--- title: "Buying a Cheap New VW Engine From AliExpress Is Tempting… and Risky" date: "2025-02-05" modified: "2025-02-05" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/you-can-buy-new-vw-engines-on-aliexpress-but-be-careful" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen News" tags: - "GTI" - "Hatchback" - "Volkswagen" --- # Buying a Cheap New VW Engine From AliExpress Is Tempting… and Risky ![]() AliExpress is an e-commerce site that's almost eerily similar to Amazon, except the products that you can buy range from the mundane to the absolutely absurd. A quick visit to its homepage reveals deals on pretty normal products, like gaming accessories, tools, and jewelry, most of which are shockingly cheap. However, there are some odder items, too, like *entire [Volkswagen]() engines*. But buy with caution because, as [DAP DIY explains]() in this new YouTube video, these engines might not be exactly what you think. There are a ton of different engines sold on [AliExpress]() but the Vee-Dub power plants for sale are almost all variants of the EA888 platform, which spanned from 1.8 to 2.0 liters and powered everything from lowly VW Polos to [Golf GTIs]() and even [Audis](). While some of the engines were turbocharged from the factory, none of the AliExpress ones seem to come with turbos. They're just the assembled top and bottom ends. According to DAP DIY, these are essentially leftover engines from Chinese VW plants that weren't used in production, but somehow made their way onto the marketplace, and range anywhere from [$1,645]() to [$5,366](). However, if you're thinking about buying one so you can stuff a GTI engine into a fun project, just know that it could be very different from the EA888 engines you're used to. ![]() **AliExpress** [Volkswagen]() made several EA888 variations for different cars in different markets, and there can be significant internal changes between them. For example, more pedestrian versions of the motor have cast crankshafts, which are fine for economy cars with lower power outputs; for performance cars like the GTI and Golf R, though, VW used much stronger forged crankshafts. While it's possible the one you buy will come with beefier insides, there's just no guarantee. Just know that you're taking a risk and could end up with an engine that doesn't fit your needs. That doesn't mean these AliExpress engines are worthless. Some of them have forged crankshafts and stronger internals, so they can be used for higher-performance projects. But even if they don't, they can be had for their blocks or cylinder heads. If you were already planning on swapping the crank, pistons, cams, valves, and everything else, these engines can be affordable ways to score a fresh bottom end. At that point, though, you might be better off finding a wrecked, low-mile GTI and pulling the engine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM9YxskHLA8 *Got a tip? Send it in: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()