I have a 2007 Lexus IS250 with 250,000 miles on it, well it needs a transmission. My question is... Is it worth getting the transmission rebuilt?
What does the transmission actually do that makes them think it's bad? Noisy, slipping, no movement at all? I've had a transmission shop and Toyota dealer mis-diagnose the issue of my '07 Lexus ES350 transmission engine flare shifting between gear 3 & 4 and was just told how much money they want to get it fixed. I had an independent shop perfom BG transmission service and flare went away. I got the idea from another member who had a similar issue & mentioned how it was resolved.
@jdavidm it stops changing gears at third gear. I took it to AAMCO for diagnostic and they told me I needed a new transmission. It threw some codes for the shift control and solenoid.
From what you described, It sounds to me replacing the whole transmission is excessive. It might have never had the fluid changed, and some holes in the valve body could be plugged, but the owners manual probably never said anything about transmission maintenance. I encourage you to get a 2nd and 3rd opinion. One of them should be a Lexus dealer that is equipped with factory authorized mechanics, diagnositics, tools and parts.. If you don't care to mess with it, you can sell it as is and walk away.
I took it to AAMCO
AAMCO is one of the worst gyp joints around. Do an internet search using terms like "AAMCO ripoff" and see what comes up. Here's an example:
https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-aamco-consider-such-a-terrible-place/
Your transmission may well be shot, especially at that age and mileage if it has not been serviced regularly, but there's a chance it might just be something repairable like sensors, solenoids, or a wiring problem. You might want to get another opinion from a good independent transmission shop.
Where they are pretty well made vehicles. But the problem here is not that many people know how to correctly rebuild them, the cost will probably be very high. And the warranty will probably be very low like one year and 10,000 mi or something. So often it's not worth doing cuz it isn't done right and even if they give you a warranty and it breaks they didn't know how to fix it the first time. What makes you think they can fix it the second time?
@scottykilmer Thank you.
My question is... Is it worth getting the transmission rebuilt?
If you can get a new transmission (not a refurbished one) that would be ideal. That car has a ton of life left in it they’re indestructible.
@fishingandcarsenthusiast123 install a new transmission in an 18 y/o car with 250k miles?
@hixster I would in a heartbeat if the engine’s still running better than buying a modern car..
@fishingandcarsenthusiast123 A "new" transmission isn't available. As Scotty noted earlier, rebuilding the existing transmission is a poor option so this only leaves 2 options, using a remanufactured or salvage transmission. Salvage anything is a crap-shoot, an installed remanufactured unit could easily cost half of the car's top retail value of $6000. Not wise IMHO.
Thank you all for your opinions. Should I just junk it?