How To Sell A Car With A Bad Transmission

We'll Buy Your Car!

Get Your Instant Quote!

Please enter zip code Please enter valid zip code Please enter valid zip code Please select the year Please select the make Please select the model
  • Fair Prices
  • Free Towing
  • Great Service

Selling a car with a bad transmission should be hassle-free. Sell it to CarBrain and we’ll have your car off your hands in 24-48 hours!

 

4.84.8(2.816) Google reviews

What Is A Car Worth With A Bad Transmission?

We can agree that a bad transmission is one surefire way to ruin your day. It’s such an integral part to your car, that any malfunction with it is grounds for a headache.

Fortunately, CarBrain has made less-than-perfect cars our specialty since 2007. We’ve got the expertise to provide you with the value of your car with transmission problems. The entire process is a few simple steps, ensuring you get paid both QUICKLY and EASILY.

Below we’ve compiled resources on how to sell a car with a bad transmission in order for you to make the most informed decision for yourself!

EXPERT EVALUATION

Our expert evaluators can help you get an accurate estimate for your cars value, FAST!

How Do I Know If My Transmission’s Bad?

A broken transmission can be a major repair that comes with a chunky repair cost. That said, there are signs that your transmission is going bad that you can identify in order to get ahead of a full-on failure.

If you haven’t taken your vehicle to a mechanic yet in order to determine if the issue is your transmission, here are several warning signs that could give you an early heads-up:

  • The gearshift is slow to respond, or doesn’t respond at all.

  • Vehicle is shaking or jerking while running.

  • Car is emitting a burning smell.

  • You hear a strange humming or buzzing noise while you drive.

  • Gears slip unexpectedly while driving.

  • Car makes strange sounds when in neutral.

Should you identify any of these symptoms, then your next course of action should be to take your vehicle into a trusted mechanic’s shop.

How Much Would It Cost To Replace A Transmission?

Replacing a transmission can be one of the costlier repairs to your car. It’s a viable option if only a few components of the entire transmissions need replacing or, for instance, if the transmission fluid just needs replacing. That’s a $5 to $15 cost.

Replacing your transmission altogether, however, averages about $2,800.

  • Total replacement ranges from $1,400 to $5,800 depending on its year/make/model.

  • If electronics are at fault for the slippage, the repair can cost about $800.

  • Rebuilding your transmission (instead of outright replacement) averages around $1400.

Unfortunately, transmissions are both vital to a car’s function and expensive to maintain. Generally, a standard transmission should last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles without difficulty. However, some transmissions may break down early due to faulty manufacturing or user error.

Fixing your transmission is necessary if you intend to continue driving your car. If you have no intent on driving it any further, however, then figuring out if you can sell a junk car that needs a new transmission is your next move.

Can You Sell A Car With A Bad Transmission?

If you’re in the position where selling a car that needs a new transmission is your option, you can rest assured that you’re completely capable of legally selling it.

Who Buys Cars With Transmission Problems?

The most common ways to sell a totaled car with a broken transmission and get a cash offer are junkyards, dealerships, and private buyers.

Each of these options are interested in buying a car that needs a new transmission and have their pros and cons depending upon how quickly you’re trying to sell your car, how much money you’re trying to make, and how much hassle you’re willing to put up with.

Junkyards — When looking for places that buy cars with broken transmissions near you, selling a damaged car to junkyards is a common option. They will accept vehicles in virtually any condition. They purchase them quickly, but they make their profit by buying low and reselling the usable parts.

Dealerships — Any dealership that accepts cars “as is” will allow you to trade in your car with a broken transmission. However, dealerships usually won’t trade junk cars for cash. The money offered is likely credit to be applied to buying another vehicle from them. Additionally, they specialize in roadworthy cars, so a junk car that can’t run is likely to get lowballed.

Private Buyers — Private buyers aren’t restricted by pricing or any condition constraints. If your model is popular and in demand, someone will want it. Finding that person, however, can be a massive hassle; vetting serious candidates and haggling being chief amongst the most annoying portions of the process.

While these are the most common options for selling a car with a broken transmission, they might not be the best for you specifically. Depending on how quickly you want to get that car off your hands and how much money you’re trying to walk away with, CarBrain may be the best option for you.

How To Sell A Car With A Bad Transmission To CarBrain

CarBrain is the ideal “final home” for vehicles near the end of their road-life. Like we said earlier, it’s a simple process focused on being quick and easy for you. Our top-tier customer service representatives make the entire process as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Get your free quote! Simply enter some basic information about your car on our website and you’ll receive a free and guaranteed quote within 90 seconds.

