Buying a Used Transmission For Your Car vs Rebuilding

Transmission failure is one of the most significant and expensive issues that a car owner can face. When it happens, you might wonder whether it’s better to buy a used transmission or rebuild the existing one. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, and choosing between them can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.

Just know there is no 100% correct answer, but it will depend on your needs and what your own assessment of the risks are. As always, you are going to want to also spend time researching and learning about the shop that will be doing the work for you, if applicable. A bad transmission can practically “total” a used car if it simply is not worth the cost of repair. However, especially if you are doing your own labor, there are some cheaper options for replacing an old transmission and keeping a vehicle going a bit longer.

Buying a Used Transmission vs Rebuilding Old Transmission

Used Transmission: Pros and Cons

A used transmission can be a cost-effective solution if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some of its advantages:

Pros of a Used Transmission Over Rebuilding:

Cost-effective: A used transmission is often cheaper than a rebuilt one or a new one.

Quick solution: If you need to replace your transmission quickly, a used one is readily available at a salvage yard or online marketplace.

Genuine parts: You might be able to find a used transmission from the same make and model as your car, which means that the parts will be genuine and fit perfectly.

Cons of a Used Transmission Over Rebuilding:

Risky: You’re buying a used part that has been pulled from a vehicle that might have been in an accident or have had mechanical issues.

Unknown lifespan: You don’t know how much life is left in the used transmission. It could last for years or fail within a few months, leaving you with additional expenses.

No warranty: Most used transmissions don’t come with a warranty, which means that you’re responsible for any repairs if it fails.

Rebuilding a Transmission: Pros and Cons

Rebuilding a transmission involves disassembling it, replacing the worn-out or damaged parts, and reassembling it. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of rebuilding a transmission:

Pros of Rebuilding a Transmission:

New parts: You get new parts that replace the damaged or worn-out ones, which can extend the life of your transmission.

Customization: You can customize your transmission by adding performance parts to enhance its performance.

Warranty: Most rebuilt transmissions come with a warranty, which means that you’re covered in case it fails.

Cons of Rebuilding a Transmission:

Expensive: Rebuilding a transmission can be expensive, especially if there are many parts that need to be replaced.

Time-consuming: Rebuilding a transmission can take time, and you might need to wait for several days or weeks before you get your car back.

Quality concerns: The quality of the rebuild depends on the expertise of the mechanic. If the rebuild is not done correctly, you might face additional problems.

Factors to Consider While Making a Decision

To make an informed decision, you need to consider the following factors:

• Cost: How much can you afford to spend on transmission replacement or repair?
• Car’s age and condition: If your car is old and has high mileage, it might not be worth investing in a rebuilt transmission.
• Time: Do you need your car back on the road quickly, or can you wait for a few days or weeks?
• Warranty: Do you want the security of a warranty, or are you comfortable taking a risk?

 

Choosing between a used transmission and a rebuilt one is a decision that depends on your budget, your car’s age and condition, and your time constraints. While a used transmission is cheaper and more readily available at car junkyards, a rebuilt transmission offers new parts and a warranty. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which option is best for you. How important is your vehicle to you? How long do you plan to keep your car? In addition to your budget, these are the subjective considerations involved with choosing how to replace a bad transmission.

 

Video: Rebuilt Trans, Factory Re-manufactured or New Transmission

Video Credit: Goss’ Garage