Used transmission vs rebuilt vs new car

Fire-Starter · #1 07-08-2010, 05:02 PM

So I have I 2000 Mitsu Montero Sport. almost 200.000 miles. I know I will need a transmission in the near future so here is my thinking. since I would like to keep it for a few more years...

1: Spend a couple of grand and get a rebuilt one with warranty.

2: Get a used one and hope for the best, which could take me back to option 1 if things did not work out.

3:Just get a new truck, but to me spending a few hundred bucks per month for aprx three years at a min is foolish when you have a pretty solid truck that just needs a rebuilt transmission. Even If I had to do both, a engine and transmission, lets say total 8,000 bucks, that would be cheaper and save tones of money over paying 20 grand min for a new truck over the course of three or so years.....YES ????

My wife would say, " dont put that money into the truck, you wont get it back. I say Hell, you wont get it back new truck or not. Once you drive off with it the new one you pay for it until its paid for, either way you are spending money period!

What do you auto heads think ?

Thanks.

Truktek2 · #2 07-08-2010, 05:09 PM

Personally I wouldn't put that much money into a 10 year old vehicle with 200k miles. It's just a matter of time before other things start going and it may turn into a money pit. If you don't want to pay for a new truck, consider getting used. You'd get the most bang for your buck with a 5 year old car. There are plenty of deals on craigslist with the economy the way it is, but if you prefer something with a warrantee, buy used at a dealer. Just my 2 cents.

csala · #3 07-08-2010, 05:11 PM

What about spending 12-15k on a used truck, maybe 3 yrs old w/ 50k miles? Lots of used trucks have an extended warranty up to 100k miles. Obviously what you put down will dictate your monthly payment, but either way you can have a nice low payment and ride around in a truck with a warranty.

Edit: I was posting and didn't see Truktek2's post. I agree.

Truktek2 · #4 07-08-2010, 07:05 PM

Great minds think alike...........

Pilgrim · #5 07-08-2010, 07:14 PM

If the rest of the truck is solid, I'd drop a used tranny in it and go on happy. Been there before.

You didn't say whether it's an automatic or stick. Hopefully it's a stick...much easier to work on.

If it's a stick and all it needs is bearings, I've done that myself - easier than you'd think.
You ought to be able to buy a used tranny and change it yourself in a weekend. Do the clutch and flywheel while you're in there.

If an automatic, then it's probably not a DIY job based on size and weight - but if you can get a good tranny, it's worth a shot. You can't expect more than an additional 2-3 years of service in any case.

In a used vehicle, I don't necessarily have a problem with used parts. I've been doing it since 1968.

MJ5150 · #6 07-08-2010, 07:30 PM

Option #1.

I took that option with my Dodge Ram, and I would do it again that way.

-Mike

Mike N · #7 07-08-2010, 07:46 PM

Rebuilt trans ftw.

blendermassacre · #8 07-08-2010, 07:48 PM

I put a used tranny in my Dodge Ram quad cab that had a warranty. I would say either 1 or 2 is a good choice, as long as you get a warranty for more than 6 months

Bob Lee (QSC) · #9 07-09-2010, 10:39 AM

I'd go with the rebuilt, if everything else is good.

Truktek2 · #10 07-09-2010, 11:36 AM

6 people posted and 2 people had to replace trannys in their dodge? Doesn't say much for chrysler products

Fire-Starter · #11 07-09-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truktek2

Personally I wouldn't put that much money into a 10 year old vehicle with 200k miles. It's just a matter of time before other things start going and it may turn into a money pit. If you don't want to pay for a new truck, consider getting used. You'd get the most bang for your buck with a 5 year old car. There are plenty of deals on craigslist with the economy the way it is, but if you prefer something with a warrantee, buy used at a dealer. Just my 2 cents.

I have been thinking about that for sure, just wish I had more info for sure on what the condition of the trans is or will be in the near future. Good advice on your end. Thanks!

Pilgrim · #12 07-09-2010, 10:35 PM

Check wrecking yards and find out how long they will warrant a used tranny. But keep in mind they only warrant the tranny, not the labor needed to replace it.

That's less of an issue if you do the work yourself, but it still matters.

And you still haven't told us if it's a stick or automatic. It makes a difference.

Let It Fall · #13 07-10-2010, 12:22 AM

buy a used truck for 10,000

Pilgrim · #14 07-10-2010, 12:29 AM

BTW - two years ago my daughter's 1999 Cherokee lost oiling on the back of the cam and fried a few lobes. Could have replaced the cam, but that wouldn't have solved the oiling problem which was clearly due to blockage in the block. Weird!

We went to a Jeep wrecking yard and dropped in a used motor with slightly fewer miles for under $1700, and the Jeep has run like a watch ever since. It worked out great.

Fire-Starter · #15 07-10-2010, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Check wrecking yards and find out how long they will warrant a used tranny. But keep in mind they only warrant the tranny, not the labor needed to replace it.

That's less of an issue if you do the work yourself, but it still matters.

And you still haven't told us if it's a stick or automatic. It makes a difference.

It's an automatic, btw I guess I should put it all out there so....I also have blue smoke that come out of tail pipe, diff issue but I am told it because oil is getting leaking into somplace...long story short, I was told the engine cyl etc would have to be replace to fix it, or I could just put in this oil additive called Restore, which thickens the oil and keeps it from seeping out, and also repairs/seals the gaps around the heads/wall where it is seeping out. To do the engine of course is a few grand

just thought I would put it all on the table now.

Would not a rebuilt engine and rebuilt trans still be worth it if I could get another 3-5 years out of it at vs 10,000 for a used auto/truck? I am sure that would not cost me near 10,000.

ok, I'm all ears

Truktek2 · #16 07-10-2010, 09:10 AM

Drive it till it breaks down, then take off the plates and walk away!

But seriously, I would start looking for a used truck now while this one still runs, it'll give you time to look at your own pace. If you wait until it dies completely you'll be in a rush and make hasty decisions.

Also look up the Kelly Blue Book value of your truck. I could almost guarantee you the amount needed to fix your truck exceeds what your truck is worth.