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Cash for Cars With a Bad Transmission

Slipping, grinding, stuck in one gear, or won't move at all? You can still sell your car for cash. We buy cars with bad transmissions as is, tow them for free, and pay you on the spot.

Bad transmission OK Won't shift? Fine Free towing Paid on the spot

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Have a question? Call: 800-219-4551

A Bad Transmission Is Expensive to Fix, Not to Sell

The transmission is the part that sends power from the engine to the wheels. When it goes, the car may slip out of gear, jerk, grind, or refuse to move. Replacing one is one of the costliest repairs there is, and on an older car it often costs more than the car is worth.

The good news: the engine, body, wheels, catalytic converter and interior still have value, and the metal itself is worth money on top of that. That value goes into your offer. It's why we buy cars with bad transmissions instead of charging you to haul them away.

Tell us the year, make, model and what the car is doing. We'll give you a real offer and free towing. Call 800-219-4551 or complete our online form to get your offer.

Signs the Transmission Is Done

Any one of these is a trip to the shop. Two or more usually means a replacement, not a fix.

  • Slipping: the engine revs but the car barely speeds up, or it pops out of gear.
  • Hard or delayed shifts, a clunk when it finally goes into gear, or a jerk between gears.
  • Grinding or whining that changes with speed, especially in one gear.
  • Won't move in drive or reverse, even with the engine running fine.
  • Burnt smell or dark, burnt-looking fluid on the dipstick. Red fluid leaking under the car.
  • Check engine light with transmission codes that come back after a reset.

Fix It or Sell It? The Numbers

Typical shop prices for a transmission in 2026, parts and labor:

RepairTypical costWhat you get
Used transmission, installed$1,500–$3,500Unknown miles, short warranty if any
Rebuilt transmission, installed$2,500–$5,000Better odds, still an older car around it
New transmission, installed$4,000–$8,000+Often more than the car is worth
Rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half of what the car would sell for running, selling it as is is the better deal.

Prices are national averages from repair-cost guides and vary by model and shop. Automatic and CVT units cost more than manuals. Your offer from us is always free and never depends on these numbers.

What a Car With a Bad Transmission Is Worth

Three things set the price. The transmission isn't one of them.

Weight: the starting point

Every car is worth at least its scrap metal. A midsize sedan is about $280–$345 right now; a full-size SUV about $475–$590. The offer starts there.

Parts that still work

A healthy engine, straight body, decent tires and an intact catalytic converter can all add to your offer.

Year, make and model

Newer and popular models are usually worth more in parts because more people need them. A common model that doesn't run can beat a rare one that does.

Not all vehicles are worth a lot when sold as a junk or non-running car. Prices also depend on demand for parts, so some vehicles bring more than others, even older ones.

How It Works

Three steps. Most pickups happen within a day or two.

1

Tell Us What It's Doing

Year, make, model, and what the car does. "It slips and won't go into reverse" is plenty.

2

Get a Real Offer

All of our offers are guaranteed as long as the vehicle matches the information you provided.

3

Free Towing, Paid on the Spot

We pick it up from your driveway, the shop, or the lot, and pay you before it leaves.

Common Questions

Can I sell a car with a bad transmission?

Yes. We buy cars with slipping, grinding, and failed transmissions every day. It doesn't have to shift, move, or drive.

How much is a car with a bad transmission worth?

It depends on the year, model, and the condition of everything else. Call or complete our online form to get your offer.

Should I fix the transmission before selling?

No. You don't have to fix or replace the transmission for us to buy the vehicle. We buy it as is, and towing is free.

The car is at a repair shop. Can you pick it up there?

Yes. We pick up from repair shops, impound lots, and driveways. Settle any storage bill with the shop first, and we'll handle the rest.

Do I need the title?

Yes, having the title makes selling your car quick and easy. If it's lost, the rules depend on your state and its DMV. In some states we can still buy with your ID and registration. See our state-by-state title guides for yours. Not sure? Give us a call and we'll walk you through it.

Is the towing really free?

Yes. Towing is always included and nothing comes out of your payment. As long as the car is accessible and our tow truck can reach it, we can pick it up. We can't pull from parking structures or spots a tow truck can't get into.

Sell Your Car With a Bad Transmission Today

Free towing, a real offer, and payment on the spot. It doesn't have to move.

Call 800-219-4551
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