Wouldn’t it be great if cars were actually built to last? Well, they aren’t, which means you’re going to have to get used to going to a u-pull salvage yard to find parts to fix whatever issues your vehicle is experiencing. Two problems you don’t want to have is an engine or transmission issue. These can cost a pretty penny to buy brand new or to rebuild.
This is why a lot of people turn to a junkyard in New Oxford to try and find a used transmission instead. While this is a great idea financially, you don’t want to end up with a bad unit. It wouldn’t make much sense to dish out money for a transmission that ends up giving you more problems than the one you are replacing.
Before you go to a wrecking yard to look for a transmission, use the following tips to ensure you get the best possible used unit you can get your hands on.
1. Always Check Around for Leaks
This is a major concern with most transmissions, so make sure you don’t end up buying a transmission that has a leak. You can check the transmission fluid levels one add some more and see if any drips out after awhile. You don’t want to buy a transmission that has a leak unless you have the tools and knowhow to repair it.
2. Look at the Body of the Car
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case, you have to. The body of a car is very telling of the history of the vehicle (unless it’s had body work). The idea is to look for signs of damage that resulted from a collision. If you notice the car has had minor body work done, then this isn’t a problem. However, if you notice a lot of body work then it could mean the car was in a bad accident. If this is the case, then it’s possible the transmission could have been damaged, too.
3. Bring a Mechanic with You
Some mechanics will come with you when you buy a car, so why not bring them along to shop around for a used transmission as well? You can really learn a lot about the condition of a transmission before you buy it. Having a car expert that you trust can make for a much smoother and easier process.
4. Check the Warranty
The junkyard you buy the transmission from will likely have a warranty in place. Make sure to inquire about this to determine if it will suit your needs or not. What will determine this is finding out whether the warranty will cover both parts and labor. Make sure to have everything written down so there’s no confusion later on.
5. Ask About the History
Some sellers will have information about the history of the transmission. Ask to obtain access to this information to see any risk factors. You can also look up the CarFax report, which will give you a rundown of where the vehicle has been and whether there was any transmission related car accidents.
If you decide to sell the car after you put in the new transmission, consider going to a reputable seller. You can easily get cash for cars in New Oxford.