Now the real truth about transmissions Used Junkyard Transmission Replacement Versus Rebuilt Transmission Replacement
QUESTION: Why pay $ 400.00 to over $1,000.00 for a cheap used junkyard transmission and torque converter replacement? When in most cases for a few hundred dollars more, you could repair transmission, rebuild transmission, remanufactured transmission or even buy a new transmission.
Many times drivers overlook the fine print details involved with buying a used transmission and torque converter from a junkyard / salvage yard. Many times the junkyard / salvage yard has no clue as to the history of the automobile they part out. They may know the mileage but they do not know if the transmission and torque converter are all original or has the transmission fluid been changed or flushed. Many times transmissions and torque converters found at junkyards / salvage yards have been involved in an accident or fire. Most junkyards / salvage yards store used transmissions and torque converters outside and are exposed to water and the elements. Once water contaminates an automatic transmission, manual transmission or torque converter it is damaged and will not operate properly. Water damages the transmission solenoids, transmission electrical parts, the clutch lining material on the clutches inside the transmission and torque converter are contaminated; many junkyards / salvage yards rate a transmission by the condition of the transmission fluid. By just checking, the transmission fluid does not properly evaluate the internal transmission parts. Water also rust forms on the internal transmission metal parts and bearings. Heat damages the transmission seals both external and internal. Most junkyards / salvage yards sale transmissions with no warranty, as is, some offer 30 day guarantee on parts only no labor. Some high tech junkyards / salvage yards sale transmissions with extended warranty for a premium up charge. Remember just because the junkyard / salvage sales you better guarantee on the transmission it does not mean the transmission is any better. I just means if the first transmission they sale you does not work they will simply give you another junkyard transmission and hope this transmission out last the extended the warranty they sold you. What happens if the used transmission from the junkyard goes bad under the warranty? You will have to remove the transmission from the automobile and return it to the junkyard / salvage yard. What happens if the junkyard does not have another transmission like the one you need in stock? You wait for them to get another transmission. Most junkyards / salvage yards will not refund any money. There many complications in dealing with used transmissions such as correct type but wrong model. Many times transmissions have one or two things different from bolt hole in the wrong spot to electrical connector in the wrong place. Many customers that compare rebuilt transmission prices vs. used transmission prices lose sight of a few things. At first, the used transmission price may seem cost efficient verses rebuilt transmission price. Here is an example of the correct way to calculate the cost of a used junkyard transmission replacement.
Cost of used transmission(just for example purpose only) $800.00
Cost of extended warranty coverage for used transmission and torque converter. That is if the junkyard / salvage yard offers a warranty. (Average) $50.00
Cost of labor to remove and replace transmission. (Average) $600.00
Cost of new transmission fluid. (Average 10 qts) $35.00
Cost of transmission flush additive. The transmission lines must be flushed before installing transmission replacement. (Average) $15.00
Cost of recommended transmission parts to ensure warranty if warranty applies. A used transmission should have at least the front transmission seal replaced, rear transmission seal, transmission axle seals, transmission pan gasket and transmission filter. (Average cost with labor) $80.00
Cost of transmission diagnostic test and relearn process. Most transmission have sensors, solenoids and computers that must be reset and reprogrammed after a transmission replacement or transmission repair. (Average Cost) $75.00
Cost of tow truck service to auto repair shop or mechanics house. (Average Cost) $75.00
Now let us add up the average total for a used junkyard / salvage yard transmission.
$800.00
$50.00
$600.00
$35.00
$15.00
$80.00
$75.00
$75.00
TOTAL = $1,730.00
This average cost of a used transmission replacement still has many other possible hidden costs involved. If the used transmission does not work properly the first time or anytime after you will have to pay for the labor again to remove and replace the transmission. You will have to pay for labor again to remove the transmission since the mechanic or auto repair shop will not give you a warranty for labor on a used transmission. Therefore, the labor would be an additional $600.00 on average. In addition, new transmission fluid as the transmission fluid first used may be contaminated now. In addition, another transmission line flush average cost $15.00. In addition, the cost of new front transmission seal replaced, rear transmission seal, transmission axle seals, transmission pan gasket and transmission filter. (Average cost with labor) $80.00. Plus transmission computer diagnostic testing and relearn process average cost $75.00. In addition, towing service if your transmission goes out on you and leaves you stranded average cost $75.00. Not to mention all the time involved in this process. All the missed appointments and inconveniences. In addition, you do not really know when or where that used transmission may go out. So lets add up the original average cost of a used transmission replacement $1,730.00 plus the cost of a possible transmission problem occurring with the used transmission replacement.
$1,730.00 Average cost of used junkyard / salvage yard transmission replacement
$845.00 Average cost of replacing used transmission after first installation.
Total $2,575.00 not to mention the cost of another used junkyard transmission if the original used transmission you purchased has No Warranty. Then you have to buy another transmission. Let us just say worst-case scenario it happens. You buy another used transmission for $800.00 average. Now add the second transmission replacement to the $2,575.00 now the total of the used junkyard / salvage transmission replacement cost you $3,375.00. I know it sounds extreme and a little crazy how a used transmission replacement ended up costing over $3,000.00 still with no really assurance that the transmission will not break down again.
Some customers get sticker shock when first hearing the cost of repair transmission or rebuilt transmission. However, the cost of rebuilt automatic transmission includes many benefits over the used junkyard transmission replacement. Such as free towing to the auto shop, complete computer diagnostics, complete transmission overhaul including all new transmission parts such as new transmission seals, new transmission gaskets, new transmission o’ rings, new transmission clutches, new transmission filter, new or rebuilt torque converter, new transmission solenoids, new transmission sensors, etc. In addition, a rebuilt transmission repair service includes a transmission warranty for parts and labor for 1 year / 12,000 miles up to 3 year / 50,000 miles. Now that’s piece of mind knowing your transmission that belongs in your car or truck has been completely dismantled, inspected, cleaned, all worn and damaged transmission parts have been replaced and backed by a transmission parts and labor warranty. The average cost of a basic automatic transmission overhaul is $885.00 parts and labor. The cost of a major transmission rebuild is $1,500.00 to $2,200.00 parts and labor. The cost of a transmission repair service always depends on what transmission parts are bad, broken, worn or recommended. Isn’t it better to spend a little more the first time a get the repair job done right, instead of a lot more later?
Sergeant Clutch Discount Transmission Repair Shop in San Antonio goal is to meet all your transmission needs and wants. If you have transmission problems call the transmission specialist at Sergeant Clutch Discount Transmission Repair Shop in San Antonio. Our team of transmission experts will discuss with you all your transmission repair options and warranties including used transmission, rebuilt transmission, remanufactured transmission or new transmission. At Sergeant Clutch Discount Transmission Repair Shop we understand that no one wants to repair a transmission. But sooner or later it will happen and when it does call Sergeant Clutch Discount Transmission Repair Shop in San Antonio, Texas.
