Just Purchased 1 Month Ago - Just Found Out Long Block Replaced

[techguy]

Purchased a 2019 Kia Stinger GT1 from Carmax in July 2024 less than a month ago. Just spoke to a Kia service manager and was informed that the long block was replaced in August 2023. There was no mention of this by Carmax.

I am not a car guy so am wondering if this is a deal breaker potentially. I have owned the car less than a month. I haven't noticed any issues. Is this a new engine? Is that OK or is it damaged goods at this point? I am guessing I can potentially return the car to Carmax if this is a major issue.

Thanks for any input you can provide.

 

[Snicklefritz]

The engine/drivetrain still has the 10 year/100K miles warranty, so, that repair/replacement was done under warranty as well. Warranty will cover the work done. If everything is going well, and you love the car, keep it and trust the warranty in case everything heads south. It's all any of us can do.

 

[techguy]

That engine/drivetrain warranty still applies? I am the 3rd owner of the car.

 

[Snicklefritz]

That engine/drivetrain warranty still applies? I am the 3rd owner of the car.

I was looking at your mileage. 3rd owner, that might be an issue alright. I don't know much about how that all works to be frank. Anyway, if your that worried and can return the car to Carmax over this undisclosed engine work, then find another Stinger and let this one go. A CPO is better than any other way to buy used. That way you get what's left of the warranty as if you are the original owner.

 

[techguy]

I'm going to talk to the Kia service manager I spoke with today to see how the factory warranty works. I totally forgot to mention I did purchase a Maxcare extended warranty with the car so I should be covered for any issues with this.
Do you know what all is actually replaced when the long block is replaced? Are the turbos replaced? Just curious what's new and what's not.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Good idea extending the warranty before making this discovery. That should serve you well.
Ima guessing that KIA replaced the whole kit and kaboodle, since it says "long block". If the turbos were sound and reusable maybe they aren't included in the long block package. Somebody on here might know. There are a lot of parts above and beyond the heads and valves, etc. I have no idea what-all is included in a KIA long block. The thing is likely a full engine replacement, so, you have an engine that is less than a year old.

 

[techguy]

So new engine without going through the hassle of getting the new engine and an extended warranty means I'll be fine.
Knowing the car had twin turbos and was used so getting the extended warranty wasn't even a question. I did the math and the new engine had only 1,048 miles on it when I picked it up. Is there a break in period I should be aware of? I have already had some fun with it so hopefully I'm past any break in period.

 

[Snicklefritz]

KIA manual says the first 600 miles you should keep RPMs between 2-4K, avoid hard accels and treat the brakes gently during this same period. Of course by now all of that is moot.

 

[techguy]

Thank you for the info! I'm just going to have fun doing digs with it!!!

 

[rtv900]

The engine/drivetrain still has the 10 year/100K miles warranty, so, that repair/replacement was done under warranty as well. Warranty will cover the work done. If everything is going well, and you love the car, keep it and trust the warranty in case everything heads south. It's all any of us can do.

the 100k warranty only applies to the original owner. It goes to 60k on resale. I only know this because I wrecked my 22 and bought a used 22 and they informed me the warranty is no longer 100k for a second owner vehicle.

as for OP post, IMO this would be a deal breaker. Very likely the car was abused big time to destroy the motor, or modded to high hell which of course puts strain on everything drivetrain related.
I wouldn't touch a car with a motor replacement unless I personally knew the owner and the details.

 

[techguy]

I do have the previous owners info. Found it on some paperwork in the glove box. Would it be weird to hit him up and ask what happened?

 

[techguy]

Sent him a text. We shall see.
Just curious is there anything I could look for that might indicate their were previous modifications done to the car? Obviously the engine looks super clean as it only has a couple thousand miles on it so nothing to see there.

 

[rtv900]

Sent him a text. We shall see.
Just curious is there anything I could look for that might indicate their were previous modifications done to the car? Obviously the engine looks super clean as it only has a couple thousand miles on it so nothing to see there.

not much dude since the trashed motor was replaced and obviously they'd use only stock parts.
not weird at all to ask the guy, I mean he has no reason to lie at this point as he's in the clear. But some people still wont' be honest.
interested to see what the response is, if anything