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On top of the little issues my car has, it also has a dying transmission. This is confirmed from the super delayed shift from 1st to 2nd at anything over 3000rpm, and the failed solenoid pack causing a rev-up, slam type shift from 2nd to 3rd.
My mechanic said he wants me to buy the transmission and then he'll swap it in, which is fine.
Looking on car-part, it's overwhelming since there are several in the area, from 70k miles for $200, to 200k miles for $250. I have no idea what's good or not, you would assume the more expensive ones are better, but I have a hard time believing a 70k mile transmission is bad. What would you guys do?
And I should have him change the fluid as well, or leave it?
Unless you know the history of each transmission, I would always take the one with 70k over that with 200k. And change the fluid. Thoroughly, like 3x Drain & Fill. I change mine every 15k miles, and I am very happy with the results.
Each listing is from a different company and the prices may be negotiated. Some yards will list the best price, some will expect to negotiate and some just want the moon for certain parts.
They'll also list the condition on an A,B,C... scale in some of the listings.
The best thing to do is call on all the lower mile units. Make sure they're not from flood cars or bad wrecks and bounce prices between them. Remember who you speak to at each place. many of these guys are on commission and will work with you on price.
Here's the thing. You won't know which one is better no matter what. All you can do is exclude the known problem units and buy the cheapest low mile one.
Unless you know the history of each transmission, I would always take the one with 70k over that with 200k. And change the fluid. Thoroughly, like 3x Drain & Fill. I change mine every 15k miles, and I am very happy with the results.
That was my thought, but what about the possibilty of it doing more harm than good? Maybe it shifted lerfect on the old fluid? I would have no idea.
Each listing is from a different company and the prices may be negotiated. Some yards will list the best price, some will expect to negotiate and some just want the moon for certain parts.
They'll also list the condition on an A,B,C... scale in some of the listings.
The best thing to do is call on all the lower mile units. Make sure they're not from flood cars or bad wrecks and bounce prices between them. Remember who you speak to at each place. many of these guys are on commission and will work with you on price.
Here's the thing. You won't know which one is better no matter what. All you can do is exclude the known problem units and buy the cheapest low mile one.
Make sure it has a warranty.
Thanks, I had no idea price didn't mean anything on that site. I will call around to ones with less than 100k then and see what the dealio is.
Ok, here's a question that's been sitting in the back of my head.
So lets say I want to buy the transmission right now, but then not have it installed until much later on down the road, like months to a year later. Is this bad? Here's why I think it might:
New transmissions need to have their clutch packs soaked in ATF so they aren't dry upon installation. With a transmission sitting for almost a year before installation, would the clutch packs go dry? I would assume the salvage yard would empty the transmission of fluid upon purchasing.
The auto doesn't have to be drained to be pulled and shipped.
I've seen plenty of used auto trannys come through the shop full.
Never thought much about it.
You could ask the question when you call the yard.
This isn't new territory or breaking ground.
Used trannys have been bought and sold for a long time.
Last edited by Derrick2k2SE; Jul 16, 2017 at 08:48 PM.
I emailed the yard yesterday, I'm just waiting on a response. I can try again after work.
You really have to call them. Most of these guys are operating 20 or 30 years in the past. They're happy to talk to you but I wouldn't expect any response to emails from most of them.
You really have to call them. Most of these guys are operating 20 or 30 years in the past. They're happy to talk to you but I wouldn't expect any response to emails from most of them.
+1. Always call the yards. I have tried emailing a couple of them, and never got a response.
I have found a transmission 42 miles from me, 87000 miles, does NOT have traction control (neither does mine), and only $175. It couldn't be more perfect. I plan on buying it next time I come home from college and then keep it in the basement until January when I won't need the car and can have it swapped in. Here are some pics of it:
