It’s hard to experience a better form of customer satisfaction than scoring on a cost-efficient and dependable discount auto part for your vehicle. However, knowing what to keep an eye out for as well as what questions to ask will only work to increase your odds of experiencing such gratification. Perhaps no used car part requires such knowledge and premonition before purchasing than a used transmission.

A car’s transmission is the apex component of your vehicle’s power and performance. They ensure that sufficient power and torque is successfully transferred from the engine to the wheels, utilizing internal oil pressure to appropriately shift gears and achieve maximum engine efficiency. When a transmission becomes faulty, they can be one of the most expensive car parts to repair or replace, with the average transmission repair or replacement costing an average of between $1,800 and $3,400. 

Such an investment requires appropriate comprehension when considering and evaluating a used transmission. To make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck before purchasing a used car part of such magnitude, let’s review what you need to know before buying a used transmission.

Know What You’re Looking For

The more you know about what you need, the easier and more efficient help your used auto parts store can provide for you. This specifically resonates with looking for a used transmission. At the least, you should be familiar with the following details and specifications for the used transmission you’re seeking:

●        Preferred mileage limit (125,000 miles, 75,000 miles, etc.) 

●        Make and model of vehicle for inventory purposes

●        Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

●        Automatic or manual transmission

●        Engine size and drive train information (4WD, AWD, etc.)

Any information or requirements you can offer to your used auto parts dealer is better than none. 

Check for Leaks

A leaking transmission is a fast way to experience all sorts of car trouble, ranging from grinding gears to engine failure. Be sure to test a used transmission for any signs of leaking by adding transmission fluid to the current amount that’s already in there. Give it a few minutes and keep an eye out for any drips of fluid coming out of the transmission. Once your used transmission is installed, always be on the lookout for dark spots or stains accumulating underneath your car in the driveway or garage.

Learn Its History

A reputable discount auto parts store should be able to provide you with as much information possible to determine a used transmission’s history. Learning more about a transmission’s past can help you identify whether there’s been any prior repair or services work previously performed on it, as well as any prior issues it may have exhibited. It’s also worth looking into any online vehicle history report services to see if any further information regarding the specific transmission in question is provided. 

Inspect the Body

Examining the body of the vehicle the transmission used to belong to can paint a better picture of what the transmission has been through. Severe damage, dents, or extensive body work can indicate that the vehicle, as well as the transmission, has endured a lot of wear and tear. Be aware that minor repair work on a used vehicle’s body is common and doesn’t necessarily indicate the transmission needs extensive repair work. 

Review the Warranty

If the used car part store you’re considering purchasing a used transmission from doesn’t offer a warranty on it, you should walk away immediately. While many discount car part shops offer a 30-day warranty as their base warranty option, Ace Auto Parts offers a 90-day warranty for all used car parts listed in their inventory, and even extended one-year warranty options on specific car parts.

Utilize Reputable Sources

The bottom line when shopping for a used transmission is working with a reputable auto store that specializes in value, honesty, and transparency. At Ace Auto Parts, we’ve been delivering our customers with reliable and dependable used auto parts and vehicles for nearly a century. If you’re on the lookout for a great deal on a used transmission or any other discount auto part, contact us today to determine whether we’ve got the right parts for your vehicle, or give us a call at 651-717-4299 to speak directly with a member of our experienced and professional technician staff.