R.I.P transmission. Seeking advice from the experts!

[T4R_Bass]

My 2001 4runner with 197k miles just had its transmission die. No stuttering, no warning signs. Went from running perfectly to completely dead with lose metal floating around inside. The shop I towed it to wants 4k out the door tax/labor etc to swap and put in a Jasper transmission. I don't know if its used or not but I would imagine so, I will find out tomorrow.

Generally speaking, whats better to do a rebuild or a swap? It has been a very depressing week for me without my 4runner. I don't want to take the cheapest route per say because I get a tranny for cheap and then put it in im at risk with it dieing or having issues. I'd rather pay a little more and have it backed by a warranty.
Since my engine has 197k miles is it possible for compatibility issues with a different transmission? Am I looking at future problems occurring as well?

 

[02SE]

My 2001 4runner with 197k miles just had its transmission die. No stuttering, no warning signs. Went from running perfectly to completely dead with lose metal floating around inside. The shop I towed it to wants 4k out the door tax/labor etc to swap and put in a Jasper transmission. I don't know if its used or not but I would imagine so, I will find out tomorrow.

Generally speaking, whats better to do a rebuild or a swap? It has been a very depressing week for me without my 4runner. I don't want to take the cheapest route per say because I get a tranny for cheap and then put it in im at risk with it dieing or having issues. I'd rather pay a little more and have it backed by a warranty.
Since my engine has 197k miles is it possible for compatibility issues with a different transmission? Am I looking at future problems occurring as well?

A Jasper Transmission, is what they call a remanufactured transmission. But basically it's rebuilt. I've dealt with a few over the years, I'd say they were better than average. They do have a warranty. Google Jasper Transmissions to get their particulars.

 

[LittleCaesar]

4k for a rebuilt is steep. Find a used one that is compatible. Or switch to a 5spd.

 

[T4R_Bass]

everyone is telling me 4k is steep but if I go somewhere else to save a few bucks then I have to pay to tow it again. I will call my insurance if I can get reimbursed to tow to another shop

 

[absalom]

Tow it out to AZ, we'll swap in a new (used) tranny (manual or auto your choice) for 1/3 that cost. You could do it yourself for about $200-$400 for auto or ~$600 for manual. 4k is beyond steep. You could buy two running 4runners for that price... lol Screw rebuilt. I'd rather swap in used trannies all day long than pay someone to rebuild mine, unless it were a manual.

 

[Unner]

I was thinking manual as well, but that's just my opinion. If mine ever goes out I'm gonna look into a manual as well. $4k does seem steep though...

 

[T4R_Bass]

My original question is kind of getting dodged here. Say I paid 2k more for a engine rebuild so now it has 0 miles on the engine and rebuilt tranny. Worth driving around still or is it better to sell because the risk of something else happening. I just fear it wont drive as good as it did even with a rebuilt engine and tranny

 

[cashmoney]

You are going to have to fix it in order to sell it for a reasonable price. Might as well fix it and keep driving it.

 

[T4R_Bass]

I have one interested party who has a tranny ( whether or not its compatible idk) and I think 3k as is for 4x4 clean 2001 is a good price. They are much higher demand up here in the mtn community I live in than the city. Everyone I have seen in town sold for way above bluebook. Its an option.. thats only if I find something new. Kind of wanting to try out a tacoma. Pretty much same thing . If I cant get a good rate Ill rebuild the 4runner and drive it until it explodes I guess..

 

[MuddyButt]

You should just sell parts from your 4runner to me it's not worth fixing .I'll just have to pay for shipping. just kidding.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You can buy a NEW one from Camelback Toyota Online parts for leas than $3K after core swap last time I checked.

So why would you get a rebuild?

 

[T4R_Bass]

I just spoke with the parts department at camelback toyota. They don't have any for an 01 but a rebuilt would be 2100 before the core charge. Which means I would have to pay shipping out of my pocket to send mine and then wait for a rebuilt which I would have to pay freight shipping on as well. Then paying labor to put in would cost more .. Pretty much no matter which way I go if I plan on driving it its all going to be the same. Purchasing something new is my first priority but I have 4 days to decide on a new vehicle or I am completely carless until my runner comes out of the shop . Joys of life

 

[7echo]

You might give the dealer a call and see what they say. Usually the dealer is higher than most but not always.

 

[T4R2014]

My original question is kind of getting dodged here. Say I paid 2k more for a engine rebuild so now it has 0 miles on the engine and rebuilt tranny. Worth driving around still or is it better to sell because the risk of something else happening. I just fear it wont drive as good as it did even with a rebuilt engine and tranny

Is that 2k using strictly OEM or OEM supplier parts? If not, you are better off with the engine you have now assuming it runs fine.

 

[BrianSD_42]

So Camelback will rebuild it with OEM parts for $2100?

There would be no taxes BTW.

That sounds good, those after market shops don't use Toyota parts.

Why not rent a car for a few weeks? There are budget rentals out there.

At 30 mpg your can drive 2,000 miles for $186 total, assuming $2.75 / gal. Perhaps just drive and pickup the trans and drop off your core. Use some vacation and make a road trip out of it.

I have one interested party who has a tranny ( whether or not its compatible idk) and I think 3k as is for 4x4 clean 2001 is a good price.

How is a used trans with lots of miles worth 3k ?

 

[85straight]

How is a used trans with lots of miles worth 3k ?

I think he meant 3k for the whole truck

 

[T4R_Bass]

How is a used trans with lots of miles worth 3k ?

I was referring to the trucks as is value if i sold it. I know nothing about the tranny they are in possession of

 

[LittleCaesar]

You can spend close to the 4k and get a new to you tranny with a warranty but other problems will arise with your 4runner for sure. You could take the 3 grand and put it down on a new(er) 4runner.

If you aren't a shad tree or DIY mechanic, take the 3 grand and buy yourself another 4runner IMHO.

 

[T4R_Bass]

You can spend close to the 4k and get a new to you tranny with a warranty but other problems will arise with your 4runner for sure. You could take the 3 grand and put it down on a new(er) 4runner.

If you aren't a shad tree or DIY mechanic, take the 3 grand and buy yourself another 4runner IMHO.

Yeah thats been my plan all along. I just hate feeling rushed when buying a vehicle. Never a good circumstance to be in when purchasing a high dollar item

 

[JBurt]

So spend a few hundred on a used tranny (should buy you enough time to find a new vehicle) and put the rest towards a down payment, then sell your current 4runner