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Are used cars with new engines considered reliable?

I'm looking at a 1997 Honda Civic with "new honda engine" that has about 20k on it; is it considered reliable in your opinion? Or should I stay clear of new engines in used cars?

Public Comments

1. The engine isn't all there is to making a good car. Chances are, if a 1997 Honda needed a new engine, The car was driven hard. I would stay clear of this one.
2. It's really the same risk as buying any used car. I have a Freelander and the head-gasket blew at 42k so I had a new engine installed. It's been running excellently so there is no reason for me to question it's reliability (also it was fitted by an approved Land Rover dealer). I would suggest that providing it was fitted by an approved dealer (you should be able to see documentation), that it will be fine. Good luck! EDIT - Just Me (above) makes a good point regarding the reason for the new engine, that might be worth finding out. If it was something like the head gasket, that can just be bad luck, but if it was due to some sort of engine fire etc, they may be deeper damage.