping

• Expert support

• Accurate VIN matching

• Fair pricing

• Warranty protections

Whether you’re restoring a car, repairing a daily driver, or getting a work vehicle back on the road, we have the right engine for your needs.