A broken transmission isn’t just frustrating—it can be one of the most expensive car repairs you'll ever face. In fact, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, transmission repair costs can run anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000. That’s enough to make anyone think twice before handing over their keys to a mechanic.
So what are your options if your car has transmission problems? You could pay to fix it. You could try to trade it in. Or—what many people don’t realize—you can sell your car with a broken transmission and avoid the cost and hassle altogether.
Let’s break down when it’s worth fixing and when it makes more sense to move on.
How Much Does Transmission Repair Really Cost?
Transmission repairs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a rough estimate of what you might expect to pay:
- Transmission Fluid Change: $100 - $250
- Transmission Rebuild: $1,500 - $3,000
- Transmission Replacement: $2,000 - $4,500
Keep in mind, these costs can climb even higher depending on your vehicle’s age, drivetrain type (manual vs automatic), and whether you're driving a luxury or imported model.
Should I Fix My Transmission or Sell the Car?
If your car is relatively new, has low mileage, or is otherwise in great shape, fixing the transmission could be a smart investment.
But if your vehicle has:
- High mileage
- Other mechanical or electrical problems
- Body damage or rust
- A salvage or rebuilt title
...then sinking thousands into a new transmission might not make financial sense.
Before spending a dime, ask yourself: Will the repair add more value than it costs? If not, it may be time to consider selling it.
Can You Sell a Car With Transmission Problems?
Absolutely. While traditional dealerships might turn you away, and private buyers may back out after test-driving it, there are buyers who specialize in damaged cars—like DamagedCars.com.
We make it easy to sell a car with mechanical issues, including severe transmission failure. No towing fees. No repair bills. Just a straightforward process that gets your car off your hands—and cash in them.
Why Sell to DamagedCars.com?
We’re not your average buyer. At DamagedCars.com, we purchase vehicles with all kinds of issues. Here's why thousands have trusted us:
- Offers in under 2 minutes
- Free towing from your home or shop
- No repair obligations or last-minute renegotiations
- Guaranteed quotes valid for 7 days
- Expert service that handles the paperwork for you
How to Sell Your Car With a Broken Transmission
- Get an instant offer. Use our online form to tell us about your car.
- Review your quote. It’s valid for 7 days and based on fair market data.
- Schedule pickup. We’ll come to you and tow your car for free.
- Get paid. You’ll receive a check when we pick up your vehicle.
What Kinds of Cars Do We Buy?
We buy all types of vehicles, including:
- Cars with failed transmissions
- Vehicles with other mechanical problems
- Wrecked, rusted, or high-mileage cars
- Cars with salvage, branded, or rebuilt titles
Whether it's stuck in the driveway or stranded at the mechanic, we’ll take it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re staring at a quote for a $3,000 transmission repair and wondering if it’s worth it—the answer might be no. When repair costs outweigh the value of your vehicle, selling it just makes more sense.
DamagedCars.com helps drivers like you get fair offers for cars with problems—without the frustration. You won’t need to pay for towing, advertise your car, or haggle with strangers.
Get your quote today and see how easy it is to turn that broken transmission into quick cash.
