Had to choose between fixing the transmission or buying a new car last month

My 2012 Honda Civic started slipping gears on I-5 near Tacoma. The shop quoted me $3,200 for a rebuild or I could put that money toward a newer used car. I went with the rebuild because I know that engine is solid and I've kept up with the oil changes since 90k miles. Two weeks later and she's shifting smooth again, but I'm wondering if I just kicked the can down the road. Anybody else been in this spot and regretted not just cutting their losses?

2 comments

2 Comments

dakota1607d agoMost Upvoted

Nah, you made the right call. These Hondas are known to run forever if you keep up with the fluid changes. $3,200 beats a car payment any day, especially when you know the rest of the car is good. I had a 2008 Accord that I sunk about $2,500 into over two years and it still ran like a champ when I finally traded it in at 220k. The way I look at it is, new cars have their own issues too, and you're gambling on something you don't know the history of. Plus, your Civic is paid off, and that peace of mind matters more than a newer car that could throw a code next week. What kind of maintenance schedule are you sticking with now to make sure this rebuild lasts?

jason_kelly87d ago

Man you nailed it. I did the exact same thing with my 2005 Accord a couple years back. Spent $2,800 on a transmission rebuild and some suspension work and that car just kept going and going. Hit 230k before I finally sold it to my cousin and he's still driving it today. People forget that a $400 car payment for 5 years adds up to over $24,000, and for what? A car that's gonna depreciate like crazy the second you drive it off the lot. Your Civic is already paid off and you know exactly what you're dealing with. New cars come with their own headaches, I've seen friends deal with electrical gremlins and sensor issues on cars that are only a few years old. Sticking with something you trust and maintaining it right is honestly the smarter financial move nine times out of ten.