3 Things You Should Know Before Buying A Used Transmission
The last thing you ever want to hear from a mechanic as a vehicle owner is that your car is in need of a new transmission. With the average cost of a replacement transmission ranging anywhere between $4000 and $8000, it is only logical for most vehicle owners to seek out a used transmission from another vehicle instead to save money. However, before you jump on any used transmission that you find listed for sale on Craigslist or local classifieds, there are some pretty important things that you need to know.
1. Used transmissions from private individuals usually don't come with a warranty. - It is usually fairly easy to find a used transmission from a private individual who is looking to recoup some of their loss after an engine blows or they wreck their own ride. However, most individuals will not offer any type of warranty with the transmission sale. If you buy from a reputable transmission shop, a warranty is something you will almost always get with the purchase. It is always a much better idea to buy from someone who is going to guarantee you that a transmission will work once it is installed in your car or truck.
2. Transmissions that have not been properly stored may have problems. - There are a lot of salvage yards where you can pick up a used transmission for a relatively low price. The only problem with buying a used transmission from a salvage yard is you never know how long a vehicle has been sitting on their lot and what it has been through. Buying a used transmission that has just been left to contend with the elements could easily mean you will have corroded and broken down components. If you choose to buy a used transmission from a salvage yard, it is usually a better idea to have the transmission rebuilt before trying to have it installed.
3. It is sometimes more logical to buy a replacement transmission and not a used one. - There are some vehicle makes and models that are notorious for transmission troubles. Therefore, if your transmission goes out and you buy a used transmission that has been harvested from the same model, you could just end up with the same problem down the road. It is always best to do your research about the specific transmission type you have to make sure there are not ongoing issues with the specific model.
Talk to a company like AAA Engines and Transmissions for more information.