Transmission Games: Can You Afford To Replace It?
When you put your vehicle into gear, you expect it to immediately move. If your car hesitates, and you notice other troubling signs like leakage and engine lights, your transmission may be on its last legs. If you know anything about automobiles, you know that replacing your transmission is an expensive task. If your car is not under warranty, and you simply cannot afford a new transmission, you do have a few lower cost options that can keep you on the road.
Rebuilt Transmission
A new transmission costs somewhere between $1800 and $3500, an amount that many people simply don't have on hand. If your transmission is out, you aren't going anywhere until you replace it or get another vehicle, something that may be even further out of reach. The cost of a rebuilt transmission usually falls between $1500 and $2500, a hefty price, but that thousand dollars savings can make the financial sting easier to bear. Also, these transmissions should work just as well as a brand new transmission, although they are constructed out of used parts. Since you are actually recycling these parts, the environment benefits as well.
Salvage Transmission
A visit to a salvage yard may seem intimidating, but if you are on a limited budget, it can be your salvation. Buying a "reclaimed" transmission means paying somewhere between $800 and $1500, an amount you may be able to scrape together. If your model car is popular, you will be more likely to find success using this method. First, do your research. You need to use a reputable salvage yard. If you've never visited one before, take along someone who has. You need to go in knowing exactly the type of transmission that you need. Take in your owner's manual if you have any doubt. Remember, some wrecked or junked cars have practically new, undamaged transmissions in them. Finding one of these is a bit like hitting the lottery. Even if you find a moderately used transmission, you can still expect it to function well for years. By the time your car fails again for any reason, you will hopefully be in better financial shape.
A transmission crisis is scary for anyone, but if cash is tight, you may panic. However, you can find a less expensive way to replace one if you do a little legwork and research. You don't have to buy a transmission through your mechanic. You can take your bargain transmission to them for installation.