My 2000 Honda has 296000 miles. It still runs beautifully, but recently the transmission finally gave out. I can replace the transmission for under $2000.00, and the mechanic tells me Honda engines can last 400,000 to 500,000 miles. The dealer tells me I shouldn’t spend this kind of money on a car with that many miles. I’m ready to put in new transmission and take my chances. Any thoughts?
I’m old but I still work!
But when it comes to vehicles with extremely high mileage and when a major component fails, such as in your case a transmission, it’s time to pull the plug.
The mechanic tells you the engine CAN last up to 400k-500k miles. But WILL it last that long?
It’s one thing if you’re able to make major repairs on a vehicle with very high mileage yourself. But if you’re paying others to maintain this high mileage vehicle, and now a major component has failed, it’s wiser to put that $2000.00 towards the purchase of a replacement vehicle.
Tester
I agree with Tester. You may have several expensive repairs soon. Donate it and get a newer car.
Its not just the engine but everything else. My Buick Riviera made it to 530K before I gave it back to the dealer. When I look back at my records though, I would have been better off dumping it at 300K instead of going the extra 200K on it. The engine had never been opened up except for a timing chain but I probably replaced every other part in it by then.
I put a trans in my truck at around 265000 miles. It has over 334000 now and sill runs good. Look at it this way … $2000 wont buy you a good used car. If it lasts 1-2 years you will come out way a head. Also you could spend that much in a year on minor stuff and not even think about it.
You know the car …you know if it is a oil user. If the body is good and you dont mined driving it go for it,
It might help to do a compression test. The engine may run beautifully but a drop in engine compression may not be perceptible. If compression is down, doing the transmission may not be worthwhile.
Next, have an independent alignment shop check the front end to find out what parts are going to need replacement soon, and get a price tag for any work you need done.
You might also visit an A/C specialist too for a judgement on that system.
If results of the above are encouraging, if the body, interior, and glass are good, if it doesn’t use much oil or make worrisome noises, if you’ve replaced some parts recently and otherwise maintained the car reasonably well, then it comes down to how much you like the car, and how well it would fit your needs for the next few years. There’s value in knowing this car, which is an advantage you lose by buying a used car.
If you get the transmission from a junk yard and do the work yourself, it can be worth it. Especially if you get a bunch of your friends to help you and you spend a Saturday hanging out in the garage, drinking beer and swapping stories.
Otherwise, nope.
Agree with Westernroadtripper…Theoretically, as long as the body is solid and safe, it’s worth it my opinion. The body is the most expensive single component, everything else is just mechanics that can more cheaply be dealt with. Be aware, it’s not the motor transmission issue in older Hondas as my daughter and son found in milking theirs, it’s the peripheral components like power windows, air conditioning and RUST that give you the most pause about running them forever…that said, go for it !
You are very close to the end of the road with this one. Donate it or sell for parts and get something newer.
At your mileage, you should be coming due for the forth timing belt change, so there is another grand. Your CV joint boots are also at the outer limit for their age, so if you have not replaced them (or the axles), then that is another $500 to $1500 (depending on the route you take for this).
Now what is the condition of your tires, brakes, AC system, wheel bearings? I agree that your car could easily go another 100k+ if you have been taking care of it, but you could be looking at $5000 or so to make it that far (including the transmission). That is still cheaper on a $/mile basis than a new car, but not by a lot. And it’s still a gamble.
And add struts to the list above.