Hello,
My 2018 Toyota Camry needs a new transmission. It has 168K miles on it. I rented the car out to Uber and Lyft drivers from 2018-2022. In 2022, I started using it for personal use in 2022. I replaced the transmission in 2022. (It is an automatic transmission). Now the car needs another transmission. It was just outside the warranty period so it will not be replaced under the warranty. My mechanic says he will replace it without Labor costs if I find one and ship it to him.
1. Should I replace the transmission (and keep it)? If I do what is the likelihood that it will last a long time (say 5 yrs)?
2. Should I replace the transmission and sell the car? The value of the car per CarVana was 5K (before transmission issue). The car does have some dents on it. I know Toyota's retain their value well? Would it be worth it for me to put a transmission in it just to sell it?
3. Should I sell it as is?
I rented the car out to Uber and Lyft drivers from 2018-2022
That could be the source of the initial problem. They probably drove the thing like maniacs knowing it's not theirs and they don't have to worry about longevity. That model appears to have some inherent transmission issues and probably does not take kindly to abuse. Lack of maintenance could also be a factor if the transmission was not serviced regularly.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Camry/2018/
I replaced the transmission in 2022. (It is an automatic transmission). Now the car needs another transmission.
Used transmission? Rebuilt? How long was the warranty? Sounds like it cratered very quickly.
Should I replace the transmission (and keep it)?
Perform a cost analysis of doing that versus the condition of the rest of the car and how much it is worth.
If I do what is the likelihood that it will last a long time (say 5 yrs)?
There is no way to tell how long a replacement transmission will last. Obviously your first one did not last long. Brand new ones are likely unavailable and would probably be cost prohibitive if they were, so you'll be looking at used or rebuilt units. Used is obviously the biggest gamble but the quality of rebuilds is also variable. For a rebuilt route you'd want a factory rebuilt transmission with a good warranty, not one rebuilt by a generic mechanic or small transmission shop.
Would it be worth it for me to put a transmission in it just to sell it? Should I sell it as is?
Once again, your call after you do an analysis of the financials. You'll no doubt take a beating on the car selling it with a bad transmission.
@chucktobias Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. I really appreciate it