Transmissions: Decide Whether Repair, Replacement, or a New Car Is Best

If you have a problem with your car's transmission, you may be wondering what to do next. In some cases, a repair is possible and may be preferred to a complete replacement. On the other hand, it is sometimes better to get a new car altogether. Your ultimate decision should depend on several factors. Of course, it is always good to contact an expert on transmissions before deciding anything, whether that be the car repairman you are using, or a friend who just likes cars. Consider what should come next before you decide whether to get this part repaired or replaced, or get a completely new vehicle. 

The first thing to consider is whether your car's value is worth even taking care of the transmission problem. If the issue can be fixed, it is usually worth it to keep the vehicle and just pay for repairs, but if it needs to be replaced, you should start checking out cars that are comparable to yours. You may find that you can get a similar car for the same price of the new part. If you find that either fixing the part or getting a new transmission is much cheaper than an entirely new vehicle, you now have to weigh the costs of these two options. In some cases, a completely new part is not much more expensive than a major repair, so you may as well replace it entirely. Talk to your repairman about this decision, as most can tell their customers what they would recommend. 

Another detail to consider is how long you would be without your vehicle during the repair or replacement. A simple repair can take a day or two, which is fine for most people. However, replacing transmissions is often a longer process since few companies keep many in stock. This is especially true if the one you need is rare. You can expect the job to take up to a week or possibly more in some cases, so if you opt to take this route, line up a ride to and from work. Using public transportation or a rental automobile is usually worth the final result, which is a working car that should last several more years. Note that even if you decide to buy a new auto altogether, you will probably be without transportation for a few days. This is because you have to pick a few cars to test drive, and then obtain the funding for it, whether that be cash, money order, or a loan. It could take days or even weeks to complete the process, so do not expect this to be a faster option than transmissions repairs or part replacement. 

If you trust your repairperson, you should talk to them to find out what they would suggest. If you are still unsure, consider asking friends and family for their option, especially if they know anything about cars. No matter what you decide, you will likely be spending a lot of money, but the result will be a working automobile that you can depend on for at least a few more years.