If you’ve received the bad news that your car or truck’s transmission is shot, you’re pretty much at a standstill until you get it repaired or replaced. You have several options to get rolling again and here are four, in order of cost highest to lowest:
· A new OEM (original equipment manufacturer) transmission from the auto dealer ($$$$)
· Remanufactured transmission with OEM replacement parts so it’s like new ($$$)
· Rebuild your transmission or buy a rebuilt one ($$$ or $$)
· Purchase a genuine OEM used transmission ($)
Buying a new car is also an option, but if your vehicle is in overall good shape, that’s a bit extreme just to fix the transmission. You may find it’s a better option to replace your transmission. Choosing a used transmission can be a great option to save money and get back on the road.
As you make your decision, consider the pros and cons for each of the four replacement alternatives specified above:
New transmission from the dealership
Pros
· New, factory-built and guaranteed to fit your vehicle
· Is a brand-new, fully warrantied part
Cons
· The highest priced option for a replacement transmission
Remanufactured transmission
Pros
· A professionally refurbished transmission completely rebuilt to factory OEM specifications
· Saves money over a new OEM transmission
· Same warranty as a new part but may exclude labor costs
Cons
· Priced higher than a rebuilt or used transmission
Rebuilt transmission, your own or another rebuilt one
Pros
· Less cost than new or remanufactured transmission
· Worn or defective parts are replaced
Cons
· Having your own transmission rebuilt can take a long time and be costly
· Replacement parts can create unequal wear
· Limited warranties
Used genuine OEM transmission
Pros
· Least cost for a replacement transmission
· An exact same transmission as yours will not have fit/installation issues
· Can shop for a lower mileage used transmission
Cons
· Possibly unknown wear or maintenance history
· Shorter warranties
Only buy a used transmission from a reputable dealer
Whether online or local, only purchase used auto parts from a trustworthy seller. If you don’t have a reliable mechanic who can assist with finding your replacement transmission, take the time to investigate a possible supplier. How long have they been in business? What do customers say about them on Yelp, Google, and Facebook? Is there a customer service team to assist with questions? Do they have dependable shipping policies? What about warranties on the parts they sell? Especially for a sizable purchase like a used transmission or transaxle assembly you need to know it will ship safely and that if there is a problem, you’ll be taken care of.
Know what transmission you need
Typically, a used transmission seller like LKQ Online can match you up with the right transmission once they know your vehicle's make, model, year, and engine size and type, available in the Owner’s Manual, along with the transmission part number. Additionally, your car’s VIN number will help to ensure you get the perfect transmission. Make sure that the seller will guarantee that the transmission fitment they affirm is the right one for your car or that if it does not fit as promised that it can be exchanged or refunded.
Understand the warranty coverage
Buying used or recycled auto parts to repair your vehicle will definitely save money, but you need to be sure you have a warranty when you buy in case there are any problems. Steer clear of any dealers or retailers who refuse to stand behind their used transmissions with at least a 30-day warranty. Warranties can vary in time, mileage, components covered, and installation requirements so you need to carefully read the warranty to understand what’s covered, especially for a big purchase like a used transmission or engine assembly. LKQ Online sells used transmissions with a standard, six-month or 6,000-mile warranty on parts only, no labor is included, and applies to parts that arrive defective/damaged/incorrect or become defective within the warranty period. Check out LKQ’s warranty information and specifically the transmission warranty before you buy.
Learn all you can about the transmission’s history
Shopping for used auto parts online usually presents many options for the same part. On a reputable website, you should be able to compare the history of each available part to find the one that’s best for you. For example, LKQ Online provides the following information on our used transmissions or engines to help with your search:
· Make, model, and year of the salvaged vehicle
· Mileage (you can search only those transmissions with the lowest mileage)
· Location (ships from) of the transmission
· Complete description of the transmission and part number
· Fitment (compatibility with all years/makes/models that use this exact transmission)
· Source vehicle details, including VIN number so you can research the history of the car
· Price, shipping terms, and warranty
With over 200 locations nationwide, LKQ Online has an expansive inventory of used auto parts, including hard-to-find parts to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles. Whatever your current auto project is, our service team of automotive experts can help you get the right part at the right price. You can shop for a used transmission with confidence with LKQ because each used transmission is inspected for quality and comes with the backing of our industry-leading six-month or 6,000-mile warranty. Depend on LKQ for guaranteed fit, high-quality auto parts, long-lasting performance, and fast shipping for all your vehicle repair needs.