DaveBabble

Howdyall:

I have a 2001 LS 430 with about 168K miles on it and the transmission has gone south. I'm not going to spend the money to rebuild it, and there's not a lot of replacement cars around now in this time of Covidity.

So, anyone here ever buy a used transmission? Or know someone who did? Better, if you or the other person did it multiple times?

Do, please take the opportunity to share!

Give me tales of glory or woe, and thoughts as to how best to (or not) proceed.

Thanks!

dave

Sin1UZFE

I took one from a gs300 dont remember the year. Just had the bell housing swapped. Working great. Think it had 100000 something. Got it for like 150

Put it in my 99 ls

Striker223

Never had to do it on a Lexus but I've installed about 15 used ones for customers who didn't want to pay for reman or new ones. Certain ones I refuse to put used one in but FWD cars or 2015 plus GM/FORD trans I will install a 100000 mile or less one.

Only had very had one come back

BiGEZ

iTrader: (24)

I have installed a used low mileage (53K miles) unit on my 01GS430 about a year ago. Works great. Did the install myself. Used Toyota fluid to refill it. I got that transmission from a reputable eBay seller (Gables in Riverview FL) for $250. picked up and 6 months no questions asked warranty. They are located about 15 minutes from my sister so I made a weekend trip to see her and her family picked up the trans on the way home.
If you can find one local to you at a good price with a good warranty I say go for it.

Sin1UZFE

Worst case check out lkq

Johnhav430

I did a long time ago--1990. It was a used motor/tranny from a salvage yard. They also installed it and made some minor fixes after the fact. It lasted from 1990-1998, and cost $900. We could do the ok I did it, $900 then is $1,811 today. Not nothing, not bad if it lasts 8 years.

imho the key is to let the installer get the used part for you--this way, you have a warranty. Any back and forth to get it right is on the shop. If you get something on eBay, someone else installs it and it doesn't work or it fails, you're paying the labor to redo things.

My cousin brought a 2006 CR-V into a Japanese specialist in 2016, 220k, and making a whining sound. They looked it over thoroughly and even had it on the lift wheels turning. Conclusion, that's your tranny. It could fail tomorrow, it could fail 10 years from now. If it were me, I'd leave it. If you want us to get you a tranny, it will be $2500-$3000 and we're going to look for one that has <= 60k, which won't be easy for a 10 y.o. car. Cousin did nothing, and that CR-V is still driving today. I like the indie who actually suggested to do nothing. You rarely get that from a dealer....

DaveBabble

Yeah, your advice about having the shop get the trans sounds like a good one. I want to have someone in a position to look at it and pass judgment on it, do that in an intelligent way. I don't really know enough to be able to.

I never, ever, under any circumstances ever go to a car or truck dealer, ever.

Been my policy for 40 years. They're the same thieves they were back in the 1970s.

DaveBabble

So, what, in particular, is so good or bad about LKQ? Do they manage to be honest about what they sell? My shop likes them, too.

kos

iTrader: (1)

LKQ is nice as they offer Part and Labor warranties in addition to the parts they sell. Plus with having yards all across the US, they can get what you need in a few days tops.

DaveBabble

I done the deed and got a used trans from LKQ and had it installed.

So far, so good.

Peter Potamus is running well so far.

Thanks to all who assisted with their recommendations; any further recommendations.