Dead tranny. 175k. Car is immaculate. What should he have done?

[200k_or_bust]

Friend's tranny died. 2002 Camry.

The car was literally showroom condition (he even had that new car smell spray)
He maintained this car with OCD-like vigilance.

He was given quotes of $4000 to fix the tranny.
He was talked out of it by 4 different shops.
Everyone said it wasn't worth it.
They said, with 170k, after this the engine could go. Now you're at $8000. etc.
At 170k, you're eventually looking at dumping a lot more into this car.

He was talked into buying a new car. The car looked brand new. Personally, I would think "For $4k I get a new looking car with a new motor. I will invest in other repairs as the come, and still be FAR ahead" (He paid $30k for a new Hyundai) I think he got $800 trade-in. A carfax search revealed the car was sold at auction and headed for the United Arab Emirates.


I know for a fact that he was looking forward to not having car payments anymore.
So much for that !

What would you have done?

[JohnGD]

I never realized that Hyundai makes a $30K car , but I guess the disposable brand has come a long way. They certainly have strong sales numbers this year. Gotta check out the Genesis!

Not to Monday morning quarterback but I think he's done the right thing. Besides $4k for the tranny and maybe another $4K for the engine, he probably needs to spend another $2K on other repairs like brakes, alternator, radiator, tires, oxygen sensors etc.

With Hyundai's 5-year/60K mile new vehicle warranty, 5-year roadside assistance and 10-year/100K mile powertrain warranty he basically has to pay only for routine maintenance. And if he sells the Hyundai in 5 years and get $10K for it (KBB.com 33% 5-year residual value for Sonata Limited 2.4L), minus the $10K he would have dumped into the Camry, your friend would have only paid $10K for the use of a new car over 5 years.

That's about $167 per month and all the time under new car warranty. I say good deal.

[200k_or_bust]

Actually, you can spend $45,000 on a Hyundai
http://autos.yahoo.com/hyundai/genesis/2012/

[200k_or_bust]

Yea, but can we automatically assume he would have needed an engine rebuild?
Can't these imports go to 250k miles without a rebuild ?

[JohnGD]

True, but the 2.4L is know for the cylinder head bolt thread disintegration problem. Hows the emissions test readings look over the years? And oil consumption?

Instead of taking a crapshoot I still say $167/month is a great deal.

[Dave's]

If the rest of it was nearly perfect I think I would have considered finding a beater or wreck with a working tranny and swapped it in. But replacing it with something newer isn't wrong either.

[Chrisb_75]

4000k for an 02 tranny plus install is way WAY over priced.. A used tranny with low miles is normally 600 or less and 600ish for install.. I would tell your friend that going to the dealer isn't always your best bet and to use synthetic tranny fluid.. I use amsoil synthetic tranny oil and fluid and 480k klm's I've had no problems.. Most guys I know use it and love it

[arabianobsession]

^I agree with this. Avoid the dealers and a good independent shop will do you right. And this is coming from someone who WORKS for a Toyota dealership!

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

I'd of replaced it. Not by way ofthe dealer, i'd of found a good shop to rebuild, or looked for a lowmileage one.

If the car is in the shape you said it was, and he has done maintenance like you said, he could have easily gotten another 200+k out of it. 170k miles isn't that much for a Toyota..especially if it has been taken care of.

I have an 02 as well and take very good care of it, if my tranny blew..i would not trade the car in on anything..

[El Loco VG]

Yeah dealers aren't a friend when it comes to an older vehicle at this point you need a good mom and pops mechanic. My local mechanic would of charged around $1,200 for that with a one year warranty. My friend had a similar issue he had a 01xle Camry mint would only let dealer touch it spent thousands on it everything from suspension to motor mounts even for burned out bulbs, then his tranny started to slip. One dealer visit later he was given $500 for his car and had the $1,500 he owed on it rolled into a 07 xle lease which was over 500 a month! Moral of the story if you take an older car with major issues to a dealer prepare to invest in one of those donut shaped chair pillows cus they will get you!

P.S. I bet my right nut some exporter probably bought that car at auction for a few hundred bucks put a tranny from a donor car in, rolled the odometer back to 90k and has it for sale for equivalent of 8-10k back home, I see it all the time to the Dominican Republic.