Your car’s transmission is an essential component that is responsible for shifting gears in your vehicle. Your car can either have an automatic transmission or a manual one, but either way, you need it to operate your vehicle smoothly. This requires routine maintenance and a regular infusion of transmission fluid, but sometimes, you will simply need to replace the part entirely. Many drivers wonder if they need to spend a lot on a new transmission or if they can get by with a used transmission. Buying a used transmission is a course of action many people take, but you should really think about if it is truly ideal for you.
Pros and Cons of Buying Used
Many people buy a used car due to the cost of savings and with the knowledge that it will pretty much be as good as a new vehicle. If you want to buy a used transmission, then you can expect a similar benefit. Used transmissions naturally cost less than new ones, which is a major factor. In many cases, you can save hundreds of dollars. Many used transmissions are technically remanufactured, which means they come with new parts and updates. You could receive a transmission that is virtually identical to a new one.
However, there are several cons to buying a used transmission. For starters, you will not get a lengthy warranty, if you get a warranty at all. Sometimes the warranty will only last for 12 months, which may not be enough time to fully cover any problems that arise. When a transmission is inactive for an extended period of time and paired with the extreme temperatures in Phoenix, the clutches and seals inside will begin to dry up, crack, and eventually rot. Additionally, when you buy used, you do not know if it has gone through the proper testing or was cared for properly by the vehicle’s previous owners. Most vehicle recycling centers do not inspect used transmissions prior to sales. When you purchase a new transmission, you know it has gone through all the latest testing measures.
How to Tell If Your Transmission Is on Its Last Legs
Whether you have a new or used transmission in your vehicle, you need to keep an eye out for the warning signs it is about to fail completely. If you see fluid leaking from your vehicle or a puddle of fluid whenever you take off to drive, then it is likely the transmission leaking. Additionally, you may notice a delayed engagement. You may have trouble shifting your vehicle from “P” to “D.” In the event it does shift, it may feel rougher than normal.
Reason to Take Action Immediately
As soon as you notice the warning signs, you need to replace the transmission with something. The reason for this is that it is extremely dangerous to drive when the transmission slips often. As you are driving, the transmission may slip between gears unexpectedly. Not only does this cause further damage to the system, but it also puts you and other drivers in danger. Even if you are unsure what the exact problem is, it is still a good idea to take your vehicle to a professional to get it inspected.
Reason to Buy New
When it comes to purchasing a transmission, you need to consider the long-term advantages rather than the short-term. When you buy a used transmission, you may be saving a few hundred dollars up front, but there is an increased risk the component will wear prematurely. For a new transmission, you can typically expect it to last for up to 100,000 miles, which for most drivers will be about seven years. When you buy used, the transmission may only last for 50,000 miles or fewer. If you have to buy another transmission shortly after just purchasing one, then you end up spending more money in the long run.
Additionally, you should always buy your new transmission from a respected source. No matter how handy you may think you are around a car, you need to allow a professional to install your new transmission to ensure it is in there correctly. Luckily for you, you can turn to the professionals at Sun Devil Auto any time your transmission starts acting up.
One-Stop Shop
It is tempting to think about buying a used car or a single used part, but you really need to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Fortunately, when you schedule an appointment with Sun Devil Auto, you know the parts you are getting are of the highest quality possible. We can rebuild your old transmission or replace it with a new one. We will do anything to provide you with peace of mind you deserve.
