Looking for some opinions and experiences. I need another engine. Now the junkyards around me have a couple. But really no damage to the vehicle which leads me to believe something mechanical was wrong. I found some from auto dismantlers around me.

Junkyard I have to pull myself which I don't mind but if they are bad it would be a waste of time.

Dismantlers they pull. A 90,000 mile 3 hr drive away or 120000 1.5 hrs away.

Whichever way I decide to go. What checks would you recommend to do? Or even seals gasket to replace while it's out.