Used vs Rebuilt Transmission

[2canSAM]

First things first buying a new car is not an option and I have to replace it. The shop, who I do trust, has given me 2 options.

1. Used transmission with 12 Month/12k warranty for $1700.00 installed
2. Rebuilt transmission with 12 Month/12k warranty for $2400.00 installed

I have got some feedback and those that have had rebuilt from this shop do not have any complaints with the rebuild. The car is a 2000 Camry LE and will mostly be transportation to and from the airport, about 100-300 miles a week. I am looking to stretch this car a few more years. Feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[slag]

Depends. If you can get a used with less than 80k miles, give or take, I'd go that route. If they are wanting to put a 175k miles used transmission in your car, then go the rebuilt route.

 

[jme5343]

I'll say this, I wish I'd gotten that kind of pricing. I just paid $2800 to have the transmission on my minivan rebuilt.

 

[2canSAM]

The used has 80k on it.

 

[natto fire]

To me it would depend on why the original failed, and how often. I would never go looking for a used Honda V6 automatic from the near 2000 vintage because they were all junk from the factory.

If there are no known issues (pretty sure the Camry is in the clear here) I would look into a used unit, but only after I panned it. I do my own work and changing an automatic transmission, especially in a FWD, is not exactly a good way to spend the weekend, so I want to know the unit I am putting in there will last.

I think either way your resale value will probably be the same, so I would probably go with the used. Make sure to read through the warranty for any fine print.

 

[darom]

You are taking a gamble on the used tranny beyond that 1 year window. I would take the rebuild unit esp. from the shop you trust. If they rebuild it with quality replacement parts, the tranny should last longer than 1 year.

I would offer them cash and see if there is some room to lower the price .

 

[exar333]

80k on a circa-2000 Toyota transmission shouldnt be a big issue. I also agree with the previous poster that they could accept less, in cash. Offer $1500 and see if they bite.

 

[Rifter]

I wouldnt spend that much on a 00 camry, but if you really think thats a smart idea then i would go with the rebuild.

 

[SuperSix]

Depends on how long you plan to keep the car.

I would get the rebuilt trans - the $700.00 difference is less than 2 mo car payments.

 

[MaxFusion16]

just go the cheapest option, it's a camry, plenty of replacements parts out there, no reason to rebuild when you can get another for cheaper.
i bet you can pick up a used transmission from a junkyard for less than $500, then just pay someone $500 to drop it in. $1000 installed should be enough.

have the shop breakdown the cost, how many hours are they charging you for labor? and how much are they charging you for the transmission?

 

[IcePickFreak]

$2400 seems a bit on the steep side for the rebuild. That said, you don't want to take it to just anyone because some places will cut corners (ie not replace all the seals etc.) Im on my phone so can't see your location, but if you're around SE Wisconsin I could definitely give you a better deal on a rebuild than that.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Depends on how long you plan to keep the car.

I would get the rebuilt trans - the $700.00 difference is less than 2 mo car payments.

Over $350 a month on a car payment? Screw that, that is way too much.

 

[lrsenne07]

$2400 seems a bit on the steep side for the rebuild. That said, you don't want to take it to just anyone because some places will cut corners (ie not replace all the seals etc.) Im on my phone so can't see your location, but if you're around SE Wisconsin I could definitely give you a better deal on a rebuild than that.

Hi, I don't know if you still check this forumn but I am in northern Wisconsin and need my transmission rebuilt. I was quoted $2500 up here. The van still drives I would come down if you are still doing these repairs. Email me at lrsenne07@yahoo.com. thank you

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