An oil pan is a thin metal mechanism designed to hold the oil when the engine is not running. It is bolted to the engine block. When oil is changed this pan is accessed by removing the plug and letting the oil drain. They can become damaged by running over things or in vehicle-to-vehicle accidents.
The cost of an oil purchased from a salvage yard can range from approximately $25 up to about a hundred dollars depending on the year,make, and model of the vehicle.
| Vehicle | Rebuilt/New | Recycled | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Lincoln Navigator | $198.00 | $35.00 | $163.00 |
| 2005 Ford F-150 | $226.00 | $50.00 | $176.00 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | $466.00 | $75.00 | $391.00 |
| 2010 Lexus RX350 | $374.00 | $100.00 | $274.00 |
| 1998 Mercury Mytique | $164.00 | $25.00 | $139.00 |
| 2000 Volkswagen Passat | $258.00 | $50.00 | $208.00 |
When purchasing a used oil pan be sure to ask the yard, if metal, that it is not dented on the bottom or have any gouges from the vehicles accident. If it’s a sport utility be sure to verify 2WD or 4WD. . If it is an aluminum oil pan be sure it is inspected thoroughly for cracks.
Verify the plug is not stripped and no cracks around the bolt holes that hold the pan to the engine. That can happen from over tightening. Be sure to replace the gasket with a new one.
Inspect the oil pickup tube and clean the screen from debris and replace your rear main seal.
With each oil change inspect the plug and bottom of oil pan for damage.