Should I Buy a Used Transmission?

By Mister Transmission

Purchasing a used transmission from the auto graveyard poses significant financial risks

It’s wise to be smart with your money, to save more than you spend, and when shopping, to look for the best deal you can find. But on the subject of buying a used transmission, an adage applies: “You get what you paid for.” In other words, purchasing a used transmission is never a good idea unless you’re doing it as a temporary measure to extend the longevity of an older vehicle.

Used Transmissions and the Risks They Pose

Used transmissions can be found at most auto wreckers. Many of these suppliers offer warranties, usually for a timeframe ranging from 30 to 90 days. But it’s important to remember you’re rummaging for a used transmission in an auto junkyard. That means you don’t truly know what condition a used transmission is in, what its history is, and there are no guarantees it will work as you expect for long if at all.

Be aware it can take up to 10 hours or more to install a used transmission in a car. In fact, It’s usually cheaper to have your vehicle’s failed or failing transmission removed and repaired. Additionally, there are so many variations of transmissions on the used parts aftermarket that there’s a real possibility you may purchase the wrong model for your vehicle.

There Are Other Options Available to You

Modern transmissions are computer-controlled marvels featuring an array of sensors that constantly monitor and relay information to the computer to ensure the transmission is performing at an optimum level. Your vehicle’s engine control unit is what governs everything from fuel efficiency and emissions to shifting gears. If repairing your current transmission isn’t a viable option, you can opt to replace it with a rebuilt model, or you can purchase a new one and have it installed.

Rebuilding a failed or failing transmission may seem questionable, but you have the benefit of knowing its history and who serviced it. Plus, there’s no worrying over whether or not the transmission gears are the perfect match for your vehicle.

Transmission rebuilds at Mister Transmission repair shops include a 12-month warranty (which can be upgraded to three or five years). It’s that extended nationwide guarantee that should give you the confidence to invest in repairing your existing transmission. Also, it strikes the right balance between being economically responsible and having the peace of mind the repair will go as planned.

Are you experiencing a problem with your vehicle’s manual or automatic transmission or have questions about transmissions? Visit the Mister Transmission location nearest you and get the expert help and information you need.

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Customer Reviews
Gary was superb, took time...
Mary D'Alton
Gary was superb, took time to check everything and did not upswell me serviced I did not need. Drained excess oil someone else had put in and my car drove perfectly. So appreciated will return and refer!
Date: September 28, 2023
Website: Google
Amazing experience.
Chris Bennett
Amazing experience.
Date: September 27, 2023
Website: Google
Great customer service . Work...
Chris Kerr
Great customer service . Work done fast and no surprises exelent experience
Date: September 27, 2023
Website: Google
Great reception, great service! Was...
Dennis Fuchs
Great reception, great service! Was given a detailed explanation of what had failed and what it would take to make my Fort Mc runner reliable again. Jamie and his team went beyond what I would call standard service, during the repair his team identified I had a bad battery. Saving me the trouble of finding out later when I probably would not have the resources to boost it. Thanks for your great service and workmanship. Truck is running great and is ready to take me North again. I highly recommend them....
Date: September 26, 2023
Website: Google
Amazing service!
Sarah Taylor
Amazing service!
Date: September 26, 2023
Website: Google
Greg and the team took...
Kyle F
Greg and the team took great care of repairing a complicated transmission issue with my truck. I appreciated the level of service, frequent updates, and honestly from him and the rest of the team. My truck is now running better than ever. Thank you very much!
Date: September 26, 2023
Website: Google
Two garages in California told...
Maxime Lacoste
Two garages in California told us that our transmission needed to be changed. Mister transmission tried our car and said : everything is good. Well, this is a good place to go cause we drove all the way back to Quebec without any problem.
Date: September 25, 2023
Website: Google
Zaffer and the team made...
Chris “Your
Zaffer and the team made an unexpected situation good again. No regular people understand transmissions, so the brevity it takes is an art in itself. On top of the actual skill it took to fix my truck, I thought they cared enough to communicate in my values. The usual stigma of a mechanic shop dictating prices and circumstances to a glazed over customer did not happen I have never been happier to hand over my $$$
Date: September 24, 2023
Website: Google
Fantastic service
Splounch
Fantastic service
Date: September 24, 2023
Website: Google
Fantastic service
Splounch
Fantastic service
Date: September 24, 2023
Website: Google
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