There are typically three choices for a transmission replacement -- remanufactured, rebuilt or used (from a salvage yard). Although the terms "remanufactured" and "rebuilt" are often used interchangeably, generally a remanufactured transmission is one that has been completely disassembled and reassembled in a factory, with all vital parts replaced, while a rebuilt transmission (also called refurbished, reconditioned or overhauled) is one that is disassembled and reassembled in a repair shop, with all worn or damaged components replaced, along with new gaskets, seals and other parts (but exactly what is included in rebuilding a transmission can vary from shop to shop).
Typical costs:
A rebuilt or remanufactured transmission can cost $1,000-$6,000 or more depending on location; the age, make and model of vehicle; whether the transmission is manual (less expensive) or automatic; and the warranty provided. Factory-remanufactured transmissions typically cost more, come with a longer warranty (75,000-100,000 miles or two-three years) and take a day or two to install. Rebuilding a transmission generally comes with a shorter warranty (30 days to one year), the process can take three to four days (or more), and costs can increase if extensive problems are revealed after the transmission is disassembled. CostHelper readers report paying $1,200-$4,179 to replace a transmission in a passenger car, at an average cost of $2,324; $1,600-$4,500 to replace a transmission in a pickup truck, for an average $2,792; and $1,700-$6,000 for an SUV or minivan, with an average cost of $3,090.
A used transmission from a salvage or junk yard can cost $200-$600 or more, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle; the mileage and condition of the junked car; and the relative availability or rarity of that particular transmission. A used transmission is a gamble, because there's no way of knowing how the vehicle was maintained or damaged, or why it was junked. Also, because of the computerized control systems in modern transmissions, a transmission from a 2001 vehicle might not work properly in the 2002 model. Most repair shops will not install a used transmission because of these risks. CostHelper readers report paying $288-$415 for do-it-yourself installation of a used transmission, with an average cost of $361; and a CostHelper reader in Pennsylvania bought a used transmission for $200 and paid a local transmission shop $500 to install it.
Replacing or rebuilding a transmission is typically a long and complicated process, with extensive labor costs. AutoMD.com lists 60 steps for replacing an automatic transmission[1] .
Discounts:
Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members[2] .
Because shifting in a modern automatic transmission is done electrically through a computer system, what appear to be minor transmission problems can be caused by corrosion on the battery terminals[3] ; in these circumstances, replacing or rebuilding the transmission will not be necessary, according to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association.
Shopping for replacing a transmission:
Deciding whether to replace a failed transmission is typically done on a case-to-case basis, depending on the overall age and condition of the vehicle, and whether it's likely other major parts will also fail soon. Symptoms of automatic transmission wear or failure include abnormal noise, shifting delays, unable to shift into one or more gears, a flashing transmission-warning light or a check-engine light. According to Consumer Reports[4] , what appears to be a transmission problem may be an engine problem, and the engine should be checked before focusing on the transmission.
The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association describes typical transmission repair/replacement options[5] , noting that brand-new transmissions are only used in the production of new vehicles; a transmission bought at a dealership will have been remanufactured in the factory.
Search for local shops through the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association[6] , the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[7] or the International Automotive Technicians Network[8] .
Ask about the warranty provided and whether a shop rebuilds transmissions themselves or if they buy remanufactured transmissions from the vehicle manufacturer or specialized remanufactured transmission manufacturers like Jasper Engines & Transmissions[9] .
Generally it is not possible for a shop to give a firm quote for the cost of rebuilding a transmission until it has inspected the vehicle and done diagnostic tests; a ballpark estimate often changes after the work has started and things are opened up, and the mechanic can see exactly what needs to be done.
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Bought used tranny at brandy bows in plaistow,nh,$400.00 w/6 month warranty. Cost to swap tranny at checo's was 300.00 plus tax. Checo's is very honest ,I trust his service. If you are not in a hurry, replaced in 6 hours ,same day go to his garage.
Posted by: Annie,Burlington, NC in Greensboro, NC.
