Hi all,

So I have a silver 06 s40 that needs a new transmission and new front axle. I got quoted 1700-2000.. The backstory on this car is that it was my graduation gift this May and my parents have put a BOAT load of money into it in the last few years, and i think its time to part ways. Last April, 1800 was put into it, and last february the front right axle was replaced. in 2013, we replaced the engine and required transmission service which cost around 3500 total. The car currently has 145 (on the dot which is very strange..tranny died at 145,000) but the engine has around 95k on it. No matter what, I want to part ways with it (no pun intended), but I'm wondering what my best options would be..

I have a friend who is a mechanic that said he would take the engine out for $100 . Do I sell it as is, do i take the engine out and sell the body/engine separately, or would the best option be to fix the transmission and sell the car with 100k on the engine/tranny and 145k on the body? I obviously have a serious lack of knowledge when it comes to cars so any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Matt

 

there's two things to consider here: the financials work out based on what you think the car is worth as is, what the car is worth in good repair, and what you think the car is worth in pieces. You can price out big parts by looking at car-parts.com (including buying a used transmission to repair your car). what you put into the car in the past is not a factor on the value. Assuming you have a 2.4i, street value of a car in working order would be 3000, maybe 3500 if clean. the value as is would be 3000 minus the cost to replace the transmission. Lets say you find one for $300. If it takes 10-12 hours shop time to swap transmissions, then your in for another 1200 so your in for 1500. That says your car as is, is worth about 1500 give or take. So, can you part it out and get more than 1500? Finally consider the value of your time parting out a car... My take advise would be to price out swapping in a used transmission, price out street value for a similar model and see if you can sell as is or fix it and sell it to cut your losses.