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MR2 Gearbox Repair or Replace?
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DashingDebonairDave
New User
Jul 28, 2016, 9:55 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1569 views)
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MR2 Gearbox Repair or Replace?
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2001 Toyota MR2 MK3 Roadster - U.K. 5 Speed Manual
Gearbox suddenly stopped working, making horrendous noise. Jams up, stuck in gear. Also necessary to physically force stick to keep car in gear and prevent it from jumping back to neutral.
Been diagnosed with "catastrophic gearbox failure" by several mechanics, having had details described to them, including one who tried to drive the car.
Seemingly two main options:
- Remove old gearbox and replace (~£200/$270) with choice of second-hand gearbox (~60,000 miles, ~£300/$400) Total = ~£500/$660 (1month/3month warranty)
- Remove and completely recondition existing gearbox, or replace with reconditioned gearbox and re-install = ~ £1000 ($1320) (inc. 1 Year warranty)
So basically, the second option being double the cost of the first.
Do I take a chance with a used gearbox and get it fitted for £500/$660 all-in, or my existing one completely overhauled or replaced with another reconditioned gearbox, guaranteed for a year, spending £1000/$1320 to fix a 15 year-old car?
Any suggestions most welcome.
Cheers,
David.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 29, 2016, 12:33 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1562 views)
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Re: MR2 Gearbox Repair or Replace?
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Hmm? You may not know condition of existing "gearbox" (transmission) until it's out and a good look if it can be reconditioned or not which seems the reflect getting one "second hand" (used) that can be or one already to go?
This doesn't speak of costs if the clutch looks excellent while there which would add to overall costs.
Do your mechanics have access to well known "second hand" gearboxes? That meaning why is it available is my concern. An accident that didn't harm drivetrain and some history well known on the unit or a wild guess?
Tough call. I think I'd go for a reconditioned one if known parts to do the reconditioning were Toyota parts not clones of unknown quality and expect a new clutch job added.
Also - who pays the labor if the replacement fails in the warranty period? Many may not cover labor if one failed especially if just a second hand one,
T
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DashingDebonairDave
New User
Jul 29, 2016, 9:39 AM
Post #3 of 4
(1550 views)
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Re: MR2 Gearbox Repair or Replace?
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Cheers for the reply, Tom.
The second-hand transmission would likely come from a breakers/scrap yard. Mainly seem to be from models written off due to body work damage where transmission and engine are undamaged, as you suggest.
Official documentation of mileage will be provided, but can only take sellers at their word when it comes to other aspects of the unit's condition. So in that sense it is a bit of a gamble.
1-3 month warranty only for the part itself, not for the labour, simply to make sure on the part of the seller that the unit is compatible and works in the car.
Simply a case of getting it shipped to me and a local garage to remove the existing transmission and install the replacement.
Does any of this change or reinforce your original opinion?
Thanks,
David.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 29, 2016, 3:36 PM
Post #4 of 4
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Re: MR2 Gearbox Repair or Replace?
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OK - I'd go used - plain used that your mechanic approves of as well just by looks, shift it and turn it before taking that one. I don't think you can know 100% until it's in your car and it works perfectly. New gear oil and any pertinent seals, switches or things from your old one. Save the dang thing for a while if you mechanic doesn't.
Done with this biz but when something like this I did go used. If already out of a vehicle go into the yard and see why it's there. A side collision perhaps and some info in it's glove box. Last inspection sticker and decide from that really helped.
The right used, second hand, salvaged (call it what you will) parts chosen by a place to save is their biz. Nobody wants it to fail - trust me on that much.
So - it's my experience that if something like this is good and nothing obviously wrong right away, no leaks or anything it will stay good if driven properly.
A really inexperience driver could ruin a transmission/gearbox in no time.
Good luck. Even brand new can fail so have to do something,
Tom
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