Will a used transmission break faster than a new one? Everything you need to know about buying a previously owned transmission.

Will a used transmission break faster because it has more wear on it? Not necessarily. Don’t get us wrong: the quality of a used transmission depends on a few different factors, and if you’re considering investing in one, it’s important to make sure that all of the right boxes are checked off before you commit to buying one. With that being said, it is completely possible to get a used transmission that lasts you for a long time and performs extremely well. All it takes is knowing what to look for. Today, we’re going over the truth about getting a used transmission: what to look for, what to look out for, and how to find the right dealer for the job. Let’s dive in.

The Truth About Getting a Used Transmission

We’ve all heard it said: for the most part, a new car begins to devalue as soon as you drive it off the lot. The same principle applies to car parts. Even a like-new transmission will be significantly more afforded than a brand-new one, simply because there’s such a demanding market for brand new cars and car parts. That doesn’t mean that all used transmissions are lower quality, though; in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Getting a used transmission can be a great investment, especially if you weren’t planning on having to fix up such a big-ticket item on your car. There are great ones and terrible ones out there: it all comes down to a few important things. First off, you’ll want to make sure that a transmission’s wear and tear is as minimal as possible: we’re talking no more than one minor imperfection. On top of that, the highest quality transmissions are typically the ones that have less than 60,000 miles on them. By looking out for these qualities, you’ll be able to make sure that your transmission is like new, except with a significantly lower price tag than brand-new one would be.

Why Grade A is the Way to Go

When you’re looking for a used transmission, look for a Grade A one. Grade A parts are the highest standard for used car parts; these have minimal mileage and wear and tear, and investing in a Grade A transmission means being able to rest assured that you’ve made an investment that’ll last. Grade A parts have less than 60,000 miles on them, or less than 15,000 miles per year. They also have one or less imperfections, making them as close to like new as you can get with a “used” price tag. To maximize your peace of mind (and the lifetime of your car), go with a Grade A transmission.

Choosing the Right Used Transmission Dealer

Of course, choosing the right transmission hinges on first choosing the right transmission seller. In order to make sure you’ve found someone you can trust, look for a few non-negotiable qualities:

• The dealer provides a warranty of 1 year or more for every part
• The dealer has a great reputation (and positive client reviews to back it up)
• The dealer makes it easy for you to compare prices and they’re willing to price match comparable parts.

By looking out for these big three qualities in a dealer, you’ll be making sure that you’re working with someone trustworthy and that your transmission sale is managed with integrity every step of the way.

Will a used transmission break faster than a new one? Not if you know what to look for – and knowing what to look for starts with choosing the right dealer. To explore your transmission options and get a free quote on your used transmission, click here.