Hi everyone: first post here. My 2000 Solara has 180,000 miles. Transmission died a few weeks ago and debating what to do: rebuild (transmission specialty shop quoted $2,500) or just donate it and move on. Very attached as this was my first car that I saved up for and bought in my first job. I’m not…

I know you do not want a car payment, but a good way to justify repair vs replace is to run payment numbers. Consider what a replacement car payment will be. Lets assume $250 a month, if your Camry lasts 11 months you are ahead of the game. A more realistic payment would be $300 to $500 a month,…

These questions are almost impossible to answer over the web. I have no idea how good your replacement engine is or how long it will last . If you can actually get the transmission rebuilt for 2500.00 and have some kind of warranty that might be a good choice . Right now used vehicle prices are rid…

Fair point! And good reminder to inquire about the warranty from the transmission shop. And you pointed out another reason about my not wanting to buy a car now: the prices of used have been so high (and I’ll be buying used, needless to say).

Can you get references for the transmission shop? How did you find out about it? If the shop checks out, I would consider the replacement seriously. The major expenses are the engine and transmission. If you are satisfied with the engine, get a couple more detailed estimates for comparison. Note …

Thanks JT: the transmission shop has been in my neighborhood for years: a father-and-son vet-owned business. Stellar reputation for honesty and good work. Provides warranty on their work. I’m leaning heavily towards rebuilding…my fiance still thinks I’m wasting time and money. Good call re. vehicle…

You say that you have a spare car between the two of you. The cheapest thing to do is to sell your car as-is, and drive the spare. This will also save you insurance and registration costs. One of the things wrong with over-repairing your car is that if it gets totaled, insurance will just pay blueb…

A 20 year old car with 180,000 miles needing a transmission? Time to move on. Maybe you could donate it to someone but I suspect it will be to call the junk yard for a pick up instead. Now if it were some kind of an upscale or collector vehicle, or something you wanted to pass on to your heirs, i…

Totally agree: I’ve “self-insured” my car for awhile now, exactly to your point. We are definitely able to get by with the spare car especially given this year’s broader environment. Saving on the registration and one fewer car to deal with annual emission check is nice too (my state requires it): g…

[image] wae29_173210: Totally agree: I’ve “self-insured” my car Are you saying you don’t have an actual insurance policy on your vehicle . In my state the bond requirement for self insuring is thousands on deposit .

2000 Camry Solara: transmission died. Rebuild or say goodbye?

Maintenance/Repairs

wae29_173210 December 31, 2020, 2:37pm 3

Thanks Steve! Good exercise on the repair vs. replace math - I’ll do that right away. No body rust issues and no other general big problems that regular maintenance can’t take care of. But my fiance also said the same as you: he wouldn’t bother either. Donate it, hold off on buying until I start going back to the office again…

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2000 Camry Solara: transmission died. Rebuild or say goodbye?

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