# Transmission Replacement **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** transmissions, mazda, 626\ **Created:** [October 15, 2009, 6:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-replacement/38148 "2009-10-15T18:44:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![seChris](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/sechris/32/1487_2.png) [@seChris](https://community.cartalk.com/u/seChris)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2009, 6:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-replacement/38148/1 "2009-10-15T18:44:39Z")
I own a 1997 Mazda 626 with 87,500+ miles. I was informed that in order to get the vehicle in proper running condition I needed a transmission. The cost for replacing transmission, parts and labor will amount to approximately $3600.00. Do I get the vehicle fixed? Since I cannot afford a new vehicle, and can only afford to spend at the most $9,000.00 for a “previously owned” vehicle, what is my best option? ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2009, 8:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission-replacement/38148/2 "2009-10-15T20:51:59Z")
We’ve had posts like this before, and the decision depends on what shape the vehicle is in at this time. If the car is OK in every other way, I would fix the transmission or install a rebuilt one. A good independent shop should be able to give you the best options. The $3600 quoted seems a little high, but not out of line. Please tell us the condition of the car and what maintenance you have done on it. The Mazda 626 is a very good car if well maintained; a friend of mine had a 1987 model which lost its transmission. They decided to get a new car, since at 22 years other things would soon go wrong. The car had been reliable up till then.