The last thing that anyone wants to hear is that their car's transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. The transmission plays such an important role in the operation of a vehicle, and it is not possible to drive a vehicle with a bad transmission. Not surprisingly, replacing a transmission is not inexpensive, and most people are not prepared for the unexpected expense of a large auto repair bill. One way to make replacing a transmission more affordable is by purchasing a used transmission. However, when it comes to buying a used transmission, it is very important to buy the right one. If you're in the market for a used transmission, consider the following things before purchasing one:

Source of the Transmission

While a used transmission is substantially less expensive than a brand-new one, it still will not be cheap. If you're going to invest your hard-earned money to buy a used transmission, it is important to do your research and ensure that you're purchasing it from a reputable source. You can find both brick-and-mortar used auto parts retailers and online businesses that specialize in selling used parts. However, no matter which source you're buying from, it is important to ask questions and have a clear understanding of how they source their parts and what type of quality control measures are in place.

History of the Part

Used transmissions are available for a number of reasons. An automobile may end up being totaled in a car accident, but the transmission may still be in excellent working condition. When shopping for a used transmission, it is in your best interest to find out as much as you can about the history of the part. Look for a transmission with low miles — it does not make a lot of sense financially to spend a good amount of money on a used transmission that does not have a lot of life left.

Warranty

A used transmission will not have a manufacturer's warranty, but most reputable used auto parts retailers will offer their own warranty. Before making a purchase, make sure that you understand the terms of the warranty on the transmission. In most cases, the warranty will be for a specific period of time or up to a certain number of miles. It is never a good idea to buy a used transmission that does not have any type of warranty at all.