It’s no secret that low upfront costs can be appealing, which is why many shoppers tend to hunt and claw for the bargain. With vehicle transmissions, however, long-term value is a high priority. If you’re considering vehicle transmission repair your two most common options are a transmission rebuild or a used transmission. A used transmission from a junk or salvage yard is appealing because it is often cheaper and might come with some sort of warranty. The quality of the transmission and warranty should both be questioned. We believe that an in-house transmission rebuild at an independent and local transmission shop is going to be your superior option in most situations and here are 5 reasons why:
1. A Strong Warranty
A used transmission rarely includes a comprehensive and strong warranty. Used transmissions are typically acquired from junk or salvage yards, places that aren’t known for offering warranties without deficiencies or hidden costs. For example, while parts might be covered (e.g. the transmission itself), programming, fluid, or labor may be ignored. And while the initial transmission cost is lower, an independent and trustworthy transmission shop offers quality controls that are simply nonexistent at a salvage yard. You truly won’t know the quality of your used transmission until it is installed in your vehicle. Even then, a used transmission may be functioning after installation, but problems are more likely to creep up within months. At those moments when a strong warranty is most needed, the junkyard warranty is set-up to disappoint.
An independent transmission repair shop is best positioned to offer a strong and comprehensive warranty so customers can maintain peace of mind after a major and costly transmission repair.
2. Lower Labor Costs
Choosing a used transmission can seem cost effective at first, and when considering the cost of the transmission alone, it might be. However, when labor cost is factored in, purchasing a used transmission can quickly become more costly than a transmission rebuild.
A high percentage of used transmissions simply won’t work. Whether the unit is deficient from the moment it’s installed or runs for 2 months and then decides to fail, the problem remains the same. A customer’s R&R (removal and replacement) labor costs doubled the moment that used transmission shows signs of an internal problem. Ultimately, while upfront costs might be lower, purchasing a used transmission opens the door for greater labor costs and inconvenience in the long run.
What if a customer pays extra for a labor warranty with their used transmission? Sadly, the problem remains. Labor warranties on used transmissions are not designed to be comprehensive. Normally, the warranty is capped at less than half of most transmission shop’s typical hourly rate. Yes, that means a customer will pay for 100% of the initial R&R and then more than half the R&R in a warranty situation, even though a customer paid extra for a labor warranty. Can you imagine multiple used transmissions not working? We’ve seen customers submit a warranty claim 2-3 times on a used transmission. It’s not pretty, so we recommend opting for an in-house transmission rebuild at the beginning of the process.
3. Customer Service
Every person deserves to be treated with respect and integrity. A broken transmission is never desirable and normally causes inconvenience for the customer and their family. Negotiating with junkyard employees can aggravate an already stressful situation. Entering a reliable transmission shop dedicated to quality customer service and being served by excellent transmission technicians is the best start to a positive transmission repair experience.
4. Faster Service
A trustworthy transmission shop will offer quick and efficient turn-around times. The only factor potentially slowing the timetable for an in-house rebuild is the shipment time for parts. Most common transmissions have parts warehoused locally making parts procurement typically less than a day. On the other hand, used transmissions are sourced from across the country. This can significantly slow repair times. Though rebuilds can also be delayed if parts need to be ordered, choosing a transmission rebuild from the start will remove wasted time from the overall repair process.
This is most apparent when an issue comes up. Local transmission shops can make mistakes too but their ability to respond quickly differentiates a situation that can be easily resolved versus a painful and arduous process. If a customer chooses an in-house rebuild, the trained professionals at the shop can immediately identify and remedy the issue. With a used transmission, a warranty claim must be initiated, and it could take weeks before finding a resolution. Trust your transmission repairs to an independent local repair shop if fast service is a priority.
5. Resale Value
Finally, you must consider your vehicle’s resale value. Mileage and recent repairs are among the most important topics buyers discuss, because no buyer wants to inherit a huge problem. A used transmission with thousands of miles lowers resale value simply by suggesting that a transmission repair will likely be required again soon. With a transmission rebuild, or even a high-quality remanufactured transmission from a reputable company like Certified Transmission, your vehicle will retain a higher resale value than it would with a used transmission. Learn more about remanufactured transmissions here.
A Trustworthy Transmission Shop
Our team at Advanced Transmission Center brings nearly 100 years of combined experience to our in-house rebuild department. We are dedicated to quality customer service, integrity, and – of course – providing the very best value. If you are experiencing transmission problems, call us today to schedule an appointment.
Southwest Metro Denver (Lakewood/Littleton): Call (303) 922-4102
Northwest Metro Denver (Westminster): Call (303) 421-4140
You can also send us a message!
Advanced Transmission Center is a Colorado-owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Denver / Lakewood and Westminster. ATC specializes in driveline issues such as automatic transmission repair, four wheel drive repair, clutch replacement, differentials, manual transmissions and CVT. As Colorado's first AAA approved shop our goal is to provide accurate, timely service with exceptional customer satisfaction. All of our technicians are certified in the latest makes and models and we are one of the few transmission repair shops with a nationwide warranty.
Free Customer Towing Service 
Free TrueTest™ Inspection 
Fast Transmission Services 
Comprehensive Warranty in Denver 