Posted: April 21st, 2017 08:04PM
Car Make: BMW
Car Model: 535i
Auto Shop: Crown BMW
My computer on my car read transmission malfunction and I had it towed to the dealer. The next day they told me it would be 14000.00 to fix it and I told them not me. They said my first gear was too low and the second and third gear prm was too high. They said it was internal failure. After speaking with BMW USA, they advised they would not be able to offer any assistance. I was hoping I would qualify under the lemon law, but I didnot.I called the service manager of the dealership trying to get the cost as low as possible.He said he would check around to see if they could find a used transmission. They did and advised with the cost and labor it would be 5000.00 plus tax with one year warranty. But if I have to come back before the warranty is up they would fix the car but I would have to pay for the labor. They said the cost of the transmission is 3600.00 and the remainder is labor. This was a CPO vehicle with 43,000 miles and I put about 40,000 on it myself. My warranty ran out in N
Had a rear main seal leak (have to break open tranny) and we went ahead and did the clutch and oil pan, transmission fluid and oil change. Add $77 for the slave cylinder, which is what the clutch pedal controls to move deploy the clutch
Transmission works OK, but sloppy work and Batt Box loose, air filter box loose,wiring harness in wrong place;part of air inlet duct missing. Will never use this Company again. Will butcher your vehicle.
Had a new transmission installed in truck with a warranty of 3 years/100,000 miles. It has been 3 years 6 months and only 20,000 miles...transmission needs to be replaced AGAIN and cannot be covered by warranty.
Decent price from a highly trusted local shop. 3yrs unlimited mile warranty on the replacement transmission/torque converter. Easy to work with and competent.
There is a recall on '07 Honda Accords for passenger side airbag. Took my car in to have the recall fixed. THEN this guy comes and tells my engine light is on. Funny it wasn't on when I came there. So we argue. I asked to see the manager who runs the whole dealership. I'm kind of making a scene. Those guys are crooks!! Does dealership have to equal crook? Jeez!!😡
My transmission was damaged by hitting a driveshaft on the fwy I'm a disable veteran on social security low income, at the shops estamate was to replace the transmission after a day the shop called and told me they found a used transmission With 34000 miles total cost installed $3000,00 ! I really need my car" I manage a house with six veterans my age when needed I do the driving only one with a license.
Bought a trans from JDM for $324.75 and CCA installed for $674.05. Car has 250k on it so probably isn't worth fixing...but I'm rollin the dice and hoping nothing else breaks.
1195.00 for used tranny 600 for labor 145 for tranny flush 75 for labor. Tacoma dodge dealer ship. This was not a reman or rebuilt was used junk yard . Used our Warrenty company and got crap.... Would have paid 300.00 differance for the reman. But not given chance.. So it took them 7 hours to put it back in.lol I'm a mecanictly and it doesn't take that long. was at dealer for 7 days had to get rentle car .
My Traverse started lunging back and forth when I accelerate and when I went in reverse. Took it to a Chevy dealer near me and was told the transmission would likely have to be replaced. They said a new transmission would cost more money than a used one. I let the clerk know that if the mechanic is trustworthy and won't try to scam me, then I would prefer a new transmission to get my money's worth. He assured me they were honest and I would have no issues. Well, after 6 days I got the car back with a "new transmission". Paid a whole bunch of money, but when I got home I noticed the transmission did not look new. There was black paint on some screws and on a few more areas. Also, it is leaking and when I drive, it still feels like there is something wrong with the transmission. I called to let them know of these issues, and they told me to take it back tomorrow so they can inspect it. I plan on asking for a receipt showing me that this is a new transmission.
Posted by: Ripped off in watertown in waterbury, CT.
Posted: November 3rd, 2014 03:11AM
Car Make: honda
Car Model: civic
Auto Shop: honda of watertown ct
when i first brought the car in for a starter ,they checked all the fluid levels -transmission anyway it's documented. when the transmission went i checked the fluid level -it was empty,a rip off yeah ,moving soon . NO MORE CARS.
