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Marycar

Hi there. I recently bought a 2016 Honda Jazz with a 3 year dealer warranty. Piston slap became obvious from cold starts once I bought the car. The dealership initially offered a half block replacement and said I would have to wait a long time for the part to arrive from Japan. Last week they rang and said they had sourced a complete engine with only 13000km so would replace mine. I am concerned because a) it is from a written off car that was rear ended b) the affect on future reliability and resale value if the engine and chassis have different numbers...Should I accept this or wait for the new imported part, which I guess they can now try to renege on .

Anon

Hi there,
The engine model code can be listed on the vehicle chassis plate but not the serial number, so it is not affected if the engine is changed. Personal preference would dictate what offer you accept and the same rights continue whichever repair method you choose. I wouldn't have thought a rear-end crash would damage anything up the front so there should be no issue in using the second-hand low mileage engine.

Marycar

Thanks for the prompt response and very helpful advice. They are going to put the second hand engine in and have said if I decide I'm not happy I can change cars. A great response from the dealer.

Anon

A great outcome. :-)