Buying a used transmission can be risky, as you never know what type of shape it will be in. If you choose to buy a used unit from a transmission shop, make sure that you ask a few questions about the quality of the parts and the experience of the technicians who worked on it. The more questions you ask, the better chance you give yourself of purchasing a transmission that will work well into the future.
Warranty
The absolute first thing you should ask about a used Transmission is if there is any sort of warranty. In most cases, these warranties will be extremely limited, but you do not want to end up paying for a transmission that does not even work. This is one way in which buying the Transmission from a transmission shop is a good idea, as these shops have likely tested the unit and will even install it for you.
Certification
Before purchasing a used transmission, you should also ask if the mechanics who worked on it are ASE-certified. ASE stands for automotive service excellence and basically ensures that the technicians who are handling the transmission have been trained to the highest standards. While there is a chance that a mechanic who is not certified could do a good job repairing a used Transmission, you stand a much better chance if you find a certified technician.
Technology
One of the largest problems involved with buying a used Transmission is that there could be undiagnosed issues. This is where the Transmission shop comes into play, as they should run all kinds of tests on it before they sell it to you. Make sure that the transmission has been tested on the most up to date equipment and that the shop is aware of the latest car technology trends. Otherwise, you could end up with a transmission that gives out soon after you have it installed.
A List of Customers
Some shops will provide you with a list of satisfied customers if you ask. This gives you a chance to see how others have fared when dealing with that particular company, which allows you to purchase your used Transmission with 100 percent confidence.
We are a Portage, Wisconsin based company that road tests all vehicles after providing a service to ensure that everything works properly.
