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.
Transmission repairs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a rough estimate of what you might expect to pay:
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.
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:
...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.
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.
We’re not your average buyer. At DamagedCars.com, we purchase vehicles with all kinds of issues. Here's why thousands have trusted us:
We buy all types of vehicles, including:
Whether it's stuck in the driveway or stranded at the mechanic, we’ll take it.
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.