How much is it to rebuild the tranny

**danielcdh** · #1: 10-24-2009, 05:41 PM

I've got an 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5L. Now the transmission is dying, and the dealership suggested me to replace it (cost $3400 including labor and parts). I'm thinking that I could possibly rebuild the tranny instead. Does anyone know how much does it usually cost to rebuild a tranny for the Subaru car?

Thanks!

**Rick** · #2: 10-24-2009, 06:13 PM

If your mechanically inclined it would be cheaper to just buy another and swap it yourself.

**danielcdh** · #3: 10-24-2009, 07:45 PM

it would be very difficult to swap a tranny, right? I've never actually repair a car by myself... I guess it would be a huge project...

**Rick** · #4: 10-24-2009, 08:07 PM

It would be very difficult to do by yourself if you don't work on your car much.
Since that's the case I would probably take it to subaru.

**bheinen74** · #5: 10-24-2009, 08:46 PM

dealerships love to replace trannys at over inflated prices. its why most times they can talk the person into trading it in on something newer, as opposed to paying a 3350 bill. now, after the car gets traded in, the dealer doesnt put a new tranny in, they source a used one from a junkyard for 300 bucks, install it, then sell car for profit.
You, should ask for a junkyard transmission (they come with warranty), and go with it.

**danielcdh** · #6: 10-24-2009, 09:04 PM

So it's not suggested that I should do a tranny rebuild? is it risky or something?

**Rick** · #7: 10-24-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielcdh

So it's not suggested that I should do a tranny rebuild? is it risky or something?

No I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with having it rebuilt. If you have a reputable shop near you that is familiar with Subaru transmissions then go for it.

**ClimberD** · #8: 10-25-2009, 01:05 AM

Seariously, buy a used replacement trans, take your car to a transmission shop (where your trans should be replaced anyways, dealer techs most often don't know what they're doing) and be done with it. Trans is easily less than $1000, and a good trans specialty shop will ask for about $600-$800. The work will be done faster and the risk of a screw-up from the 23 year-old dealer tech will be eliminated.

**danielcdh** · #9: 10-25-2009, 09:13 PM

Thanks very much for your careful explanation. I'll try to find some salvage title parts. Do I have to get the exact tranny from another 99 Subaru Legacy Outback? Or I can choose from the legacy outback of model of other years? E.g. can I use a salvage tranny in a 98 Subaru legacy outback in my car? How about tranny in 2000/2002 Subaru Legacy Outback model? How could I get the information about which tranny is compatible?

BTW, if it's a tranny in a salvage car, it's usually in a car after an accident. I'm wondering how to check if the tranny is injured in the accident?

Thanks a lot!

**fishbone** · #**10:** 10-26-2009, 02:24 PM

Don't buy a tranny without some sort of warranty from the junkyard.
I believe any tranny from a 1995 to 1999 Outback should work