Replacing a Kia Carnival engine isn’t pocket change, and the damage varies by generation and whether it’s the 3.3–3.8 V6 or 2.2 diesel.
As a rough guide in Australia: a used wrecker engine is about $3,500–$6,500, a reconditioned long block $5,500–$9,500, and a brand-new unit $10,000–$16,000+.
Labour is typically 15–25 hours at $140–$200/hr, so allow another $2,100–$5,000, plus $500–$1,500 for fluids, gaskets, mounts and the “while we’re in there” bits.
All up, you’re looking at roughly $6,000–$10,000 fitted for a used engine, $8,000–$13,000 for reconditioned, and $12,000–$20,000 for new—used vs new pricing duly noted.
Get multiple quotes from specialist workshops, insist on a written warranty (3–12 months is common), and consider sourcing the engine via Tradingpost or getting installer quotes via ServiceCentral.
And before you green-light the surgery, compare the repair cost to the car’s market value—sometimes the smartest fix is upgrading the entire car.
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