Auto Shop: Russell Barnett chevrolet winchester tn
Was told needed transmission after fluid on dipstick was checked! I told them to hold off on repair but they ordered tranny anyway. Not wanting to spend that much on a 2500 dollar car was told to pay a 30 percent restocking fee before my car was released back to me. My car was being held hostage for the restocking fee, which was not my fault!
We will see. Three days to do the work. He showed me the faulty parts and told me how it was driving and what was wrong. Hoping for a good job and a good warranty
My transmission started slipping, and then wouldn't shift into any gear higher than 2nd. I took it to Mike Harvey Acura, and they quoted me $5100 for an Acura Factory rebuilt transmission with a 3 year warranty. I then shipped around and found Peninsula Transmission would do it for $2874 with a 1 year warranty. My car has 165,000 miles, and is in great shape with no previous problems. I want to save money and fix it at Peninsula transmission instead of the dealer. What do you recommend?
Took my car in for a tune up, pickup was slow. After tune up car was running bad, not changing gear right. car sounded like a mac truck. took the car back 4x, get no answer. Car jerking when in reverse and parking. Still owe $6000.00 what should I do.
Transmission started slipping all of a sudden and then after driving about 5-10 minutes, it stops moving. After car cools off, it repeats this all over again. Took car to dealer, they quoted me $3200 to repair, they said this is a discount, normal price is $5000. Car has only 119,000 miles on it. I've read this is a problem for many Acura TLs. Still negotiating for them to bring the price down lower.
Have been using Rob for about 20 yrs. I could have sworn my transmission was slipping. I was having trouble for a few months but it was just horrible the last few days. He put in a new clutch, flushed the trannie and replaced all the fluids. Runs like new! This saved me thousands.
I feel like they have raped me. I took my car in on a Saturday, they said will be done by Tuesday, still waiting on Thursday. Almost lost my job over it since I had no way to get to work. I was quoted $2000 to %2500 by my mechanic I use all the time but he wanted cash up front and Aamco had financing available. They really took advantage of me.
My car started making a noise every time I would turn it on, but the noise went away a few minutes after. After noticing the noise, my car started to be hard when stepping on the gas, until it broke down in the middle of the street.
Manual Transmission: Loose driver side axle resulted in replacement of differential with used tranny with 48K miles, including new axle, bearing,clutch,and resurfaced flywheel.
About 4 days ago the transmission made an odd noise and slipped a few times. Then I added a bottle of "Lucas Transmission Fix," and then the car would only run a few blocks, so I had to stop, wait about 10 seconds, restart the car, over and over. Next, I drained / replaced transmission fluid, it ran well for about 10 miles, and now it won't go at all! The car has 170,000 miles, it's worth maybe $1,500 (bad transmission, needs tires, A/C broke, etc), still owe $4,800! Broke! Any ideas, advice, opinions??? Thanks! [email protected]
I would like to speak to Bryan Rudd of Oviedo, FL re his transmission. Mr. Rudd would you please contact me at [email protected] ? I would like to know if you did the work, and if not, where is "Front Yard" located? Thanking you in advance for your time.
Bought the used 2000 Dakota this year, low mileage (120K), but with many issues. Finally got the trans fixed, but it cost more than I expected. Was hoping for $1500. Trying to find out how much for a factory rebuilt one. AAMCO took mine apart and replaced worn parts/seals.
Bought a used transmission from J&B Auto Parts in Bithlo, came with a 30 day money back warranty and automatic swap out if the part fails. Put in brand new clutch and slave cylinder with the 5 speed tranny. Total cost included gear oil. Total time spent was 3 days. about 5 hours a day spent. If you have a solid car knowledge you can make this happen. This was our first transmission and with the help of google and youtube everything was a breeze.
They appear at the internet as honest and cheap,then I took my truck over there,they told me that normaly the Transmission problems in that vehicle was between $700.00 to $1,500.00 I accepted and signed.rnAfter they open the transmission they said it may cost a little more it went to $3,854.20 (too much)
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