My Dzire is 15 years old: Can I replace engine & continue ownership?

Want to understand the cost & legal implications in this scenario.

BHPian YogiBear recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have my dear trusty Maruti Swift Dzire VXI that is nearing 15 years of age in 30 days. Except for some rattling noise in the suspension, it is spick and span to drive. I am now developing FOLO (fear of losing out) with the looming deadline to scrap this lovely possession of mine. And the spectre of having to invest 8L+ immediately isn't very attractive as well.

Is it possible that I get the ICE engine replaced with a new one from an authorized MASS and then the RTO allows me to continue running it for another 15 years??

What might be the cost and legal implications in this scenario?

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

No, and with good reason too.

• India is a country of jugaad & fake paperwork. If the government allows this, we'll see all sorts of 20-year-old cars back on Delhi roads with supposed new engines. But which were never really fitted.
• The cost of getting a new engine etc. with installation from MASS will exceed the value of your car.
• 15 years is a good enough time to have enjoyed your Dzire, Now, its time for you to buy & experience something newer & fresher.

Here's what BHPian headbanger had to say on the matter:

Accept the inevitable and move ahead though it may feel grossly unfair deep within. Get a new car and extract as much as possible for the faithful Dzire by selling it.

Unfortunately for our tribe, we fit in that space within the financial pyramid of a country where it's easiest to hit by regulations. Try and plan your life around this simple fact.

I have a Ritz and Dzire that will be done within the next 2 years due to the same rule. The only difference is that this isn't my first experience. Hence I have accepted the unfairness of the framework and started to plan the future keeping Govt. whims as one of the parameters. Our first car Zen met with the same fate for no mistakes of ours. All I can say is I hear you, my friend.

Here's what BHPian ike had to say on the matter:

Even if it were possible, remember that you will have a car with a new engine but every other component(the chassis, the shell, upholstery etc.) will be fifteen years old. Such a car is likely to be a headache in the long run in terms of reliability. Not worth the hassle IMO, sometimes you have to just grin and bear it.

Here's what BHPian Fuldagap had to say on the matter:

To be honest, such a caveat can only be answered by an enthusiastic & well-read govt official or by a thorough agent (who would know a well-read govt official). I'm not sure even filing an RTI request would render this info.

What's sure is this, RTO needs to endorse & permit the change in engine before anybody changes his car's engine. People used to change their cars from petrol to diesel a lot. I'm sure some would be doing that even now. However, to use the engine change to avoid the 15-year ban in no way sounds even remotely mainstream.

If you don't know any concerned govt official through friends, try getting in touch with an agent. Visit the RTO and agents would approach you by themselves like honey bees.

Agents near your residence can also be found via Google search. Approaching the RTO officially might not be useful. If you are serious about it then you need to deviate from the normal approach to things to achieve it.

A Maruti service centre can give an estimate of the costs involved. In 2008, I saw a poster at a dealer's office in Ahmedabad advertising plonking a new Maruti engine in an old car, even the price was mentioned which I don't remember now.

It's indeed food for thought if this is really possible or not.

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