#CarTroubles #CarProblems #CarMaintenance
Assess the Situation
So, you’ve just purchased a car that is now giving you trouble, specifically with the transmission, and you’re wondering what your next steps should be. Don’t panic! Here are some steps you can take to address this issue.
Evaluate Your Options
Before making any decisions, it’s important to assess your current financial situation. Consider the following:
– Do you have the funds to repair the transmission?
– Have you researched the cost of repairs?
– Are you willing to invest more money into this car?
Consider Your Safety
Your safety should be a top priority when it comes to your vehicle. If the transmission issues are severe and could potentially put you at risk while driving, it may be time to consider other options.
Explore Financing Options
If the cost of repairs is significant and you are concerned about investing more money into this car, you may want to explore financing options for a newer, more reliable vehicle. Consider:
– Checking your credit score and researching potential lenders for better interest rates.
– Looking into trading in your current vehicle for a newer model with a warranty.
– Consulting with a financial advisor for guidance on making a sound decision.
Weigh Pros and Cons
Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of both repairing your current car and financing a new one. Consider factors such as:
– Long-term maintenance costs
– Depreciation value
– Peace of mind and safety
Make an Informed Decision
Ultimately, the decision to repair your current car or seek financing for a new one is yours to make. Take the time to gather all the necessary information, consult with professionals if needed, and make a decision that aligns with your financial goals and safety concerns.
In conclusion, facing car troubles can be stressful, but with careful consideration and planning, you can make the best decision for your situation. Remember to prioritize your safety and financial well-being when deciding on the next steps for your vehicle.
you arent gonna get a good interest rate for a looong time.
Just get the transmission rebuilt, or at least a quote on it.
Should be about 2k if i had to guess.
you havent given any financial info though.
Have you shopped around on getting the transmission fixed?
I’d find a local, independent shop with a good reputation – particularly a shop that has Toyota experience and will actually work on transmissions (many shops can remove and replace a transmission with a rebuilt unit; fewer have the tools and expertise to work on the internals of a transmission). A Toyota with 160K miles likely has some good life left in it.
$2000 plus the cost of a transmission is a good deal IF the car is otherwise in good condition. And it should be, Rav4s are solid.
You can prob find a used one online or at a parts yard and have someone put it in for a good bit less then rebuilding. Some of these parts yards will even do warranties!
You can also try changing the trans fluid. A drain and fill should suffice – don’t do a flush. You might get more life out of it.
What do you mean it’s dying? Take it to the car hospital!!!
As for your insurance, that’s just for liability, right? You shouldn’t have comprehensive insurance on a $2k car
Peter Finn on YT said changing to Ford F type transmission fluid often helps. If not, it could be your SL2 shift solenoid and/or ECU. Ask the mechanic which one (or both) it is and what the code reader says. If it’s the ECU, it’s easy to remove from the glove box and mail to “circuit board medics” for repair (230 USD). If it’s the solenoid, ask around at shops if they’d replace it for $250 if you supply the part (92 USD from RockAuto). They should change the fluid and filter while they’re at it. If they laugh and say 3 times that, you still win.
The ECM is a known issue on these cars. Get a second opinion, it is very likely you need a trans AND an ECM.
>Â Â I was without a car for about a year
You were able to live your life without a car for a year before.
Have you considered living again without a car? It would save you a ton on repair costs / insurance / fuel etc, even if you factor in the cost of an ebike or couple of uber trips or weekend rentals from Hertz / Avis.Â
Gotta keep pushing forward and understand this is a temporary setback…..replace tranny (expensive, I know!) and keep going! You are moving in right direction!
If you replace a quart or so of your transmission fluid with Lucas Stop Slip, that can sometimes buy you a little more time on your transmission. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but it is inexpensive to try. https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-LUC10009-Transmission-Fix-oz/dp/B000ARTZPO
If you work with a small independent repair shop in your area, you may also be able to have a junk yard transmission installed. Total cost would likely be in the $1500 to $3000 range. Some shops will also let you buy your own part from elsewhere, which you could get from a local junk yard, Ebay, or a site like http://www.hollanderparts.com. When installing a used transmission, there is always some risk you’re putting in a bad part, but usually such replacements are successful.
Fixing the rav4 will always be the cheapest option, start saving and avoid debt.