    Towing is complementary, so you’ll never have to worry about hidden or additional fees taking away from the profits you take home.

  2. Schedule your pickup within 24-48 hours! If you’re happy with your quote, you’ll be able to schedule your vehicle retrieval with one of our partners within your area. They’re trusted to come to you at a time that works best for you.

  3. Complete your sale! After a quick inspection and transferring of your title, you’ll receive the amount you were quoted, no haggling or fuss. Your vehicle is taken off your hands and money is put in them!

Contact CarBrain today and get cash for your car quickly without leaving the comfort of your own home!

Need answers? Get FREE advice from our client care experts NOW!

Is a transmission worth replacing?

In some cases, it may be worthwhile to spend money on a transmission replacement. For instance, if your vehicle is relatively new and valuable, replacing your transmission may be a worthwhile expense.

However, if you have an older vehicle, a transmission replacement may be a waste of money.

Typically, you won’t be able to increase the value of your car significantly even if you spend a lot of money on repairs. Therefore, it may be a better idea to get rid of the car rather than replace the transmission.

Can you sell a car with a bad transmission?

Yes, you can sell a car with a bad transmission. There are no laws against selling a vehicle with mechanical problems.

However, you must be transparent with any buyers about the condition of the vehicle. Make sure to describe the problem with the vehicle, whether it runs or not and whether it is repairable. It is also a good idea to receive and include an estimate for the cost of repairs from a reputable mechanic.

How much is a car with a bad transmission worth?

The value of a car with a bad transmission varies based on its make, model, mileage and more. A two-year old Lexus RX with low mileage and some transmission problems will be worth several thousand dollars, even with a bad transmission. However, a 2004 Toyota Corolla with transmission problems and nearly 200,000 miles may sell for only a few hundred dollars.

The best way to figure out what your vehicle is worth is to get quotes. Contact car sellers, including dealerships, your local junkyard and online car buyers, and ask them what they would pay for your car. That will help you get an idea of what businesses or individuals may consider a fair market value for your car.

Should I sell my car with a bad transmission for parts?

If you know how to take your car apart and have lots of time on your hands, selling it for parts may be a good idea. In some cases, you can make more money off of a vehicle by selling it for parts rather than selling it whole.

However, if you have a bad transmission, selling your car part by part may not be a good use of time. This is because one of the most valuable parts of your car is faulty. Additionally, selling a car part by part can take a lot of time. It may take several months to sell all the parts to your car, depending on what make and model you have and the demand in your area.

Can I trade in a car with a bad transmission?

In some cases, you may be able to trade in a car with a bad transmission. However, this can be difficult. Not all dealerships will accept a car with transmission problems. In some cases, you may need to contact multiple dealerships to find one that will let you trade in your car.

Additionally, there are downsides to trading in your car with transmission problems to a dealership. It’s possible that in some cases, the dealership will offer you the scrap metal value for your car, even if it can be fixed and resold.

Furthermore, by trading your car into a dealership, you are limiting yourself to that dealership’s inventory when you look for a replacement.

Why should I sell my car with a bad transmission to CarBrain?

CarBrain is the market for less-than-perfect cars, including cars with a bad transmission. We specialize in buying damaged and junk cars, and can help you get a fair market offer for your vehicle fast.

It takes less than 90 seconds to get an offer from CarBrain. If you include photos of your car and a VIN, your offer is guaranteed. Our offers always include FREE towing and FREE title transfer, so you never have to worry about hidden fees.

How do I sell a car with a bad transmission?

  • Junkyards — They will accept vehicles in virtually any condition, including broken transmissions. They purchase them quickly, but they make their profit by buying low and reselling the usable parts.

  • Dealerships — Any dealership that accepts cars “as is” will allow you to trade in your car with a broken transmission. The money is likely credit to be applied to buying another vehicle from them. Additionally, they specialize in roadworthy cars, so a junk car that can’t run is likely to get lowballed.

  • Private Buyers — Private buyers aren’t restricted by pricing or any condition constraints. If your model is popular and in demand, someone will want it. Finding that person, however, can be a massive hassle; vetting serious candidates and haggling being chief amongst the most annoying portions of the process.

  • CarBrain — CarBrain is the ideal “final home” for vehicles near the end of their road-life. Like we said earlier, it’s a simple process focused on being quick and easy for you. Free quotes within 90 seconds, complimentary towing, and pick-up as quickly as 24-48 hours.

For what it’s worth...

CarBrain is the premiere marketplace for less-than-perfect cars!

Find Out The True Value Of Your Car